A peaceful trek on a colorful trail will add a little spring to your step.
The saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” but some spectacular blossoms arrive much earlier in the South. April is really the month to get your bloom on in Tennessee.
A little fresh air and a garden hike will do a body and mind good. Take along a journal or sketchpad, or just enjoy a meandering stroll on a pretty path. Below are four suggestions for easy-to-get-to Southern gardens for a feel-good flowery fix. Make an impromptu visit, or look at a garden’s website to attend specific events, lectures, concerts, yoga classes and more.
Cheekwood Art & Gardens
Don’t miss one of Nashville’s quintessential signs of spring, the dogwood bloom at Cheekwood. Featuring 14 species and 23 cultivated varieties, Cheekwood’s dogwood collection was recently granted the honor of North American Plant Collections Consortium Member Status. The dogwoods begin their show in early April. And if you hurry, 100,000 tulips are in full bloom this month.
Huntsville Botanical Garden
Just a short drive from Nashville, Huntsville’s Botanical Garden features a little something for everyone. Take the kids to the maze in the Children’s Garden or enjoy the vast collection of bulbs blooming in spring in the Four Seasons Garden. Just to the east of the southern end of the Dogwood Trail, you’ll find a 100-plus-year-old dogwood ushering in spring.
Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
The Master Gardener Beds, planted and maintained by Knox County Master Gardeners, are the thing to see in springtime here. The Butterfly Meadow, with more than 50 native species, is nothing to sneeze at either. And the Dogwood Nature Trail, with its large collection of native dogwoods and varieties, won’t disappoint. These garden spaces are located just five minutes from downtown Knoxville.
Memphis Botanic Garden
Various trails dedicated to specific flowers will wow your springtime senses in Memphis. Check out Nana’s Garden/Charlotte Sawyer Daffodil Trail, which blooms through April. The Camellia Trail, Madlinger Azalea Trail, Meyer/Mcdonald Dogwood Trail and Rose Garden will also be on fire this time of year.
A walk is the perfect time to catch up with your loved ones, including your parents. Learn more about why seniors should step out for better health here.
