If you have a penchant for all things plant-related and are looking for US cities best for plant lovers like yourself, we have you covered. We ranked cities in the USA based on the following indicators:
- Number of plant species
- Number of botanical gardens/conservatories
- Number of community gardens
- Number of nurseries
- Number of parks
- Number of garden clubs
- Number of plant-related organizations
- Number of plant/garden-related events
- Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services
How did we rank these cities?
We ranked them based on each indicator and then set the value to 1 for the city with the highest ranking and 50 for the lowest. We then proceeded to get the value for all the indicators per city and added them up.
The cities with the lowest summation top our list, while those with the highest summation go at the bottom.
So whether you’re genuinely interested in botany and horticulture or simply love gardening, this article is perfect just for you! Let’s get to it.
1. New York, New York
| Number of plant species | 1941 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 4 |
| Number of community gardens | 765 |
| Number of nurseries | 20 |
| Number of parks | 2329 |
| Number of garden clubs | 145 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 307 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 70 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 391 |
Topping our list is New York, with the highest ratings for almost all our indicators. With a wide range of plant species, community gardens, and nurseries available, it’s the best place to appreciate and learn about plants – great for students!
They also have many plant-related events and organizations – the plant lovers community here is alive and thriving. They also have gorgeous botanical gardens, such as Brooklyn Botanic Garden and The New York Botanical Garden you shouldn’t miss.
2. Houston, Texas
| Number of plant species | 947 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 3 |
| Number of community gardens | 52 |
| Number of nurseries | 79 |
| Number of parks | 669 |
| Number of garden clubs | 34 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 147 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 19 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 62 |
Next on our list is Houston, with gorgeous weather year-round, making it ideal for those who love gardening. Plus, they have a lot of nurseries, community gardens, and parks here, so you will not run out of ways to appreciate plant life here.
When you go here, visit Lynn R. Lowrey Arboretum and Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.
3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| Number of plant species | 3153 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 5 |
| Number of community gardens | 11 |
| Number of nurseries | 11 |
| Number of parks | 571 |
| Number of garden clubs | 50 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 122 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 13 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 134 |
As the largest city in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is also a great destination for plant lovers since so many types and kinds of plants flourish here. You would immediately see that if you visit any of their nurseries, gardens, parks, or observatories.
We also love that they have many organizations you can join, making it a fun and warm community for anyone interested in plants.
4. Sacramento, California
| Number of plant species | 1527 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 7 |
| Number of community gardens | 20 |
| Number of nurseries | 34 |
| Number of parks | 262 |
| Number of garden clubs | 31 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 102 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 17 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 72 |
Sacramento has a moderate climate, making it ideal for plants and crops to grow and flourish. Aside from the sheer number of parks and plant-related organizations, we also love that they have a lot of botanical gardens to check out – our favorite being the University Arboretum.
Although it may not be the best city for plant-related events, they do have plenty of organizations you can join. They have a good community for plant lovers here, especially those who love gardening.
5. Austin, Texas
| Number of plant species | 857 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 3 |
| Number of community gardens | 8 |
| Number of nurseries | 42 |
| Number of parks | 489 |
| Number of garden clubs | 138 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 137 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 16 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 42 |
Known for its great outdoors, Austin is another great destination for plant lovers. If you’re a gardener, you’ll love the fact that they can grow plants and crops year-round.
So yes, you can plant and harvest every month here. Aside from that, there are a number of amazing nurseries, parks, and garden clubs here as well.
6. Atlanta, Georgia
| Number of plant species | 4000 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 2 |
| Number of community gardens | 256 |
| Number of nurseries | 32 |
| Number of parks | 447 |
| Number of garden clubs | 35 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 136 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 6 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 42 |
One of the things we love about Atlanta? It has reliable precipitation and consistent temperatures, making it a great place for plants to thrive – which is very apparent in their gardens and parks.
Make sure you pay a visit to Atlanta Botanical Garden and Fernbank Science Center to see amazing arrangements of flowers and plants that will amaze you.
