Just a few minutes from LSU’s campus, the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens sits waiting for community members to visit its collection of specialty gardens blooming this summer.

​The 440 acres of green space has been maintained by LSU since 1966 after the Burden family donated the land, becoming a space for extensive agriculture research and community enjoyment.

This summer marks another season of education and fun for gardens, with events and collections for community members to enjoy.

​“Throughout the summer, the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens offers a variety of recurring programs and unique experiences for the community,” said Malorey Uzee, communications coordinator for the gardens.

These events include Birding at Burden, a bird-watching tour, and Reflections in the Garden, a lunch and learn event with local specialists. Taking place each month, these events allow community members to connect with nature and learn from experts.

This summer also marks the opening of the garden’s new welcome center, which will enhance the visitor experience and expand opportunities for gatherings and programs, said Uzee.

For those looking to explore on their own, the Trees and Trails section of the gardens provides three miles of trails for visitors to experience the garden at their own pace.

These events, combined with the availability of self-guided visits and exploration, create the space to step away from the noise of life and feel grounded, according to Saniya Johnson, a student worker at the gardens.

Johnson, a junior animal science major, said, “The gardens give people the chance to take a step back and reconnect with nature. For students, it’s a peaceful place to walk, decompress or study with nature at your fingertips. For the community, it’s a space to enjoy trails, wildlife, open green areas and to host events.”

The gardens are also filled with staff-favorite hidden gems.

“One thing I wish everyone knew is that Botanic Gardens isn’t just a pretty place — it’s a working landscape full of research, wildlife and even honeybees,” Johnson said. “Most visitors are amazed that we sell honey from the bees on the back of the property.”

Uzee also has her favorite spot on the property: the Windrush Gardens. Featuring live oaks and creeping myrtles, this section offers a more intimate and serene setting that many people don’t realize is part of the larger property.

But the LSU Botanic Gardens are more than just a place for visitors to relax and learn.

“The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens supports LSU’s research mission by serving as a living laboratory for plant evaluation, landscape sustainability and environmental resilience,” Uzee said.

Currently, researchers at the gardens are focused on plants that perform well in Louisiana’s climate, as well as on stormwater management, native species and horticultural best practices.

“The site also provides valuable hands-on learning opportunities for students and supports outreach through extension programming,” said Uzee, “bridging research with real-world application for the public.

The LSU Botanic Gardens, located at 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, is open 8-5 everyday for community members to enjoy without admissions fees.