Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a fairly large East Coast state, with many lovely gardens that are open to the public. Included here are a few outstanding gardens with fountains at the two sides of the state, and several links where you can seek such gardens throughout the state.
For the most blooms, April and May can't be beat, though you will find plenty to look at through the summer. October generally brings the best of fall color to the state, beginning earlier in the north and hitting their peak in mid to late October in the fall.
Longwood Gardens
Located 40 miles southwest of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is noted for its many fountains and particularly its fountain light show set to music. The mile-long route through the property takes you through 1,050 acres divided into 20 outdoor gardens. In addition, Longwood boasts large conservatories with 20 different garden rooms. The terrain is rolling hills. Although you can make it through the outdoor trails in 1 to 2 hours, it is easy to spend a day there.
Morris Arboretum
The Arboretum boasts it has more than 13,000 labeled plants of more than 2,500 types from 27 countries, and features in the garden that span centuries. In the 92 acres of garden, you will see everything from fountains to formal rose gardens to natural prairie-like fields. One of the newest attractions is the 50-foot high Tree Adventure "where you get a bird's eye view of the forest as you climb into a giant suspended Bird's Nest or scamper down onto a Squirrel Scramble of netting between towering trees," according to the Arboretum.
Want something more on the wild side? Nearby is one of the entrances to Fairmount Park, Philadelphia's 9,200 acres of bike, horse and foot trails that roam up steep hills and down to the Wissahickon Creek with its waterfalls. You can travel several miles through the park, down to the Schuylkill River and the Art Museum.
Phipps Conservatory
Known as the green heart of Pittsburgh, this lovely garden offers 17 "distinct botanical experiences." Fountains appear outside, in the South Conservatory and the Victoria Room; the Japanese garden and the East Room offer waterfalls.
Warm up with a stroll at the Conservatory and then head to nearby Schenley Park, where 456 acres of trails, tennis courts, a swimming pool and an ice rink offer more strenuous exercise.