7. St. Louis, Missouri
| Number of plant species | 3153 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 5 |
| Number of community gardens | 11 |
| Number of nurseries | 11 |
| Number of parks | 571 |
| Number of garden clubs | 50 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 122 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 13 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 134 |
St. Louis is home to The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, which is the world’s biggest independent and non-profit research institute that specializes in plant science. That being said, they really value and invest in cutting-edge science and technology in this field.
So if you’re interested in learning about plant science or a student looking for a career in agriculture or botany, then this is a great city to start. They also have a lot of parks and various organizations you can join if you’re simply a plant enthusiast.
8. Washington, D.C.
| Number of plant species | 3119 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 10 |
| Number of community gardens | 10 |
| Number of nurseries | 7 |
| Number of parks | 643 |
| Number of garden clubs | 69 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 377 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 2 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 29 |
If you’re looking for stunning gardens worth a spot on your Instagram page, then visit Washington, D.C. We love the U.S. Botanic Garden’s orchid exhibit and also their conservatory room, for example.
Although they don’t have a lot of professionals offering plant-related services, we do like that they have a lot of plant-related organizations you can join to meet other people with the same interests.
9. Chicago, Illinois
| Number of plant species | 1,867 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 3 |
| Number of community gardens | 84 |
| Number of nurseries | 17 |
| Number of parks | 1242 |
| Number of garden clubs | 55 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 148 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 8 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 19 |
Chicago’s motto back in the 19th century was “urbs in horto”, which is Latin for “City in a Garden.” They prioritized investing in landscape architecture even back then, and it shows to this day.
They have over 8800 acres of green space, so there are so many nature preserves in parks and beautiful conservatories. You’ll also see gardens full of beautiful flowers and native plant life all over the city.
10. Dallas, Texas
| Number of plant species | 1643 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 2 |
| Number of community gardens | 13 |
| Number of nurseries | 50 |
| Number of parks | 471 |
| Number of garden clubs | 33 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 80 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 8 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 56 |
Dallas can also grow plants and vegetables all year round. So it’s a great city if you love gardening and are interested in agriculture.
Plus, after 2020, a surge of plant hobbyists was observed. A lot of people started gardens and collected houseplants, so there’s a diverse and active community who are passionate about plants.
11. Portland, Oregon
| Number of plant species | 385 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 8 |
| Number of community gardens | 9 |
| Number of nurseries | 71 |
| Number of parks | 325 |
| Number of garden clubs | 32 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 209 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 8 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 36 |
Portland has a LOT of greenery in all forms. Known by many for its wet climate, the city is lush with green plants all through the seasons – perfect for plant lovers.
They have a respectable number of conservatories and gardens you can visit when you want to see different flowers, trees, shrubs, and herbs. They also have plenty of parks to relax in and plant-related organizations to join, which we love.
12. Denver, Colorado
| Number of plant species | 569 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 2 |
| Number of community gardens | 143 |
| Number of nurseries | 42 |
| Number of parks | 325 |
| Number of garden clubs | 12 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 145 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 12 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 88 |
Denver has a semi-arid climate so you’ll be getting low humidity and not a lot of sunshine. Although ideal for gardening, for the most part, the soil may tend to dry out – so keep that in mind.
Still, we count Denver as one great destination for plant lovers out there because of their wide range of plants and many community gardens. Plus the Denver Botanic Gardens is one for the books.
13. San Diego, California
| Number of plant species | 3777 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 2 |
| Number of nurseries | 29 |
| Number of parks | 542 |
| Number of garden clubs | 37 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 137 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 11 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 19 |
Whether you’re a gardener, a plant hobbyist, and collector, or someone interested in studying plant science, San Diego has something for you. It has a mild climate and plenty of sunshine ideal for most plants to grow.
This must be why different plants and flowers seem to follow you everywhere you go here. They have a lot of parks you’ll surely enjoy.
14. Albuquerque, New Mexico
| Number of plant species | 3000 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 4 |
| Number of community gardens | 4 |
| Number of nurseries | 36 |
| Number of parks | 468 |
| Number of garden clubs | 12 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 59 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 18 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 16 |
If you’re looking for another city that grows a wide range of plants and is great for green-thumbed hobbyists, Albuquerque is a great option. You can grow fruits, veggies, and flowering plants and herbs here without issues.
