Top Botanical Gardens In Houston

Anyone who is a plant and flower enthusiast probably loves to visit beautiful gardens to view the many distinct collections of landscaped nature at its best. Houston is home to a few of the most lavish and impressive botanical gardens in Texas, so get ready to add to your bucket list by visiting these wonderful museums of the plant world.

Mercer Arboretum And Botanic Gardens
22306 Aldine Westfield Road
Humble, TX 77338
(281) 443-8731
www.hcp4.net/mercer

Mercer Aboretum and Botanic Gardens was purchased by Harris County under the conditions, by previous owners, that it would grow and be maintained as an educational and horticultural facility for the public's benefit and pleasure. It has over 20 acres of magnificent gardens that give center stage to bamboo, color displays, daylilies, endangered species, ferns, gingers, herbs, tropicals and more. The east side boasts a considerable walking trail, a Remembrance Walk for memorials and honorariums, ponds, a visitors' center and a courtyard plaza for the enjoyment of those visiting.

Houston Arboretum And Nature Center
4501 Woodway Drive
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 681-8433
www.houstonarboretum.org

Experience the natural side of Houston at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, a 155-acre urban sanctuary that not only delights visitors with its beauty, but also provides an educational experience. Visitors can explore this sanctuary on five miles of walking trails, while learning how the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center plays a very vital part in protecting native Texas plants and animals in the center of the Houston where most of the time their existence is threatened by the development of the city. In addition to the outdoor education and natural beauty, The Discovery Room offers hands-on interactive exhibits, microscopes, touch screens and more for learning about the local plant and wildlife. 

Hermann Park Bayou Parkland
6201-A Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 524-5876
www.hermannpark.org

The Bayou Parkland, located in Hermann Park, consists of 80 acres of native Texas plants and wildlife, situated along the Brays Bayou. Scenic trails, wetlands, prairie meadows and urban forests are featured in this natural habitat. Those seeking not only native, but also natural garden settings will certainly appreciate the atmosphere of this amazing park.

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Japanese Garden of Hermann Park
6201-A Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 524-5876
www.hermannpark.org/poi/24

The Japanese Garden at Hermann Park is one of the most peaceful locations in all of Houston. This park was designed to replicate an authentic Japanese garden with bridges, waterfalls and stone paths that meander through crepe myrtles, azaleas, dogwoods, Japanese maples and cherry trees. The winding paths allow visitors to take in the lush garden landscape while enjoying a relaxing walk throughout the serene garden atmosphere.

The Lynn R. Lowery Arboretum of Rice University
Rice University, MS-110 
Houston, TX 77251
(713) 348-5736
www.arboretum.rice.edu

While some may view this arboretum as primarily an educational facility, The Lynn R. Lowery Arboretum is also a wonderful place to visit for those who appreciate nature and the native plants of Texas. In addition to the native collection, the arboretum is also home to other woody plants of eastern North America, such as the oaks, elms, ashes, hickories, maples and pine trees. This garden environment is the perfect choice for those who not only enjoy nature but can appreciate the most natural of habitats.

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Melissa Moreno is a freelance writer covering all things Houston. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.