New Orleans Gardens:
Because of its semi-tropical climate, New Orleans has numerous lush gardens fragrant with Jasmine, Gardinias, Magnolias and Sweet Olive. The colors of the Azeleas and magic of the huge Elephant Ear plants make the city a special place in Spring and Summer. In Fall the Camillias add the color. All year round, the giant live oak trees, with hanging Spanish Moss are must-sees. In December, Celebration in the Oaks is enchanting, with the twinkling lights in these giant oak tres. So that any time of year you choose to come, New Orleans gardens will shine.
Garden Tours:
Comprehensive Garden Tour:
If you have more time to spend, and can get a group of 20 together, you can take a Gray Line Tour of gardens. The New Orleans Botanical Garden has collaborated with Gray Line Tours of New Orleans and Longue Vue House and Gardens to present the “Heart of the Gardens” tour, a motor coach tour that showcases the natural wonders of New Orleans and includes walking tours of the New Orleans Botanical Garden and
Longue Vue House and Gardens, one of the best known home and gardens in New Orleans. This is a great tour for large groups who may not be able to get one of the smaller, annual tours of a specific neighborhood.
What You'll See:
The tour begins in the French Quarter, known for its courtyard gardens, proceeds down Esplanade Avenue, designated as one of America’s most elegant boulevards with its rows of live oaks, and continues along Bayou St. John, one of the city’s oldest passages. The tour offers visitors views of homes reaching back to the earliest days of the area’s 17th century settlements, then includes stops at key gardening sites, and narration from professional tour guides. The tours are available on a custom base only with a 20 person minimum requirement.
The Botanical Gardens and the Sculpture Garden:
New Orleans City Park is a great place for garden lovers. The Botanical Gardens are the formal gardens set out with rose bushes of every variety and more. Water lilies float in the reflecting pool and Spanish moss waves gracefully from the giant Live Oak limbs. In the center is the Pavillion of the Two Sisters, a beautiful venue for viewing the garden. One of my favorite places in the Botanical Gardens is the
the Palm Bench, a secluded bench in the back of the garden surrounded by large palms, and shaded by a Live Oak Tree.
Cost, and Other Information:
The New Orleans Botanical Gardens, the “Heart of the Gardens” wants everyone to enjoy what New Orleanians have long treasured….its unique landscape, year round blooming gardens, and the new green lessons we have learned as the city rebuilds.
This tour is operated for private groups only on a mini-bus with a step-on guide. The tour is 3 hours. Price is $33.00 per person and requires a minimum of 20 people. There are usually more than one tour a day, depending on demand. It's best to make reservations in advance. Contact Gray Line Tours at (504) 569-1401 for more information.