If you’re a tourist looking for great local spots, we highly suggest the University of New Mexico Arboretum, Albuquerque Biological Park, and The ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden.
15. Jacksonville, Florida
| Number of plant species | 2182 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 4 |
| Number of community gardens | 10 |
| Number of nurseries | 48 |
| Number of parks | 422 |
| Number of garden clubs | 9 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 43 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 9 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 28 |
We all know that Florida has always been one of the states best for gardening and Jacksonville is no exception. Some suggested native plants you can grow include beautyberry, muhly grass, Southern magnolia, and coontie.
If you want to connect with nature, we highly suggest visiting Tree Hill Nature Center, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens.
16. San Francisco, California
| Number of plant species | 2008 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 8 |
| Number of nurseries | 26 |
| Number of parks | 481 |
| Number of garden clubs | 40 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 184 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 8 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 19 |
With over 450 plants native to their city alone, San Francisco is a favorite among plant-lovers. Proteaceous plants abound here, which we love.
It’s also the best city if you like to grow ferns. One thing we love most about San Francisco is the San Francisco Botanical Garden which has one of the best Asian collections we’ve ever seen.
17. Miami, Florida
| Number of plant species | 2619 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 2 |
| Number of community gardens | 5 |
| Number of nurseries | 119 |
| Number of parks | 173 |
| Number of garden clubs | 40 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 80 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 7 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 21 |
Since Miami has warm weather, it’s perfect for growing succulent and drought-resistant plants. You can see a wide range of plants here.
Although they may not have a ton of community gardens available, they do have a lot of nurseries and parks you can go to. We also noticed that they have a lot of plant-related organizations, such as TREEmendous Miami you can be a part of!
18. Cincinnati, Ohio
| Number of plant species | 1400 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 4 |
| Number of community gardens | 70 |
| Number of nurseries | 43 |
| Number of parks | 365 |
| Number of garden clubs | 33 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 70 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 7 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 11 |
Although mostly known for their breweries, Cincinnati is another great destination for people who love plants. With different conservatories, parks, nurseries, and community gardens, you’ll have a lot of choices here.
The Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum is one of our must-visits in Cincinnati and we totally recommend it. The plant-loving community is also very active here since they have a lot of garden clubs and organizations dedicated to all things plant-related.
19. Las Vegas, Nevada
| Number of plant species | 453 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 4 |
| Number of community gardens | 1 |
| Number of nurseries | 559 |
| Number of parks | 361 |
| Number of garden clubs | 6 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 59 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 14 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 29 |
Sin City is more than just an entertainment hotspot, it’s also a great tourist destination for nature lovers out there. They have a lot of great botanical gardens such as the Botanical Garden at the Springs Preserve and the Conservatory of Botanical Gardens.
They also have a growing and thriving plant community. So there’s a lot of support here whether in the form of nurseries or plant-related organizations.
20. Honolulu, Hawaii
| Number of plant species | 1873 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 6 |
| Number of community gardens | 7 |
| Number of nurseries | 10 |
| Number of parks | 450 |
| Number of garden clubs | 8 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 102 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 14 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 4 |
Although Honolulu is a large city with lots of buildings, you can see that it has a lot of lush and tropical plants all throughout. They have a great community with a lot of plant-related organizations where you can get educated about plants.
They also have amazing botanical gardens such as Kapiolani Community College Cactus Garden, Lili uokalani Botanical Garden, and Honolulu Botanical Gardens. It’s a great chance to see tropical plants bloom and flourish.
21. Lincoln, Nebraska
| Number of plant species | 732 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 4 |
| Number of community gardens | 12 |
| Number of nurseries | 29 |
| Number of parks | 227 |
| Number of garden clubs | 3 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 34 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 14 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 48 |
Through the years, Lincoln has been a place known for being a center of culture, a foodie paradise, and even a political hub – but did you know that it’s also a great place for plant lovers?
