The spring issue of our newsletter profiled Arboretum member Amy Howansky, landscape designer and proprietor of Backyard Solutions. She emphasized the value of Landis’ Reciprocal Admissions member benefit, available to our members through the American Horticultural Society (AHS). Amy’s trips have taken her from Santa Fe to Nashville, Denver to the Cayman Islands, and Florida to Hawaii.
Just a few highlights from her travels:
The Denver Botanic Garden in Colorado provides free parking and reciprocal admission for Landis members. The York Street, Denver location consists of 24 acres that include enchanting water features and outdoor “garden rooms” developed around themes. Chatfield Farms is a 700-acre native plant refuge and working farm located along the banks of Deer Creek in Littleton, CO. Facilities include the Earl J. Sinnamon Visitor Center, the historical Hildebrand Ranch, a restored 1918 dairy barn and silo, the 1874 Deer Creek Schoolhouse, nature trails, a children’s play area and numerous wildflower gardens. The area is known for exceptional birding.
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, FL also provides free parking and reciprocal admission. A tropical urban oasis featuring unparalleled horticulture displays and a Sarasota bay-front setting, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a living museum and world-class center for education, research and conservation. It also frequently features art installations, as well as a music series and special performances.
The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is on the north side of Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. Free parking and admissions allow access to a traditional Cayman Island garden bursting with the gorgeous colors and floral architectures so different from native flora found here - not to mention the many blue iguanas that roam the park!
Na ‘Āina Kai (“Lands by the Sea”) Botanical Gardens, Sculpture Park and Hardwood Plantation is on the Island of Kauai, Hawaii. This garden is accessible only with trained guides - an excellent idea, as many of the plants are toxic to the touch! The guides are very knowledgeable and provide a fascinating glimpse into the native flora. As with other tropical gardens, the colors are super-saturated and quite amazing compared to the more subtle hues of our local beauties.
Amy made a few suggestions for traveling to other gardens that are part of the AHS Reciprocal Admissions Program:
- Check the AHS website at ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/find/statebystate before you plan your next vacation. You’ll be surprised how many opportunities there may be along your route.
- Call or email the garden or arboretum in advance to confirm their participation in the program. It’s also good to ascertain open hours and to find out if there are any special programs for which you may be interested in paying a separate fee.
- ALWAYS carry your Landis membership card with you. Because Landis is a small little-known arboretum, print the Reciprocal Admissions listing from the AHS website (or be prepared to pull it up on your smart phone) to confirm Landis’ participation in the program.
We wish you good travels. Send us photos from your trips!