Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The earth laughs in flowers.” Flowers are some of the most beautiful specimens nature has to offer, and like Emerson, we should remember to take time out of our daily lives to appreciate them. So whether you need to take a stress break or are looking for inspiration, take a stroll through blooming gardens and put your mind at ease. There is no better time to appreciate flowers than in the spring, which comes to an end June 21st. We have gathered a list of places where flowers are currently blooming in and around Berkeley for your wandering and relaxation purposes.
- Tilden Regional Park
The tall trees make this park cool and shaded throughout with rays of sun shining through the branches. Stroll through the many dirt paths and find the numerous flowers. You can also go into the Botanic Garden, which is full of California native flowers, shrubs and trees.
- Berkeley Rose Garden
This is perhaps the sweetest-smelling location on the list. The many different types of rose bushes are in full bloom now, but they won’t be for long once it gets warmer. Sit peacefully at one of the benches in the shade with a friend and contemplate life as you take in the beautiful aroma and atmosphere around you.
- UC Berkeley Botanical Garden
This garden has a lot to offer with its colorful collections of plants separated by ecosystem. It has one of the largest, most diverse selections of plants in the United States with a unique variety that can hardly be seen anywhere else. This is a great place to visit as a student, and if you’re a UC Berkeley faculty, staff or student, your admission is free with ID!
- Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve
Though not in Berkeley, it is worth traveling the few extra miles to the hills above Oakland to hike in the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve. You can take the 1.7 mile self-guided walk, and as a bonus to the wildflowers in bloom along the path, see part of what used to be an active volcano.
- UC Berkeley campus
We are really fortunate to attend a university that has such a beautiful campus. If you find yourself with some free time this summer, take a stroll to the western corner where you’ll discover bright orange California poppies in bloom near Tolman Hall. Likewise, take a look at the bunches of white and yellow wildflowers that have sprouted up at various places on the sides of Strawberry Creek.
- East Bay Nursery
If you feel like starting your own garden or just want to browse, this quaint nursery offers an array of unique flowers and plants. The staff on hand are friendly and knowledgeable, so feel free to ask them questions. While you’re there, you can also head a few blocks down to check out the beautiful views of the Bay and the vegetation growing by Berkeley Marina.
Image Sources: Brian, MelRoseJ, Andrew Or, David Silva, Ken-Ichi Ueda, John Morgan, Pete Villeaux under Creative Commons
