In a metropolitan area surrounded by the Emerald Necklace, it’s no wonder there are innumerable places to go to find spring flowers. With the moderate temperatures this winter, you might not even have to wait until spring. In each corner of our community, there are a variety of top locations where you can spend a day or an afternoon appreciating nature’s beauty bursting forth. These five favorite destinations will surely delight with a variety of blossoms, blooms and beauty.

Rockefeller Park Greenhouse
750 E. 88th St.
Cleveland, OH 44108
(216) 664-3103
www.facebook.com/RockefellerGreenhouse

Originally the greenhouse was utilized solely to grow plants for the City of Cleveland’s landscaping projects. It has evolved into a spring and summer destination for flower lovers all over Cuyahoga County. Inside the greenhouse (no admission charge), you’ll always find thousands of plants along with seasonal feature displays. Outside, walking gardens may be the biggest draw, with an incomparable iris garden among the favorites. If you have extra time, wander down the hill and enjoy miles of trails through the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, with displays on both sides of Martin Luther King Drive.

Cleveland Metroparks
4101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, OH 44144
(216) 635-3200
www.clevelandmetroparks.com

The Metropark is the only other totally-free site for spring flower viewing in this list. But fear not, you could spend all spring exploring the 22,000 acres managed by the Metroparks. To make life easier, it offers a Tour of Wildflowers program each spring, with prizes if you find and identify a required number of flower species. Log onto their website using the link above and register for the Tour of Wildflowers. You’ll get an instant download of a flower guide and prize requirements.

Cleveland Botanical Garden
11030 East Blvd.
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 721-1600
www.cbgarden.org

Renowned for both their greenhouse and their outdoor gardens, this is a must-see-destination that is worth the admission fee. The Glasshouse is home to two micro climates, enabling them to replicate the flowers and plants from both Madagascar and Costa Rica. Outside, spring time is a perfect time to enjoy the flowers in 11 distinct garden areas, including the nation’s first Children’s Garden. If you love photographing flowers, you might consider joining their Garden Photography Club, where you’ll receive special shooting privileges.

Related: Best Botanical Gardens In Cleveland

Gardenview Horticultural Park
16711 Pearl Road
Strongsville, OH 44136
(440) 238-6653
www.gardenviewhp.weebly.com

Driving down Pearl Road in this southwest suburb, you’d never guess that behind that big wooden fence lies 16 acres of blossoming green goodness. Begun in 1949, this garden has been the life-long accomplishment of Henry Ross. Open on Saturdays and Sundays, you’ll enjoy the six-acre English Cottage Gardens with rare plantings. There’s also a 10-acre arboretum with 2,000+ flowering trees.

The Gardens At Stan Hywet Hall
714 N. Portage Path
Akron, OH 44303
(330) 836-5533
www.stanhywet.org

Built in 1912 for rubber baron F.A. Seiberling, founder of Goodyear Tire, this estate is surrounded by 70 acres of finely maintained green space. Walking outside from the house, you’ll be captivated by the 550-foot-long birch tree allee, a stone path naturally arched by 100 tall, gray birch trees. Head over to The Dell for a cornucopia of wildflowers in the spring and summer, and walk through the stone underpass on your way to the sunlit Great Meadow on the other side. The English Garden was the favorite of the Seiberling’s wife and today is lovingly maintained with over 3,300 perennials.

Related: 5 Spring Bulbs To Plant In Your Garden Now

Doug Bardwell is a freelance writer, traveling the globe in search of unique experiences to share with his readers. He writes about travel, tech and the active life from his base in Cleveland, Ohio. Doug’s work can be found on Examiner.com