With different botanical gardens and so many parks to choose from, you’ll be amazed at what you can find here. If you’re a gardener, you’ll be glad to know that the city has a diversity of soil types, elevation, and precipitation levels as well.
22. Richmond, Virginia
| Number of plant species | 1181 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 4 |
| Number of community gardens | 6 |
| Number of nurseries | 15 |
| Number of parks | 173 |
| Number of garden clubs | 35 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 57 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 9 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 16 |
We love that the climate here is perfect for growing flowers, trees, and vegetables. So it’s a great city to live in if you’re into gardening.
If you’re a tourist that wants to admire plants, or if you want to learn more about horticulture, it’s also a nice option because there are a lot of gardens, parks, and even conservatories here you can check out such as the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
23. Tulsa, Oklahoma
| Number of plant species | 983 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 3 |
| Number of community gardens | 5 |
| Number of nurseries | 28 |
| Number of parks | 236 |
| Number of garden clubs | 15 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 36 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 12 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 32 |
Tulsa is generally known as a safe and affordable place to live in but many people don’t know that it’s also a great city for plant lovers because of its attractions, friendly community, and ideal conditions for gardening.
Some of our favorite spots here include Tulsa Garden Center, Woodward Park, and Tulsa Botanic Garden. You’ll see different colorful flowers such as Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) and Indian blanket (Gaillardia pulchella).
24. Boulder, Colorado
| Number of plant species | 2556 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 3 |
| Number of nurseries | 12 |
| Number of parks | 132 |
| Number of garden clubs | 4 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 84 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 17 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 191 |
We love Boulder for its wide range of outdoor activities and fantastic dining and entertainment options. We are pleasantly surprised that it’s also a great spot for people with a penchant for all things plant-related.
Although they may not have a lot of botanical gardens in the city per se, we do love that they have a lot of parks with nature reserves that you can check out. Also, Andrews Arboretum has a special place in our hearts, make sure to visit!
25. Tucson, Arizona
| Number of plant species | 607 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 12 |
| Number of nurseries | 38 |
| Number of parks | 231 |
| Number of garden clubs | 5 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 91 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 13 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 9 |
Although Tucson is known for its desert climate, growing a garden here is possible. You can grow crops such as artichokes, broccoli, cabbage, kale, lettuce, and many more.
As for aesthetics, we totally recommend visiting the Tucson Botanical Gardens, a 5.5-acre collection of urban gardens you will love. Our personal faves there are Zen Garden and Prehistoric Garden.
26. Salt Lake City, Utah
| Number of plant species | 2349 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 3 |
| Number of community gardens | 35 |
| Number of nurseries | 23 |
| Number of parks | 101 |
| Number of garden clubs | 10 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 57 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 1 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 13 |
If you like beautiful gardens, don’t miss out on Salt Lake City. It is the home of one of the best gardens in the country, the Temple Square, which attracts 3 to 5 million visitors per year – more visitors per year than the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park.
The University of Utah in Salt Lake City offers great opportunities for plant research, from plant development and reproduction to working with plant-herbivore interactions. We heard they offer fantastic Plant Biology training.
27. Reno, Nevada
| Number of plant species | 3000 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 4 |
| Number of community gardens | 1 |
| Number of nurseries | 9 |
| Number of parks | 87 |
| Number of garden clubs | 1 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 43 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 40 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 20 |
What we love about Reno is that they hold a lot of good events about gardening, horticulture, and anything plant-related! The Department of Agriculture in Nevada plans events all year round, so you can check out their page here to know more about them.
If you want to volunteer, there are also a lot of non-profit organizations in Reno that specialize in plants. This can give you the perfect opportunity to learn and admire plants.
28. Fresno, California
| Number of plant species | 2983 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 7 |
| Number of nurseries | 31 |
| Number of parks | 269 |
| Number of garden clubs | 8 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 32 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 10 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 7 |
Fresno has great weather for growing plants as it is considered hot and semi-arid. We recommend planting peppers and tomatoes as they are the easiest to grow here.
Aside from great weather for gardening, we love that they have a lot of parks to visit if you want to admire nature. If you’re into houseplant collecting, they have a respectable number of nurseries to choose from.
