When a city is so rooted in Revolutionary times, it's a natural that Federal and Greek Revival architecture and other vintage homes result in fabulous gardens. In fact, there are more outstanding public gardens in the greater Philadelphia area than most other cities in America. So rather than visiting the Philadelphia Zoo or the many museums in the city, consider a trip to one of the gardens for great design ideas and fabulous plants.

The entire state of Pennsylvania is choc full of small farmers and gardeners who can grow just about every temperate climate plant imaginable, so residential landscapes are incredibly beautiful and diverse. The spring Philadelphia Flower Show is among the oldest events of its kind and this is where to see demonstration gardens created by top notch local designers and contractors all in one place. Here you'll find the look you want and the people who can make it happen in the Philly area.

Downtown Philly fronts on the Delaware River with a fabulous waterfront. This is a city rich in the row house where tiny yards limit gardening but still provide opportunities for gorgeous courtyards and outdoor living spaces. Just outside the urban area, residential lots grow larger and the rural Pennsylvania landscape gives homes and communities fresh opportunities for world class landscapes tailored to outdoor dining and upscale entertaining. For lovers of fresh cuisine, the Awbury Arboretum hosts educational opportunities for organic gardening and trendy urban agriculture.

Beyond the Philadelphia Airport is Chester, another riverfront town that has seen better times, but is now recreating itself by repurposing the older industrial structures. On the fringes of old downtown are vintage homes that are affordably priced for restoration and landscaping. Made famous by the enormous King of Prussia Mall, the small town of Wilmington sits north of Philadelphia on fertile agricultural soils.

Just a short drive takes you to Longwood Gardens, and what may be the most famous estate landscape in North America. It's open to the public with a rich offering of classes, lectures and events. These communities are family homes where designs for safe children's play spaces and parental get-away spots are always in high demand.

Across the river is Camden, New Jersey, a shipping port linked to Philadelphia by the Betsy Ross Bridge. On its waterfront are the USS New Jersey, Adventure Aquarium, Campbells Field and Susquehanna Bank Center, an open air concert venue.

The Centennial Arboretum Horticultural Center is the heart of local gardening and design culture. Within the 27 acres are plantings that feature modern sculpture, Japanese design, mature examples of landscaping trees, including the magnolia grove. Visit in different seasons to focus on the trees and shrubs that offer much and ask little.

Use your newfound knowledge to turn your carefully crafted hardscape and elaborate outdoor kitchens into gardenesque spaces surrounded by beauty in every season, which is always on the verge of change.