Botanical Gardens

Gardens are a great place to meet for a date. Just ask Adam and Eve. Gardens are located almost everywhere. Some are small and intimate while others are large and may take several hours to walk through. Many are specialized, such as Japanese gardens, rose gardens, orchid gardens, wildflower gardens, conifer gardens, cactus gardens... Some gardens are open year round while others are only open at special times. Most of the larger public gardens have interesting programs for the public.

A date at the gardens is a great way to make someone think that you are classier than you might actually be. It's a lovely place for a leisurely walk among beautiful trees and flowers.

COST

Many botanical gardens are free, while others will charge up to $10 or $15 each. Add the cost of food, parking and transportation.

WHEN

Spring and summer are the best time to see the flora, although many gardens are worth touring at other times except for maybe during snow storms and blizzard. Also, many gardens have neat light displays during Christmas.

WHERE TO FIND GARDENS

Here's a keyboardfull: www.msue.msu.edu/portal/ It's also Michigan State University's list of botanical gardens throughout the United States.

Try www.conifersociety.org for a listing of gardens with conifers. Do you know what conifers are, conehead?

At www.farmboys.com go to "additional resources" for botanical gardens around the world.

www.botanique.com is a great site for finding gardens.

You will often find listings of local garden shows and public and private gardens in the "community" or "real estate" sections of your local newspaper. Call your local newspaper and ask what section might contain home and garden information.

Contact the Master Gardener organization in your area. They can usually be found at your County Extension Office.

Local universities and colleges may have gardens or can send you in the right direction. Look in the Yellow Pages under "gardens" or "botanical gardens."

WHAT TO ASK WHEN YOU CALL THE GARDEN

Ask about the hours and days of operation, type of garden, special events, the cost, and if they have a cafe or restaurant. If so, what are its hours, cost and can you make reservations.

DINING

Many gardens have small cafes or restaurants where you can have lunch or a light snack. The cost is generally very reasonable, although at some you would think that money grows on trees. So inquire about the price before making a reservation. The seating is usually limited. If the garden has a picnic area, you may want to bring a picnic lunch instead.

Some gardens only have a tearoom. If so, make sure you and your date are okay with sipping tea out of china teacups. The main course might be cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off. Think twice if you are dating a lumberman type who has fewer than five fingers remaining on each hand. Teacups and delicate sandwiches may be too much to ask.