I love cut flowers, and occasionally indulge in a bunch or two from my local farmers market, but imported, non-organically grown, cut flowers are an environmental nightmare. Here's an idea: How about a romantic walk through a botanic garden instead of the roses this Hallmark Day? Across our snow-blanketed country, most botanic gardens remain open, and many also have greenhouses. That means that even in the midst of a Chicago winter, those craving a semitropical, tropical, or desert experience can get their green fix. Seeing as how it's 74°F here in Los Angeles as I write this, there's a part of me that wishes I could be transported (with lots and lots of warm layers) to the Chicago Botanic Garden right now.  

Here are a few images of the beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden by photographer Kyle Spradley to tempt and inspire the midwesterners in the crowd. Take your pick: Winter wonderland or tropical paradise. Better yet, enjoy both:

In or around Washington D.C.? The United States Botanic Garden is open daily, and admission to all public areas is free. Too cold to linger outside? The Lord & Burnham greenhouse contains eight garden rooms under glass, totaling 28,944 square feet of growing space. There's also an exquisite photography exhibition happening now in the Conservatory’s East Gallery. Called Close: A Journey in Scotland, it runs through June and features Allan Pollok-Morris' photographs of Scotland's most amazing gardens. Here's a taste:

And another:

Every state is home to at least one botanic garden, and most states offer multiple options. My favorite local botanic gardens are at the Huntington Library in San Marino, but there are a number that I still haven't explored right here in Southern California. Which botanic gardens do you love best in your home state?

You can find a new garden to explore close to home or on the road by searching the American Public Gardens Association database.

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