When you think of gardens in Pittsburgh, Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Garden in Oakland, the Biblical Botanical Garden at Rodef Sholem Synagogue, and the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden near Settler’s Cabin Park immediately spring to mind. But 
there are other lesser-known gardens and arboretums in the area that are no shrinking violets when it comes to natural beauty.
The Arboretum at Penn State
In the mood for a day trip? Then an excursion to the The Arboretum at Penn State in State College is in order. Initial construction for the arboretum and H. O. Smith Botanic Gardens were completed in 2009, and has been growing ever since. The Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden, one of 11 gardens at the arboretum, is especially popular with children of all ages. And after all that walking, refresh yourself with an ice cream cone from the university’s legendary creamery which is nearby. Learn more at: arboretum.psu.edu.
Chatham Arboretum
Located in the city of Pittsburgh on the campus of Chatham University, the Chatham Arboretum is a 32-acre oasis with more than 100 different species that invite visitors to relax and unwind in one of the city’s most bustling neighborhoods. For more information, visit: www.chatham.edu/about/arboretum.
George Rapp Garden at Old Economy Village
Old Economy Village was once the home of the Harmony Society, a 19th century religious community. When the last community member died, the village was turned over to the commonwealth, and today is a historical landmark which aims to preserve and show how the society lived. Among the many interesting sites at the village is the George Rapp Garden, which is named for the society’s leader. The garden dates back to the 1830s. To plan your visit, check their website at: oldeconomyvillage.org/plan-your-visit/site-attractions/2.
Mellon Park
If you like a little man-made beauty with your natural beauty, then a trip to Mellon Park and its Walled Garden in Shadyside should be on your schedule. The garden is located on the former estate of Richard Beatty Mellon. It is now home to the 
Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and the Phipps Garden Center. In 1929, Mellon had a walled garden installed on his property, with the Mellon home serving as the fourth wall of the garden. The home, which at the time was the largest ever built in the city, was demolished in 1949. What remained of the walled garden has been refurbished and also transformed into an art installation, which honors the memory of Ann Katherine Seamans, who loved the garden. She died in an accident in 1999.The installation has 150 stone markers embedded in the garden that twinkle at night. They represent the stars and planets in the exact configuration of the night sky in Pittsburgh on the night that Seamans was born. This is one garden that brightens your night as well as your day. Find out more about this unique space at: www.pittsburghparks.org/mellonpark.
North Park Demonstration Garden
Located at the intersection of Wildwood and Ingomar Roads in North Park, at the 
site of the Veteran’s Memorial, is the Penn State Demonstration Garden. Started in 1990, the demonstration garden includes trial beds for annuals and herbs. It is cared for by Master Gardeners who, on Wednesday nights from around 4-6 p.m., answer questions about the plantings on display. You will not only admire flowers here, but also learn something as well. For more information, check: extension.psu.edu/plants/master-gardener/counties/allegheny/demonstration-gardens/north-park-demonstration-garden.
Pleasant Hills Arboretum
Poet Joyce Kilmer, who wrote the well-known, “I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree,” would be in heaven at the Pleasant Hills Arboretum as it showcases more than 70 different species of trees on 16 idyllic acres. It is also a haven for bird watchers, and has sighted more than 100 different species. For more information, visit: pleasanthillsarboretum.org.
A Rock Garden in Pittsburgh’s Northside
The largest public rock garden in Western Pennsylvania is adjacent to the National Aviary’s outdoor bird cages, by the bald eagles (700 Arch Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212), in Allegheny Park. This luxurious destination point is full of gems from the high mountain regions of the world – our own Rocky Mountains to the Himalaya Mountains of India and China. Learn more at: http://nargspittsburgh.wix.com/rock-garden#!garden-at-aviary/rsqac
South Park Demonstration Garden
Just down the road from the wave pool at South Park is The South Park Demonstration Garden. It is located at the intersection of Corrigan Drive and McConkey Road. In addition to 12 display beds, the garden has a border of native shrubs, perennials, and trees. On Tuesday evenings from approximately 5-7 p.m., you can chat with the Master Gardeners who tend this plot. Learn more at: 
extension.psu.edu/plants/master-gardener/counties/allegheny/demonstration-gardens/south-park-demonstration-garden.
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Community Gardens
Throughout 20 counties in the western part of Pennsylvania, you will find small patches of beauty courtesy of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. With more than 130 gardens in those counties, chances are there is one near you. To find out the locations of gardens that beautify your area, visit: waterlandlife.org/243/community-gardens.
If you’ve never visited any of these gardens, it’s well worth “straying off the beaten garden path” and opening your horizons to the area’s lesser-kn
own gardens and arboretums.
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