click to enlarge Watching the natural world come alive after a long snowy winter is enough to melt even the Scroogiest of hearts. It seems like every day a new bush is blooming, a new tree flowering, volunteers popping up unexpectedly, and perennials making their reliable return. While our own yards and neighborhoods are the backdrop for a spectacular and shifting display, the region is rife with examples of horticultural mastery that offer a different view each season. There is nowhere better to revel in the glory of spring, the lushness of summer, or the drama of fall in the Hudson Valley than the many public gardens in the region. Whether you’re going for a meditative stroll or a romantic picnic, here are eight of our favorite public gardens in the region.