29. Spokane, Washington
| Number of plant species | 1953 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 2 |
| Number of community gardens | 5 |
| Number of nurseries | 65 |
| Number of parks | 148 |
| Number of garden clubs | 3 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 28 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 9 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 12 |
Spokane is known as the “Lilac City” so obviously they’re a great city if you want to see flowers such as lilacs. They even have the Spokane Lilac Festival that they celebrate during spring, bringing tons of visitors from all over to witness it.
If you’re into plants, we highly recommend you join their garden clubs and organizations like AGC of Spokane.
30. Baltimore, Maryland
| Number of plant species | 453 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 2 |
| Number of community gardens | 6 |
| Number of nurseries | 9 |
| Number of parks | 324 |
| Number of garden clubs | 19 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 62 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 10 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 23 |
As a city, Baltimore is known to be warm and hospitable. Who knew that this would also describe their climate? We love that they have the ideal environment for gardeners and there are so many types of plants that you can grow here.
Aside from its gardening potential, they’re also known for gardens such as Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore, and Cylburn Arboretum.
31. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| Number of plant species | 1995 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 7 |
| Number of nurseries | 19 |
| Number of parks | 249 |
| Number of garden clubs | 14 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 54 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 5 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 14 |
Milwaukee has the reputation of having harsh winters, however, their spring and summer months are very great for plant-growing. Your options are wide when considering year-round plants here in Milwaukee.
Pro Tip: One of the best events of the year is the Wisconsin State Fair where you can see lots of beautiful plants that are native to Milwaukee so be sure not to miss it!
32. Boise, Idaho
| Number of plant species | 1527 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 1 |
| Number of nurseries | 28 |
| Number of parks | 132 |
| Number of garden clubs | 1 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 55 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 18 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 38 |
Although not usually pegged as a travel destination, Boise is a great city for gardeners and lovers of plants alike. We love that they don’t have extreme weather, so it makes them one of the most ideal environments for gardening.
Although ranking low in terms of community gardens and garden clubs, Boise has quite a lot of organizations and events targeted towards plant enthusiasts – making them one of the best cities for green thumbs out there.
33. Durham, North Carolina
| Number of plant species | 1759 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 9 |
| Number of nurseries | 8 |
| Number of parks | 127 |
| Number of garden clubs | 11 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 47 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 4 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 18 |
Durham is absolutely beautiful. They have fascinating species of plants, blooming flowers, and picture-perfect landscapes – need we say more?
For us, Durham is best for their public gardens and parks. Make sure to visit Sarah P. Duke Gardens, which you can enter for free.
34. Mobile, Alabama
| Number of plant species | 2484 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 3 |
| Number of nurseries | 14 |
| Number of parks | 89 |
| Number of garden clubs | 24 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 19 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 8 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 7 |
Mobile is a great place for gardening since it has a mild subtropical climate which is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, rainy winters. It is also crowned as the wettest city by WeatherBill, Inc. based on a 2007 study.
Pro Tip: If you need gardening tips, you can go to one of the nurseries around the area. They will have experienced staff who know the climate really well and can help you make the right decisions.
35. Riverside, California
| Number of plant species | 3228 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 2 |
| Number of community gardens | 3 |
| Number of nurseries | 35 |
| Number of parks | 83 |
| Number of garden clubs | 15 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 13 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 1 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 0 |
Riverside gets a lot of sunshine all year round, making it easy to grow different kinds of plants that will be pretty any day of the year. They do, however, have a low amount of annual rainfall.
Still, we count them as one of the best cities for plant lovers because of their beautiful botanical gardens and parks. Riverside Botanic Gardens and University of California Riverside Botanic Gardens are breathtaking.
36. Des Moines, Iowa
| Number of plant species | 59 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 3 |
| Number of community gardens | 1 |
| Number of nurseries | 15 |
| Number of parks | 174 |
| Number of garden clubs | 6 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 27 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 15 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 19 |
Des Moines is one of the best cities for trees, roses, ferns, hostas, and succulents to thrive. Iowa generally has great and productive soil and this city’s soil is no exception.
