People have been cultivating gardens for both aesthetic and practical use for a significant part of human history. Botanical gardens have so much more to offer other than budding blooms and serene views. These green spaces usually detail the culture and history of a location through their massive collections of native flora and dedication to preserving their extraordinary landscapes.
So whether you’re looking to stepping away from the city bustle or immersing yourself in the wonders of nature while abroad, you’re sure to enjoy these beautiful gardens in the globe, which you need to see in your lifetime. Although fair warning, the natural charm of these fields will have you scrambling to plan your next getaway.
Gardening is an art form that showcases the perfectly manicured Western sanctuaries to the Zen-like gardens of the Eastern region. Let’s have a closer look at some of the best gardens from across the world.
Gardens of Versailles, France
The Gardens of Versailles in France showcases the most breathtaking gardens in the world. It offers hundreds of acres of flower beds, 21 miles of canals, more than 370 statues, some 600 fountains, and 55 water features.
It’s pretty unthinkable not to be in awe of the grand gardens of the Palace of Versailles! Created by King Louis XIV, also known as the “Sun King,” the gardens took about 40 years to develop. Along with the palace, the estate is a present-day UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most toured monument in the world.
This is formal French-style gardening at its finest!
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, Tokyo
The Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is a 17th Century garden created by Mito Yorifusa in 1629 and completed by his son. It incorporates Japanese and Chinese elements.
Monet’s Gardens, Giverny, France
If you are to visit one garden in your lifetime, let it be Claude Monet’s garden. The artist’s garden at his residence in Giverny, France, is definitely something out of a painting. From a quick train ride from Paris, Monet’s Garden is split into two parts- a Japanese-inspired water garden and a flower garden called Clos Normand.
Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania, USA
Longwood Gardens cover an impressive 1,077 acres of meadows and woodlands. The gardens were made after Pierre S. du Pont bought them in 1906 and have been impressing visitors ever since.
Giardini Botanici Villa Taranto, Piedmont, Italy
These gardens in Italy were made between 1931 and 1040 when a new owner fully turned the gardens of Villa Taranto to make them into the floral oasis they are now.
Humble Administrator’s Garden, China
These Chinese gardens are more than a thousand years old and comprise a labyrinthine of connected islands. The Humble Administrator’s Garden is a little like a Chinese water village.
Volksgarten, Vienna, Austria
The Volksgarten laid out in 1821 by Ludwig Remy is located on the grounds of Hofburg Palace. It’s renowned for its rose garden with 200 different cultivars of roses, and more than 3,000 rose bushes.
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, Pattaya City, Thailand
These 600-acre gardens in Thailand were initially bought to make a fruit plantation but were instead converted into a wildlife conservation project. They’re now separated into nine various sections, including the “French Garden,” “Stonehenge Garden,” and “Flower Valley.”
Butchart Gardens, Canada
Situated in the British Columbia district of Canada, the Butchart gardens receive more than one million tourists every year, and for an excellent reason. A designated Canadian Historic Site, these gardens contain more than 900 varieties of plants, which bloom March through October.
Château de Villandry, France
The Château de Villandry in central France is known for its remarkably manicured gardens. Joachim Carvallo bought the chateau in 1906, who spent a considerable amount of time making the spectacular gardens.
Kew Gardens, London, UK
These gardens in London have since been a Saturday afternoon staple for the people in London, and with the Temperate House, the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse nearby, it’s a must-visit.
Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, Netherlands
The Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands are among the most famous gardens globally, and indeed the best place to get a glimpse of the Dutch tulips—over seven million tulips line the rivers of the Keukenhof Gardens.
Crathes Castle, Scotland
The walled gardens of the Crathes Castle have been perfected in the last four centuries and consist of an array of beautiful florals.
Arundel Castle Gardens, UK
You will find these scenic gardens on the grounds of Arundel Castle, and every April and May, more than 60,000 tulips bloom. Much better is that it’s only an hour and a half train ride from London.
San Grato Park, Switzerland
The San Grato Park situated above Lake Lugano is one of the country’s five themed paths you can visit. The themed paths also include the appropriately named “Fairytale Trail.”
Las Pozas, Mexico
This Mexican garden located over 2,000 feet above sea level is filled with surrealist compositions made by Edward James, an eccentric English poet, in a subtropical rainforest. The natural waterfalls are interlaced with towering structures and pools.
To ensure you enjoy your arrival and aren’t worn out, be sure to bring must have items to keep your kids entertained on long road trips.