This summer, whimsy and enchantment are the focal points of numerous public garden displays scattered throughout the nation.
At home, consider incorporating playful design elements such as miniature sculptures, verdant moss features, and winding pathways to infuse your garden with a touch of whimsy.
To enhance the charm of your garden, consider incorporating natural plantings of pollinator-friendly flora or lush tropical varieties with expansive foliage.
The enchanting allure of fairy abodes, twinkling lights, and rustic structures is currently in vogue, not confined to social media. Across the country, public gardens are embracing this whimsical trend, blending imaginative plantings and garden art. Here are five must-visit exhibitions this summer to immerse yourself in this trend, along with design inspirations to add a spark of magic to your own garden.
What to Expect: At Filoli in California, amidst the towering oaks, six life-sized trolls appear, creating a landscape reminiscent of a fairy tale. Crafted from recycled wood by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, each troll exudes a distinct character and ecological message. After exploring the magical woods, visitors can tour Filoli’s renowned formal garden.
Design Tips: While replicating the giant trolls in your garden might be daunting, the experience serves as a reminder to include a charming statue in wood or stone. A touch of fairy tale charm can also be achieved through mossy garden decor.
Details: June 7 – November 10, 2025; Filoli, 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA
What to Expect: The New York Botanical Garden brings Vincent Van Gogh’s expressive paintings to life in the exhibit “Van Gogh’s Flowers.” Contemporary artists have reimagined Van Gogh’s floral depictions to create innovative botanical displays and installations. Notable features include a field of sculptural sunflowers and a series of columns showcasing a deconstructed version of his famous irises. At night, a drone show presents a modern twist on Starry Night.
Design Tips: Be inspired to plant a multitude of sunflowers or irises in your garden after visiting the exhibit. The exhibit’s reflective pools offer a dreamy ambiance that can be replicated on a smaller scale with a personal water feature.
Details: May 24 – October 26, 2025; New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY
What to Expect: Landscape designer Lily Kwong has transformed Manhattan’s Madison Square Park into a tranquil green haven with the “Gardens of Renewal” installation. The landscape, designed as a meditative retreat, features a spiral path lined with pollinator plants and a lawn with engaging topography and plantings to spark curiosity about the natural world. Meditation and botanical arts workshops throughout the summer encourage visitors to find peace through nature.
Design Tips: Even a gentle winding path in your garden can encourage a slower pace and appreciation of the surroundings. Kwong’s naturalistic style and focus on pollinator plantings serve as a wonderful reminder to consider the needs of birds and bees.
Details: April 22 – September 1, 2025; Madison Square Park, NY, NY
What to Expect: The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” exhibit captures the surreal essence of Lewis Carroll’s tale through botanical art. Across seven installations, 38 topiary and planted sculptures depict Alice amidst the teacups, the Cheshire cat, the queen’s chess set, and the white rabbit.
Design Tips: Let your imagination run wild with your pruning shears—whether it’s shaping a hedge into a whimsical topiary or nurturing a small bonsai.
Details: May 10 – September 14, 2025; Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA
What to Expect: The Phipps Conservatory’s “Jungle Quest” exhibition is a paradise for plant enthusiasts, filled with tropical plants, flowers, and an array of topiary animals. Notable highlights include a flock of flamingos crafted from pink begonias and a pair of elephants set against the South Conservancy’s lush jungle of plantings.
Design Tips: Tropical plants like cannas, begonias, and elephant’s ears possess a natural whimsy. Even in cooler climates, they can be enjoyed in containers during warmer months. For an immersive canopy of foliage, consider planting a climber on a pergola or archway.
Details: May 10 – September 21, 2025; Phipps Conservatory, One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA
