Photos: Eric J. Vath

The Horticulture Center, a modern exhibition hall and greenhouse, was built for the Bicentennial celebration in 1976. It sits on the site of the former Horticultural Hall, an 1876 Centennial Exposition building. A trip to the Horticulture Center will be time well spent. Within its walls are a visitor center and greenhouse where one can see many tropical plants and a fine collection of statues interspersed in the greenery.

Outside you can see many types of flowers and trees, a small pond, a creek and a wetland. The Display Gardens contain perennials, herbs, an accessible garden, everlastings, a demonstration garden and a vegetable garden. Perennial Gardens, a butterfly garden and the Puryear Pavilion in the trees are other sites to explore. A Japanese maple collection, a pinetum (collection of evergreen trees of all genus), and the 20+ acre Centennial Arboretum dating back to 1876 contains majestic trees of Asian, European and North American origin can all be enjoyed. Coursing throughout the grounds are nature trails dotted by a couple of picnic groves and sculptures of poets and musicians. Take a stroll by the tranquil reflecting pool. Gaze upon Gambol I and II, two silver horses prancing in place along Belmont Avenue. Also located on the grounds is the Japanese House and Garden which is a treat in and of itself.