See 7 Public Gardens in Lehigh Valley
For inspiration and rejuvenation, visit these 7 public gardens in Lehigh Valley. Whether you’re a budding gardener or just revel in time spent outdoors, these green spaces provide relaxation and recreation. When staying at The Sayre Mansion, set aside some time to stroll or lounge on our picturesque two-acre property. Our manicured garden features centuries-old trees, beautiful plantings and giant hydrangeas. Don’t forget to download our free Vacation Guide to help you find your way to all the points of interest.
Kressler Garden
Get a glimpse into the roots of Lehigh Valley’s history with a visit to this small garden. Located adjacent to the Parsons-Taylor House in Easton, the Forks of the Delaware Garden Club maintains Kressler Garden. Volunteers care for an impressive collection of native plantings. The home dates to 1757 and is built in the Georgian style. Its most famous resident is George Taylor, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Daughters of the American Revolution purchased the property in 1906 and restored the landmark, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Malcolm Gross Rose Garden
Although picturesque year-round, the Malcolm Gross Rose Garden is particularly stunning in June and July when the roses are in full bloom. The public space in Allentown is known for its All America Rose Selections. It’s a popular destination for wedding ceremonies and engagement photos. Visitors may stroll a 1.3-mile trail to see the many varieties of roses and other flowers as well as garden ponds and water lillies.
Graver Arboretum
This 63-acre green space on the campus of Muhlenberg College in Allentown is due to the generosity of Dr. Lee and Virgina Graver. For over 40 years, the couple cleared overgrown briar patches, bushes and woods to cultivate an environment where wildflowers, ferns, rhododendrons, native and rare trees may thrive. Graver Arboretum now boasts more than 150 species of conifers. Students and visitors may take advantage of the lush landscape for course activities, hiking or quiet reflection.
Rose Garden Park
As its name suggests, roses are the star of this public space in Bethlehem. The park is known for its roses that surpass 100 varieties. A charming bandshell hosts free concerts during the summer months at Rose Garden Park.
Bethlehem Sculpture Garden
Residents maintain this peaceful site, look after plantings such as Red Twig Dogwood, Solomon’s Seals, Italian Arums, Japanese Holly, Weigela and other native plants. An assortment of annuals add color in warmer months. It’s also a popular bird habitat thanks to a donation of winterberry hollies and birdhouses from Bethlehem Backyards for Wildlife. The Sculpture Garden is even a certified wildlife habitat, a recognition bestowed by the National Wildlife Federation.
Serenity Garden
Well-known Japanese architect, Yoshinaga Sakon designed this urban in 1971 and presented it to the city of Bethlehem as a symbol of friendship. The Serenity Garden is located next to the Bethlehem Area Public Library, the rectangular garden features raked sands, bonsai and topiary trees, rocks, pebbles and most notably, a traditional Japanese tea house.
Burnside Plantation
Visitors may tour this “farm in the city” to get a taste of 18th century life in Bethlehem. The site dates to 1748 and includes the Burnside House, barn, summer kitchen and colonial garden. The award-winning Colonial Garden overflows with organically grown produce, herbs and flowers. On the first Saturday of every month, from June through October, the farm hosts a You Point, We Pick event. In exchange for a cash donation visitors may select vegetables, herbs and flowers to take home. Offerings change depending upon what’s in season.
Get Growing
Each June Historic Bethlehem Museum and Sites offers its Rooms to View House and Garden Tour. The signature event throws open the garden gate to several private residences in and around Bethlehem. Homeowners proudly display their landscaped properties and welcome visitors for this one-day event.
Public gardens in Lehigh Valley provide a diversity of experiences that foster art, nature and community. Plan a getaway to tour the offerings or choose one to include in your existing itinerary. You won’t be disappointed. Take the concept one step further with our Picture Perfect Picnic Package and we’ll plan an elegant picnic for you on the lawn of The Sayre Mansion. Check out all the a la carte options that can take your picnic to the next level.