If you want a peaceful activity available throughout the year, a botanic garden is the way to go. You’ll see a variety of plants, animals, performances, sculptures, and more as you carefully walk down cultivated paths. However, there is some planning required to ensure you have an enjoyable experience, especially if you plan on remaining there for hours.
Botanic gardens are some of the most gorgeous places in the world, offering a variety of plants and other spectacles. Keep reading to learn more about how to enjoy these wonderful places to ensure you remain comfortable, safe, and alert, no matter who you are or where you go.
Look At A Map Ahead of Time
First, look at a map ahead of time. This simple document will reveal everything you need to know about the garden, from the length of the available paths to the location of various entertainment spots around the property. You’ll understand where you are and what to expect by looking ahead.
Other items you can locate on a map include:
- Eateries
- Restrooms
- Special exhibits
You’ll be familiar with the locations before arriving.
A map will let you know how far you should expect to move on the day of your visit. It might even let you know where to turn around or take a break if the walking proves too much, especially in the summer months. You might also want to consider printing a map and taking it with you for ultimate guidance.
Consider ADA Accessibility
Think about ADA accessibility while preparing to visit a botanic garden. If you, a friend, or a loved one is in a wheelchair or needs additional assistance, it’s practical to know if the botanic garden offers it before setting foot on the property.
Most gardens will have more information about their ADA accessibility online or on a map in person. There might be routes around inaccessible areas and even other forms of assistance once you arrive. It never hurts to be too careful when ensuring you and your group can trek around the location comfortably.
Wear Comfortable and Practical Shoes
Next, ensure you pick comfortable and practical shoes that will provide enough support to last the entire day and will remain comfortable. Consider the question – what do botanists wear? How can you best protect your feet?
There are several ways to choose ideal shoes for your botanic visit. Ensure they are:
- Paired with comfortable socks
- Easy to bend
- Fitted to your foot
- Low to the ground
- Supportive
The best shoes will ease your body while offering enough structure for it to remain strong.
When considering what to wear to a botanical garden, always dress for longevity. Wear layers and put on shoes you won’t regret halfway through the day. Your shoes might also get dirty and dusty as you walk, so ensure you don’t adore them before wearing them to the botanic garden.
Check The Weather
Next, ensure you check the weather before going. A warm summer day will require different clothing than a freezing winter afternoon to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible during your viewing experience.
When you walk, your clothing should fit the following categories for your health and comfort. It should not be:
- Uncomfortable
- Too tight
- Sweat-absorbing
- Weak against UV rays
You should be covered and protected yet comfortable.
The best time to visit a botanical garden is in the spring. Not only is the weather pleasant and comfortable for all ages, but it also brings showers and plenty of new, budding flora for visitors to enjoy. If you want nice weather and temperatures, keep an eye on the forecast before planning a trip to your local botanic garden.
Bring a Camera, Water, and Snacks
It’s a good idea to bring water, snacks, and a camera for your trip. One will help capture the memories, while the other will ensure you stay in proper health to take the pictures. Without water or snacks, you might find yourself losing energy throughout the day and even passing out.
You must drink about four to six cups of water a day, though that number might go up based on the health conditions you have and the temperature for the day. Water allows the body to bring nutrients to the cells, flush your system, prevent constipation, regulate body temperature, and more. Good, protein-filled snacks with fruits and veggies are an excellent balance here.
Many stores sell mini water bottles you can bring, or try a refillable container to put more water in your bottle as the day goes on. There might even be a store in the botanic garden where you may purchase beverages and food items as you go.
You can never go wrong with a purse, a drawstring bag, or a small backpack to carry items. Some botanic gardens also offer these items if you forget.
Take Advantage of All Amenities
Ensure you take advantage of all the amenities there. Botanic gardens are more than flowers and walking paths, so if you’re ever wondering what to do at the botanical gardens, you will never run out of things to see. Enjoy it to the max by using all available activities.
Common botanic garden sights include:
- Statues and other art
- Performances
- Animals
- Art centers
- Greenhouses
- Fountains
These, and more, adorn various botanic gardens.
Some gardens have events throughout the year, so check online to see if anything is happening during the time you plan to visit. You also might want to speak to a botanist who works there, as they will be able to make your experience more fruitful with their extensive knowledge.
Use Sunscreen
When you go on your trip, use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun while walking around all day. The sun might feel nice, but the UV rays are damaging and will do more harm than good if you don’t take the right precautions to defend your skin.
Apply your sunscreen 15-30 minutes before heading into the sun and allow it to dry for at least 10 minutes before putting on clothes for complete protection. Also, ensure you research your brands ahead of time to determine the most effective option for all your sun protection needs. Consider reapplication every two hours or so.
If you want to be extra careful, add other sun accessories for better defense. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella will work wonders to keep the sun away from your skin and botanic garden experience.
Related: The Best Botanic Gardens in the United States
Consider Accessibility
Next, it’s critical to consider accessibility at the park. Ponder your ability and the accommodations necessary to get from one place to another. Is there a tram you can ride to enjoy the flowers without walking? Do they have wheelchair offerings or something else to assist those with limited mobility?
Also, consider any stairs or steps in the garden and the length of their walking paths. If you don’t think you can handle it all in one day, it’s always better to split it up into multiple than to strain yourself attempting to conquer miles of walkways for saying you did so.
Take Your Time
There’s no need to rush through the botanic garden, even if there’s tons of stuff to see. Take your time and work through the flora at your own pace. The faster you go, the more likely you will miss something special.
Many botanic gardens come with small booklets detailing the various sights around the area. If you have limited mobility or love what you see, there is nothing wrong with slowing down. Botanical gardens are marvelous places, and one of the best ways to enjoy them is to slow your pace and examine the carefully crafted world.
Avoid Wildlife From A Distance
Although it might seem tempting, do not get up close and personal with the wildlife. They are wild for a reason, and you could experience injury or even a scare if you try to press close to any of these creatures. If you see an animal, keep where you are and watch it from afar.
If you’re curious about the critter, you can contact a botanist to help determine what you’re looking at. Most are familiar with animals in the area and will happily answer any questions you might have about life in the botanic garden.
Final Thoughts About Enjoying Botanic Gardens
As long as you prepare in advance, a botanic garden is a relaxing place to spend hours outside. Ensure you research the weather, check out the routes, bring snacks, and use sunscreen, among other tactics, to ensure you aren’t overwhelmed and will have a wonderful experience by yourself or with others.
Whether you want to view gorgeous flowers or spend a day in the sun, a botanic garden is an excellent choice for anyone. Preparation might seem too much, but the older you get, the more necessary it is to have the best time in a crafted garden. Botanic gardens are for every single person, and that includes you. Check out our Botanical Garden Etiquette to find out some more details before you visit a botanical garden!
