The South's Best Garden Tours

Photo: Van Chaplin

8th Annual Wildflower Celebration

Hockessin, Delaware
April 29; mtcubacenter.org

Mt. Cuba Center features one of the best trillium collections in the country: sweeps of Virginia bluebells, ground phlox, and showy celandine poppy. Arrive early—the first 500 families get a free plant.

Photo: Art Meripol

International Cherry Blossom Festival

Macon, Georgia
March 16-25; cherryblossom.com

Macon-Bibb County has more than 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees.

Photo: Van Chaplin

St. Francisville Spring Stroll

St. Francisville, Louisiana
March 31; stfrancisvillefestivals.com

Wander through eight gardens, from architect-designed to homespun.

Photo: Art Meripol

Takoma Park House & Garden Tour

Takoma Park, Maryland
May 5-6; historictakoma.org

Called the Berkeley of the East, this hipster-meets-Nana neighborhood looks better with each passing year as more historical treasures are restored.

Photo: Ralph Anderson

The Gardens of Madison County

Madison County, Mississippi
May 5-6; mragardens.com

Visit eight gardens for outdoor entertaining, with tablescapes by local designers.

Photo: Van Chaplin

Oakwood Tour and Victorian Tea

Raleigh, North Carolina
May 5-6; historicoakwood.org

Start with high tea, then tour the gardens of Oakwood, Raleigh’s oldest neighborhood.

Photo: David Hillegas

Muskogee Azalea Festival

Honor Heights Park, Oklahoma
April 1-30; muskogeeparks.org

In a state known for alkaline soils, the acid-loving azalea is at home in Honor Heights Park, with 625 varieties and 30,000 plants.

Photo: Van Chaplin

Follow the Blooms

Statewide, South Carolina
March 24, April 1, 14, 20; gardenclubofsc.org

This tour weaves through eight small towns over four weeks, showcasing both private and public gardens. Pick up tips from some of the country’s most knowledgeable and innovative gardeners.

Photo: Van Chaplin

Bluebonnet Festival

Chappell Hill, Texas
April 14-15; chappellhillmuseum.org

The Texas legislature named this two-day event (with more than 300 arts and crafts vendors, food, and kids’ activities) the state’s official Bluebonnet Festival.

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Historic Garden Week

Statewide, Virginia
April 21-28; vagardenweek.org

Dubbed “America’s Largest Open House,” it’s the oldest and largest event of its kind in the nation, with 250 properties to explore.