8 Things You Should Never Do at a Botanical Garden, According to Experts

There’s no better time to plan your trip to a botanical garden than during spring and summer. Botanical gardens attract millions of visitors across the country each year, and it's easy to see why. Strolling along picturesque paths, surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery, is the ideal way to recharge and unwind on a beautiful day.

As you may know, botanical gardens are dedicated to maintaining a collection of living plants for various purposes such as conservation, scientific research, display, and education. To enhance your visit, practicing simple garden etiquette will help ensure a respectful experience for yourself, other visitors, local wildlife, and the plants.

In this guide, botanical garden professionals share some important things to avoid when visiting a public garden.

Don't Visit Unprepared

Botanical gardens vary in size, topography, and temperature, and reviewing these details beforehand is helpful. "It is always vital to check a garden's website to see what they advise you to bring on your trip," says Daniel Ungier, vice president of education and guest experience at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

For example, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens hosts more than 300 acres of property, ranging from fully accessible walkways through ornamental gardens to steep trails through dense forest. "We always recommend our guests wear sturdy footwear and bring water and snacks," he says. Other items you may need include a hat, bug spray, sunscreen, and walking sticks.

Don’t Disturb Plants

While beautiful floral displays may seem like a perfect addition to your tablescape, Ungier notes that most botanical gardens don't permit you to take any plant matter home. "This policy helps preserve the plants for other visitors and ensures biosecurity," he says. This includes picking fruit, saving seeds, and propagating foliage and flowers. Certain botanical gardens permit gentle touching of plants as long as it does not harm them. Learning the rules in advance will ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit.

Don’t Veer Off Designated Pathways

It's tempting to take shortcuts or stray from the path when you see a plant you want a closer look at. However, it's important to stay on the designated walking pathways when visiting botanical gardens. This helps protect well-maintained plants and flower beds from being disturbed or trampled. The designated pathways will be clearly marked, guiding you through the garden and helping you understand the layout and structure.

Don't Stick to a Strict Schedule

While this doesn't lean on the side of garden etiquette, it can boost your overall experience. "When visiting a botanical garden, resist the urge to stick to a strict schedule," says Jourdan Cole, public relations manager at Longwood Gardens. She feels the beauty of a garden experience lies in wandering and letting your senses guide you. "Whether it’s the scent of a bloom or the way light filters through the trees, give yourself the freedom to pause and take it all in, as the best discoveries are often not planned," she says.

Don’t Bring Your Pets (Unless Permitted)

Some botanical gardens designate specific days or trails where dogs are allowed, but not all gardens have this policy. For example, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens focuses on creating healthy habitats for wildlife and requests that visitors leave their pets at home, says Ungier. Additionally, leaving pets in cars during your visit is prohibited due to extreme weather conditions.

Don’t Feed Wildlife

Most public gardens provide habitat to some type of wildlife, whether birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, or mammals. Feeding wildlife in a botanical garden is discouraged, as it can disrupt their natural diet, ecosystem, and behaviors. When animals regularly consume human food, they may become accustomed to humans and start approaching people for food.

Don't Disturb Restoration Zones

Botanical gardens often close off areas to allow restoration in certain areas or during certain times of the year. "Helpful signage is usually in place to ensure visitors know where these areas are, and it's important to adhere to these signs to support the restoration efforts," says Ungier. "This year at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, we are protecting select plots where our research team is conducting long-term studies on the adaptability of certain plants in our changing climate." 

Don’t Litter

Take care of your surroundings by putting trash and recyclables in their proper bins. Littering can pollute the environment, harm wildlife, contaminate soil, and impact plant growth, while also ruining the overall beauty of the charming garden atmosphere.