Photo: US Botanic Garden

I’m not sure about you, but I love gardens. They are such pristine, lovely, and inspirational spaces. Even though many gardens are dormant during the winter months, Spring is right around the corner. Donating a thoughtful gift to a loved one or friend for Valentine’s Day is a wonderful way to show you care. And, your donation gift can be more lasting than a bouquet.

Longwood Gardens: I have yet to visit Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, but judging by its IG account, it is lovely. It’s the type of garden I can get lost in and discover new-to-me flowers, and glean landscaping techniques. You can donate to Longwood Gardens on behalf of a loved one – the perfect Valentine’s gift!

Central Park Conservancy: I love Central Park as many do. For Valentine’s Day, you can donate tulips or daffodils to the Central Park Conservancy. While spring bulbs have already been planted for the early spring season, this is still an amazing gift for Valentine’s Day. Donate tulips and daffodils in someone’s honor for only $50.

Smithsonian Gardens: The next time you’re in Washington, DC, you can visit several Smithsonian Gardens around the city, from the Italian courtyard at the Freer Museum (one of my favorites) to the native landscape at the Museum of the American Indian, and many more. Donate here in honor of someone, especially if they are a garden lover.

Duke Gardens: One of the delightful features I love at Duke Gardens is its gorgeous Cherry Allee in the spring. If you cannot make it to DC for the cherry tree display around the Tidal Basin, Duke Gardens, in my opinion, is the second-best option. I love the delightful way the cherry blossom trees are landscaped. Duke Gardens also has lush saucer magnolias in the spring and a gorgeous rose garden in the summer. For Valentine’s Day, you can donate in honor of someone. You will be given an option to provide the person’s name during the donation process.

United States Botanic Gardens: I absolutely love the United States Botanic Garden because there are flowers all year round in its conservatory. I have also taken several free workshops via Zoom that have helped me immensely with taking care of my orchids.

I also love that they have an annual orchid display for several months in the winter and spring. This year’s display, “More Than a Flower: the Connective Power of Orchids,” will be held in the National Museum of African American History and Culture. For a wonderful Valentine’s Gift, you can buy a gift membership to the Friends of the Botanic Garden for your friend or loved one for $50, and they will receive a notification of your gift.