We’re lucky here in Albuquerque; our unique climate and ecosystem provide for some pretty stellar examples of flower and plant life. The southwest is rich with flora and fauna, in fact, but then again, so is the rest of the country. Come spring and summer, places all over the nation are celebrating their signature flowers—which are usually at their peak—with festivals and other events, usually tied to their botanic gardens. Visiting a destination’s floral attractions is a great way to engage with local culture. Peoples Flowers has rounded up our favorites (and most of them just happen to be nearby) so you can plan a floral adventure soon.

ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, Albuquerque

It goes without saying that we’re proud of our park, which features 36 acres, walking paths, a Japanese garden and a children’s garden, all set along the Rio Grande. As if that’s not enough, we’ve got a zoo, an aquarium and a calendar full of events to consult year round that brings us out to this intriguing local gem.

Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix

One of the coolest botanical gardens ever, this desert-focused attraction has been around since 1939 and offers visitors a glimpse into the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. Located in Papago Park, there are 145 acres to traverse here, where you’ll see wildflowers, herbs, cacti and 50,000 plants. And while you’re at it, add a visit to Arizona during wildflower season to your bucket list. From late July to early September, you’ll see all kinds of Sonoran Desert plants blooming, including the saguaro cactus. There are tons of tours available to take you to just the right viewing spot.

Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City

We love this city’s amazing urban garden, a little oasis amid the hustle and bustle. It’s free, and filled with everything you could ever want, including ornamental gardens, a Great Lawn, a lake, an off-leash dog park, splash fountains and a garden for the kids . . . We could go on. The Crystal Bridge Conservatory houses thousands of tropical and desert plantings as well as 750 species of plants.

Or, you could just make your own home a year-round floral event with something like our Tranquility Bouquet, a perfectly restful piece you’ll love coming back to.