Insider's guide to Delaware Gardens

Wake up and smell and see more than just the roses in Delaware. As April showers bring May flowers, the state comes into full bloom with breathtaking permanent displays and flora-focused festivals. One thing is for sure, Delaware has flower power. And we’ve have a list of everything you need to know to get things growing.

Where to go:

Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library: The lush rolling hills erupt with blossoms each spring on this grand estate, inviting visitors to wander the flower-filled trails and marvel at the natural vistas that emerge from around each corner.

Mount Cuba Center: This Delaware treasure has 50 acres of gardens on more than 500 acres of natural landscape. The former DuPont estate is a great place for a picnic. And its guided garden tours come with an invitation to spend time beneath shady trees.

Nemours Mansion & Gardens: Take a guided walk through the formal gardens and explore the ornate rooms of this mansion inspired by the classic architecture of France.

University of Delaware Botanic Gardens: A stroll through this leafy campus reveals 12 naturalistic gardens covering 15 acres from greenhouse gardens to herbs to native plants.

Gibraltar: This former mansion’s formal garden was designed by Marian Cruger Coffin, one of the first and most accomplished female landscape architects in the nation, whose garden “rooms” each have a distinct character.

Woodburn (Dover): The official residence of Delaware's governor is a stately old Georgian home with a public garden.

Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor (Milton): Close to the Delaware beaches and full of lavender goodies to buy, this five-acre farm is a spectacular sight.

Where to shop:

Ronny's Garden World (Smyrna): One of the state's most popular and largest garden center is a great place to buy your own blossoms.

Webb's Market (Frederica): A nice place to stop on the way to the beach for fresh Delaware produce, garden supplies and landscaping materials.

Farmer Girl Exotic Gardens (Rehoboth): This store is full ways to decorate a yard – fountains, ponds, statues, flowers and greenery, including tropical plants.

Tomato Sunshine Garden Center & Farm Market (Rehoboth): A huge variety of plants and locally grown produce is available here along Route 1. So, if you like to grow or like to eat, there’s something for you.

Cordrey East Coast Garden Center (Millsboro): A popular spot for buying plants, taking classes and browsing the delectable items at the farmers' market.

Events:

Lewes Tulip Festival (every April): 10,000 tulip bulbs and a weekend of fun make this beach town even better.

Mount Cuba Wildflower Celebration (April): Enjoy gardening demonstrations, live music, food and flowers.

Wilmington Flower Market (every Mother’s Day weekend, May): This event is beloved for its selection of native plants and artisanal crafts, its carnival rides and food, and the live music that ties it all together.

Winterthur Garden Experience Days (March – May): Spread across four weekends in the spring, visitors are encouraged to enjoy a different kind of splendid flower each time.