4 Gardens in the Poconos to Visit

You don’t have to be a budding gardener to gain inspiration and appreciation with these four gardens in the Poconos to visit. They are varied in appearance and style, but all provide a lovely way to spend the day in the Pocono Mountains. Spend some time outdoors with a stroll in these natural spaces that are sure to be picture perfect.

Before you head out, download our free Delaware Highlands Vacation Guide chock full of all the information you need to explore the Delaware Highlands.

The Settlers Inn in Hawley

Guests and visitors to The Settlers Inn can take a stroll through the beautiful flowering garden just beyond the building. The outdoor space is natural complement to the historic Arts and Crafts style lodge. Stroll the gravel paths to see the array of vibrant perennials. Garden benches and bistro tables are lovely spots to sit and soak in the surroundings. There’s also a garden bar serving wine and cocktails. The Potting Shed is nestled next to the garden. The charming Arts and Crafts style building offers a selection of merchandise with an eye for quality and friendliness to the environment. Stroll in and browse the items, which change seasonally. Just outside of The Potting Shed, the Chef’s Demonstration Garden is a newer addition to the property. Vegetable beds yield a variety of organic produce to incorporate into the dishes at The Settlers Inn. It was created as a visual expression of the Inn’s commitment to farm-to-table cuisine.

Paradise Lavender Farm in Cresco

If lavender calms the nerves and soothes the mind, imagine what a whole lavender farm can do. Paradise Lavender Farm opened in Cresco in 2012 as part of Ross & Ross Nursery. The owners hoped to share their love for lavender and create a place of tranquility. Visitors are welcome to stroll the rows of purple aromatics and, in season, pick their own bouquet. There’s also a Fairy Walk for all ages to enjoy. The self-guided tour has visitors searching for treasures at every stop. The Farm Store features all things lavender, from hand and body wash to lotion, air freshener, eye pillows, lip balm, headache remedies and even lavender filled gnomes. Special events held routinely at the farm include afternoon tea, yoga and “pamper me” classes.

Labyrinth Garden in Greentown

Labyrinth gardens have been in existence since the 17^h century. It took artist Carol Cannon-Nesco five seasons to create the permanent outdoor labyrinth garden on her Greentown, PA property. Now it’s the largest labyrinth garden in Northeast PA. A labyrinth is a pattern of paths that encircle a central point. The idea is to walk slowly as you journey to the fixed destination. Many find it to be a calming and spiritual experience. Pathways are lined with fieldstone and visitors will enjoy a variety of flower beds, shrubs and ornamental grass as they stroll.

Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford

Among the gardens in the Poconos to visit, the home of two-time Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot is a must-see. Tour the beautifully landscaped grounds at Grey Towers National Historic Site. Built in 1886, the French chateau style mansion boasts stunning formal gardens, many of which were added by Gifford’s wife, Cornelia after they married in 1914. Visitors may take a self-guided tour of the grounds year-round. Stand on the East Terrace and enjoy sweeping views of the Delaware Valley and New Jersey’s Kittatinny Mountains. Just below the Terrace is a half moat. It’s one of the water features added by Cornelia Pinchot. The Long Garden and Long Pool are unique outdoor spaces. The narrow pool stretches 74 feet and connects the East Terrace with the Bait Box, which served as a playhouse and later a tearoom. It’s bordered by Boxwoods and Hemlock Trees. The Finger Bowl is the most popular outdoor feature at Grey Towers. It was added in 1934 and served as the Pinchots’ outdoor dining room. The table is a raised oval shaped pool of water bordered by flagstone. Guests dined at the table as the food floated in wooden bowls and balsa rafts in the middle.

Bonus: 28^th Secret Garden Tour in Milford

Each summer the Milford Garden Club hosts a tour of private gardens throughout the town of Milford.  The one-day only event is a self-guided walking/driving tour of between six and seven locations. Featured gardens vary from historic neighborhood properties to sprawling estates in the countryside. The Garden Club offers a hospitality tent at Remembrance Place park offering light refreshments as well as plant and flower sales.

Plant Yourself Here

Make The Settlers Inn your home base while you explore these gardens in the Poconos. Rooms 204 and 304 offer lovely views of our own gardens and Lackawaxen River, plus luxurious accommodations that include a private bath. Check availability and book a getaway today.