Although we do wish they had more nurseries and community gardens, we did like that they have a lot of parks to visit. You can have picnics there and just enjoy the breeze while admiring the beautiful plants.
37. Albany, New York
| Number of plant species | 2587 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 4 |
| Number of community gardens | 1 |
| Number of nurseries | 4 |
| Number of parks | 48 |
| Number of garden clubs | 25 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 25 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 8 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 9 |
Albany has a lot of good parks that are hidden from plain view like the Pine Hollow Arboretum. The arboretum contains over 3,000 unique plants from magnolia trees to wildflowers scattered throughout the fields.
Albany’s climate is characterized by cold, snowy winters and hot humid summers. This makes it challenging for gardening to be honest, but a trip to one of the parks could give you a lot of inspiration as to which plants can survive the climate.
38. Worcester, Massachusetts
| Number of plant species | 2873 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 26 |
| Number of nurseries | 2 |
| Number of parks | 69 |
| Number of garden clubs | 17 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 18 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 4 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 2 |
One of our favorite tourist spots here is Hadwen Arboretum. It’s a 26-acre forest where you’ll see plenty of woody and herbaceous plants.
We also love that you’ll discover unusual species here and trees that are hundreds of years old. At the same time, the city has lots of other fantastic parks you can also explore – definitely worth the trip if you ask us.
39. Charleston, South Carolina
| Number of plant species | 1762 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 2 |
| Number of community gardens | 4 |
| Number of nurseries | 8 |
| Number of parks | 126 |
| Number of garden clubs | 2 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 24 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 4 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 24 |
Charleston is filled with so many gorgeous gardens that have interesting plants and great landscape architecture. Some of our favorites include Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and Middleton Place.
Charleston also has fantastic parks you can also check out if you want to be one with nature and organizations where you can meet people of the same interests and passions as you.
40. El Paso, Texas
| Number of plant species | 1153 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 0 |
| Number of community gardens | 4 |
| Number of nurseries | 17 |
| Number of parks | 326 |
| Number of garden clubs | 1 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 18 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 15 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 9 |
El Paso has one of the mildest and longest growing seasons in the country so it is really easy to grow plants here. You can even choose to grow flowering plants and fruit trees as it has mild winters and long hot summers.
The Master Gardeners Association, a famous organization in El Paso, is also there to help guide you in your gardening if you need it. A trip to the local parks here can also give you an idea as to what plants can thrive in the area.
41. Wichita, Kansas
| Number of plant species | 446 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 1 |
| Number of nurseries | 17 |
| Number of parks | 136 |
| Number of garden clubs | 3 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 21 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 12 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 12 |
Wichita is the birthplace of Pizza Hut and White Castle fast-food chains, but it’s way more than that. They’re also one of the prime destinations for people who adore plants.
One of the city’s greatest gardens is Botanica – The Wichita Gardens. It’s a 17.6-acre garden that opened in 1987 as a collaboration between the Wichita Area Garden Council and the City of Wichita. It’s the best place to see tulips in the spring!
42. Fort Wayne, Indiana
| Number of plant species | 241 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 4 |
| Number of nurseries | 25 |
| Number of parks | 97 |
| Number of garden clubs | 3 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 19 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 8 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 5 |
Fort Wayne is considered to be in the agricultural heartland of the country, so if you like flowers, this place is a must for you. We recommend visiting the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory as they feature their indoor gardens with beautiful flowers on full display.
Fort Wayne lies in the humid continental climate zone with four distinguishable seasons. It is characterized by hot, humid, and wet summers and cold, moderate winters, making it easier to grow plants year-round.
43. Merced, California
| Number of plant species | 1439 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 0 |
| Number of community gardens | 1 |
| Number of nurseries | 3 |
| Number of parks | 35 |
| Number of garden clubs | 1 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 5 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 18 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 56 |
We love Merced because of its ideal climate for gardening! They have mild weather, so a lot of different crops and flowers can be grown throughout the year.
We also like that they have a lot of parks you can check out if you want to relax and look at some plants. Although Merced doesn’t have major arboretums in the city proper, they have a lot of gardens available just a short ride away.
