When the state-wide stay-at-home order is lifted, consider visiting some of the best gardens southeast Louisiana has to offer. It will be a beautiful and welcome change of scenery while supporting our local economy.
Longue Vue House and Gardens, located at 7 Bamboo Road in New Orleans, has a Discovery Garden for children, and there is always something in bloom among the 15 different gardens. A visit to this landscaped delight is a treasure amid the bustle of metropolitan life. Open daily 10 am—5 pm, Sundays 1 pm – 5 pm. Nominal fee. Visit longuevue.com for more information.
Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is located at 40136 Highway 942, Darrow. Intricately landscaped gardens surround this historic home that is representative of a sugar plantation from the 1800s. Learn what an allee is why it was so important. Even in the high, humid heat of summer, the walking paths under the moss covered oaks are tolerable. Open 9 am—8 pm, guided tours for a nominal fee. Tipping your guide is welcome. Visit houmashouse.com for more information.
Burden Museum and Gardens includes the LSU Rural Life Museum, the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens and Windrush Gardens located at 4560 Essen Lane (I-10 at Essen Lane) in Baton Rouge. Easily spend a day touring trails and sites in this 440 acres of fauna and flora. A Children’s Garden, Rose Garden, Herbs, and more will inform visitors of Louisiana’s agricultural history or those simply wanting to walk in nature. Open 8 am—5 pm daily, closed most holidays. Nominal fee for the Rural Life Museum and Windrush Gardens. Visit lsuagcenter.com/portals/burden/ for more information.
The Antique Rose Garden at Louis Armstrong Park can be found at 701 N. Rampart St in New Orleans. Gorgeous old garden roses line several winding walkways of this 31–acre park. Old garden roses, commonly referred to as historical roses, are the predecessors of the modern roses we know today. Prized for their cabbage-like bloom and scent, this collection is certain to make one stop and smell the roses. Gates open daily 8 am—6 pm. Free. For more information, visit nola.gov/parks-and-parkways/parks-squares.
