1) Keukenhof Gardens is the most exquisitely dazzling garden, located in the Netherlands, only a short 30 minutes from Amsterdam or a quick train ride away from the city centre. With a beautiful 7 millions bulb flowers, this trip really does offer a completely unique experience. It’s only open a few months of the year so make sure you start planning your trip today, with an average of over 50 million visitors a year from all over the world it can get quite busy! So avoid peak times.
In 2014 it opens from the 20th March right through until the 18th May. The park itself consists of 15 kilometres of footpaths for you to explore so don’t forget to wear comfy walk shoes, sun cream and a big bottle of water. The gardens there are a little over 60 years old, with millions of daffodils, tulips and hyacinths it is such a glorious sight when they are all in bloom. The garden also features over 100 pieces of art work, 7 inspirational gardens and holds over 13 flower shows at various times throughout April and May.
If they aren’t busy enough they also hold the world’s largest lily exhibition which attracts thousands every year. No wonder why it is known at the world’s most beautiful spring garden in the world and without a doubt is a must see if you are planning a trip to the Netherlands.
2) However if you fancy something a little more unusual then the garden of cosmic speculation is for you, it lies in Scotland, five miles north of Dumfries. A landscape architect Charles Jencks opens his home, known as Portrack House only once year. Thousands have fled to see the spectacle every year. The garden is inspired by science and mathematics with all of the landscaping and designing based around these themes, the garden gives and ‘Alice in Wonderland’ feel as everything is so surreal you almost can’t believe you’re seeing it.
From black holes to Fractals, the garden is magnificent, but for you flower lovers out there – you won’t be disappointed either as the gardens have an abundance of plants. The garden is usually private, but now opens one day a year to raise money for Maggie’s Centres, a cancer care charity named after Charles’s late wife. The design of the garden is based on the Chinese garden philosophy, with one of its main features being long snaking curves as they both felt that it reflected the Scottish hills that surround their home. Without a doubt the must-see of the gardens of Scotland, a truly unusual experience for all you garden lovers!
3) If you’re into your history then have we got a treat for you as thirds on our list is the Royal Gardens of Versailles. It is considered to be one of the most famous and well known gardens throughout the globe; the gardens cover a gigantic 800 hectares of glorious land, covered in woodland areas and several stunning French style gardens. The enchanting gardens were founded by the French King Louis 14th, he hired the very best architects, landscapers and designers on his main project; the Château de Versailles.
Although the downside is that because it is so become to truly explore, it is a good idea to spend the night, with the 2 large pounds, beautiful flowers, manicured lawns, sculptures as well as 260 fountains and 100 rooms in the palace all filled with history and opulence and with 15 million visitors a year – as you can guess it can get rather busy! A tip if you are visiting is to look round the gardens in the morning, which are free and visit the palace in the afternoon after 2pm which means you avoid all of the large groups. Overall this former home of French kings optimizes royal elegance in the style of Old Europe.
4) This park is located in the city of Curtibia in the biggest city in southern Brazil; the Botanical Garden of Curitiba. These gardens are the main attraction of the city; the native forest paths were designed for leisurely strolling around. The auditorium seats over 60 people and a luxurious lounge where several exhibitions are held every year, from photographs to sculptures to art.
However on the other side of the gardens in the Botanical Museum, a quaint wooden building who holds the 4th largest herbarium in the country. From ponds, to carp, to turtles, to herons there really is everything for you to do. Whether you are quite happy just wandering around the gardens and lakes or if you want to take a read in the library or if you are feeling energetic then perhaps the theatre or tennis courts are for you.
5) The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located in the Coral Gables, Florida, here they keep tropical plants in order to allow people to admire their beauty and preserve the ones that are endangered. They do fabulous work here at the conservation centre, the area is open for the public to view, however, this only happens on special days of the year and this varies from year to year. Remember to sign up to their newsletter to be the first to find out.
The garden is also the leading centre for palm research, which the history of research going back over 70 years. If you are interested in an educational day out then look no further, as by the end you’ll be an expert in all things palm!
6) Japan’s most famous gardener, Kobori Enshu designed the Katsura Imperial Villa gardens, the gardens were designed for a view of every changing turn. Within the garden there were originally 5 teahouses (although unfortunately only 4 are now standing). The tours are free and the villa can be visited only during the tours held by the Imperial Household Agency. They last approximately one hour and don’t worry there are English audio guides avails for a small fee.
During the tour you will discover the gardens circular way of walking and take breath taking photographs. If you are planning a visit to Japan anytime soon this is the place to visit!
7) The unusual Suan Nong Nooch lies in Thailand, the garden opened in 1980, the popularity has increased from then on. The paradise has many wonderful gardens, with beautiful landscaping features, with the largest variety of Palm’s and Cycad’s in the world. Not only this but they also have the greatest and most varied selection of Orchid’s in the whole of Thailand, from shows to flowers all are stunningly beautiful and you won’t be able to catch your breath.
Be sure to visit in the mornings as the afternoon can get busy, especially in peak season, there aren’t many food or drink stops, and so I suggest taking some water and a light snack might be handy.
8) Last but certainly not least the Kew Gardens in London, mother of King George III started developing the large garden at the domain of White Lodge, Richmond in West London. In its entirety the whole garden encompasses an impressive 326 acres and has over 50,000 different species of plants. Not only gardens there are also many famous building, such as the Pagoda, the Palm House and the Temperate House.
It can be seen from all over the garden that the incredible sights are undeniable; the Japanese Gateway, the Treetop Walkway, Kew Palace and the Waterlily Pond. Trust me when I say that you will need at least all day to explore these fascinating gardens.
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Photo credit: My Blog Guest community
Photo credit: My Blog Guest community
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Karen James is a self-proclaimed lover of all things green and enjoys writing about anything relating to plants and nature. All Seasons landscape designers in Essex have been her gardening gurus for many years. When she’s not writing or gardening, she is busy running two businesses and looking after her grandchildren.