1. Château de Versailles
Just southwest of Paris lies a botanical paradise that was established during the 17th century under the scrutiny of Louis XIV. It was his primary goal to intensify the aura of his palace in Versailles, and the beauty of this historic landmark has certainly stood the test of time. Visitors today are still able to enjoy 250 acres of extravagant pathways that lead to flower gardens, lakes and classic statues that keep its antiquity alive. The original layout of Château de Versailles took time and effort as thousands of pounds of earth had to be removed to create the flower beds. While it took 40 years to complete, it remains a popular tourist attraction to this day.
2. Kew Gardens
Located at the domain of White Lodge, Richmond in west London, Kew Gardens was developed in 1879 by King George III’s mother, Princess Augusta. This impressive landscaping covers over 300 acres, and visitors are highly impressed as it contains more than 50,000 species of beautiful flowers and plants. Visitors are also able to enjoy various famous buildings such as the Temperate House, the Pagoda, and the Palm House. If you’re planning a visit, allow an entire day on your itinerary as it takes some time to truly enjoy all Kew Gardens has to offer. Among the sites you’ll want to be sure to see include:
- Waterlily Pond
- Kew Palace
- Treetop Walkway
- Japanese Gateway
3. Powerscourt Gardens
The enjoyment of a trip to Ireland can be heightened if you make time to visit Powerscourt Gardens. Located south of Dublin, this 47 acres of pure aesthetic quality was designed in the 18th century, and it highlights the basic aura of the Italian Renaissance. From the waterfalls and parks to the garden pavilions, tree-lined arbors and more, there is never a dull moment. The careful design of Powerscourt Gardens ensures you will have an easy time navigating your way through. The beautifully designed walkways frame the garden intelligently, all the while allowing you a unique and majestic view of the Wicklow Mountains.
4.Keukenhof Gardens
Anyone with a green thumb and a true enjoyment for the beauty flowers add won’t want to miss the chance to visit Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands. Noted as being “the most beautiful garden in the world”, here visitors have the unique opportunity to observe an astonishing seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Not only will you get to bask in the beauty of exotic foliage, but you also have the chance to speak with other gardeners who are happy to share their tips on growing healthy, beautiful flowers. Best of all, there are numerous restaurants and cafes within the park, allowing you to spend an entire day enjoying all the features Keukenhof Gardens has to offer.
5. Butchart Gardens
In Vancouver Island, British Columbia lies a floral paradise you’ll not want to miss if you ever in the area. The land was originally used by Portland Cement. However, by 1904, they had exhausted its resources valuable to quarry work, and the location had to be retired. This is when the wife of the owner of Portland Cement decided to return the land back to a more natural setting by filling it with fresh soil collected from farms in the vicinity. Today, visitors are able to enjoy the fruits of her labors as they observe over 700 species of plants which are in bloom from March through October. Such a valiant back story certainly merits a visit.
6. Suan Nong Nooch
To get a look into the oriental style of floral bliss, look no further than Suan Nong Nooch in Thailand. This garden features the greatest the selection of orchids in the country, and visitors are amazed by the world’s largest variety of palms and cycads. Established in 1980, Suan Nong Nooch was envisioned by Miss NongNooch. She felt it’s location would be the perfect place to establish a garden that would take your breath away. As if the wide variety of foliage weren’t enough, visitors also get the chance to enjoy entertaining shows throughout the day. Needless to say, you surely won’t get bored during a day at the exotic Suan Nong Nooch Gardens.
7. Villa d’Este
While Italy is well-known for it’s delectable dishes, it is also the location of the majestic Villa d’Este. Created on an age-worn Benedictine monastery, the garden owes its establishment to a Renaissance cardinal who desired to increase the aesthetic quality of the environment and increase quality of life for everyone to enjoy. The final product is one that has taken the world by storm, even being named by UNESCO as “one of Italy’s 31 major historical/artistic sites”. Here, you will be delighted as new and interesting sites await around every corner. Among the features you will enjoy include:
- Fontana del Bicchierone
- Rometta fountain
- Avenue of the Hundred Fountains
8. Desert Botanical Gardens
Botanical masterpieces aren’t all confined to faraway lands full of antiquity and mystique. Right here in the United States is the Desert Botanical Gardens. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, visitors get the opportunity to enjoy the unique properties of plant life found in desert areas. Featuring more than 17,000 species, you are sure to find new and exotic plant life you’ve never before encountered. The Desert Botanical Gardens is also dedicated to the discovery of exciting flora advancements, and they have dedicated 13,700 square feet of the garden to a research lab complete with a library, laboratories, and research facilities to ensure generations to come are able to enjoy the beauty plant life has to offer.
9. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Arizona isn’t the only state which features beautiful plants and flowers for all to enjoy. In Coral Gables, Florida, visitors get to enjoy the exotic nature of the various plant life that is prevalent there. Best of all, you get to experience the truly exotic without leaving the country as they have incorporated plant life from other areas into the garden including:
- The Caribbean
- Tropical Africa
- Oceanic Islands
- Madagascar
Like Desert Botanical Gardens in Arizona, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden also places a high value on research. Here, there is a high focus on conservation, and scientists here have been researching palms for nearly 70 years.
10. The Garden of Cosmic Speculation
When visiting a garden, you likely envision a pleasant stroll through past times complete with antique features and exciting back stories. However, in Scotland, you can instead transport yourself into the future when you visit The Garden of Cosmic Speculation. Envisioned and created by Charles Jencks and his late wife Maggie in Portrack House, Dumfries, Scotland in 1989, you are sure to be captivated by the unique landscape design based on mathematics and science. When you mix in the presence of the natural features, you are sure to be amazed at the clever convolution of futuristic possibilities with the elements that have always been.
