The lush beauty of a garden often brings a unique kind of peace to the human soul, reminding us how connected we are to nature’s splendor. From small private gardens to large scale garden developments, there are many to be discovered around the world. If your “bucket list” includes experiencing the serenity and inspiration of gardens, here is the top 10 list of the best gardens around the globe you will want to visit soon.
Sanssouci Palace and Gardens: Potsdam, Germany
Western Europe boasts some of the most stunning gardens in the world thanks to the temperate climate. Established over 400 years ago by Prussian royalty, Sanssouci features multiple palaces once inhabited by Frederick the Great and his lineage. This unique park style garden, with roman statues, fountains, and a Chinese teahouse has been voted as a “World cultural heritage site”.
Mirabell Garden : Salzburg, Austria
Perhaps one of the most splendid of places is the Mirabell, established in 1689 as the most beautiful Baroque style gardens in the world. Built along the axis of Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Salzburger Dom cathedral, Mirabell depicts life as it was in Motzart’s time, and is filled with artistic elements of the roman and French culture.
Singpore Botanic Garden: Singapore, China
Established in 1859, the massive 128-acre Singapore Botanic Garden has long been considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful oriental gardens. The garden features a wide variety of exotic and native plants, along with over 60,000 varieties of orchids on display in the National Orchid Garden.
Château de Versailles: Versailles, France
Just south of Paris, exists a 250-acre garden built by the famous landscape designer André Le Nôtre as commissioned by King Louis XIV in the 17th century. Multiple footpaths lead to flower beds, ornamental lakes, classical statue forms, and even a canal that the king enjoyed for gondola rides. You’ll want to spend a great deal of time experiencing the life of nobility here.
Villad'Este: Tivoli, Italy
The Renaissance age was a prime time for gardens and architecture, and the Villa d'Este is a prime example of this powerful combination. A Benedictine monastery was transformed into a paradise with the addition of plants, moss, and multiple fountains including the Avenue of the Hundred Fountains and Fontana del Bicchierone. This magical place is one of Italy's 31 major historical/artistic sites.
Butchart Gardens: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
As one of North America’s top spots, Butchart Gardens is a fairly new garden, established in 1904 by Jennie Butchart, the wife of Portland Cement's owner who decided to reclaim the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside by filling in an abandoned quarry. This 55-acre garden is filled with over 700 varieties of plants and flowers that bloom from spring to fall in the cool climate.
Magnolia Plantation andGardens: Charleston, South Carolina, USA
With over 325 years of history, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a magical place where southern belles and gentlemen can stroll along the waters of the Ashley River. The garden features a real working plantation with multiple gardens, foot bridges, and statues to enjoy. The best time to visit is in early spring when the Azaleas are in full bloom.
Descanso Gardens: La Canada Flintridge, California
A trip to Los Angeles is not complete until you visit DescansoGardens, this 160-acre Spanish garden boasts more than 100,000 plant varieties and the world’s largest collection of camellias. Included in the tour is the “Enchanted Railroad”, Japanese garden and the International Rosarium, which features a massive array of roses.
Stourhead: Warminster, England
If you enjoy a bit of the English whimsy of the 18th century, then a trip to Stourhead should be on your agenda. Built by Henry the Magnificent to enhance his estate, the garden is a fantasy wonderland with replicas of Roman and Greek ruins and buildings, complete with the splendor of native flowering plants and bridges that entice visitors to explore.
Ryōan-ji Zen Garden: Kyoto, Japan
Looking for the ultimate in zen? A visit to Ryōan-ji Zen Garden is a must for the rock and minimalist garden enthusiast. Beginning in the 14th century this dry landscape garden was designed by Hosokawa Katsumoto as a special palace of serenity and natural beauty alongside the Tokudaiji Temple.
About the Author: Abi Turner is a dynamo in the Chicago landscaping scene – when she isn’t providing valuable tips, she is in her own backyard keeping up with her own lawn and elaboratevegetable garden.
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