44. Jackson, Mississippi
| Number of plant species | 1595 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 2 |
| Number of nurseries | 6 |
| Number of parks | 53 |
| Number of garden clubs | 5 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 16 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 10 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 8 |
Jackson has a humid subtropical climate characterized by rain occurring throughout the year with minimal snow. This makes it easier and more convenient to plant in the area.
Aside from that, we also love that Jackson State University offers a degree in biology majoring in environmental science. So it’s also a great city for students interested in plants and hoping to major in something related to that.
45. Macon, Georgia
| Number of plant species | 298 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 2 |
| Number of nurseries | 13 |
| Number of parks | 39 |
| Number of garden clubs | 1 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 6 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 8 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 14 |
Macon is known today as this gorgeous city of diverse cultures, amazing architecture, and a thriving arts scene. But we think they’re also an ideal city to go to for people who love plants.
Aside from its beautiful parks and wide range of plants, we also love that Mercer University offers a solid Biology program where you can take classes on plant science. So it’s great for students too.
46. Missoula, Montana
| Number of plant species | 1273 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 1 |
| Number of nurseries | 12 |
| Number of parks | 78 |
| Number of garden clubs | 2 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 69 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 6 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 6 |
Missoula has generally harsher weather conditions than some cities on this list. Still, a lot of their native species have adapted to these conditions and require less irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides – so yes, you can still enjoy gardening here.
We love that they have a lot of parks that you can check out here in Missoula. Plus, the gardening community here is strong and there are so many organizations you can join that will help you learn about gardening specifically for this city.
47. Scottsdale, Arizona
| Number of plant species | 200 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 2 |
| Number of nurseries | 11 |
| Number of parks | 46 |
| Number of garden clubs | 1 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 27 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 2 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 42 |
We love that a lot of plants grow here in Scottsdale. Whether you want succulents, native trees, shrubs, flowering perennials, or tropicals, you can enjoy growing them here.
If you want to try different kinds of plants here, many suggest grouping plants by type and needs. Gardening aside, we enjoy the parks in the city like Chaparral Park and Eldorado Park – you’ll get the chance to explore and check out native plants in the area.
48. Santa Cruz, California
| Number of plant species | 2119 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 1 |
| Number of nurseries | 6 |
| Number of parks | 60 |
| Number of garden clubs | 1 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 38 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 0 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 7 |
Santa Cruz has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. This allows you to plant a wide range of plants and crops easily – which we love.
They also have a lot of great plant shops and a growing community of plant hobbyists as well. Overall, worth a visit for any plant lover for sure.
49. Lubbock, Texas
| Number of plant species | 806 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 1 |
| Number of community gardens | 1 |
| Number of nurseries | 18 |
| Number of parks | 89 |
| Number of garden clubs | 1 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 3 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 8 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 13 |
Although their ratings may be on the lower end in this list, we still think Lubbock is a great destination for plant lovers. Firstly, they’re deeply ingrained in their agricultural roots and are known for growing cotton, grapes, corn, and many more.
They also have a lot of nice tourist spots like Lubbock Memorial Arboretum and various parks such as Bill & Ann Miller Park and Ratliff Park that you can check out.
50. Frederick, Maryland
| Number of plant species | 370 |
| Number of botanical gardens/conservatories | 0 |
| Number of community gardens | 3 |
| Number of nurseries | 11 |
| Number of parks | 75 |
| Number of garden clubs | 5 |
| Number of plant-related organizations | 14 |
| Number of plant/garden-related events | 1 |
| Number of companies offering plant/garden-related services | 9 |
Widely known for its great mountainous views, Frederick is also a fantastic city to go to for people who are interested in horticulture and all things plant-related.
A quick trip to any of their parks will show you fascinating topiaries and different kinds of wallflowers. They also have plant organizations and communities that you can look into such as Envision Frederick County and Planting & Upcycling Frederick County, MD.
Aggregated City Scores
There you have it – the 50 best US cities for people who love plants. We hope this helped tourists look for their next adventures!
Did we miss any good cities? Let us know what you think!
