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12 Picturesque Gardens You’ll Want to Wander Forever
When it comes to gardens, you might think of your neighbor’s slightly overgrown patch of daisies or that sad little herb garden you tried (and failed) to cultivate. But let’s broaden our horizons a bit, shall we?
The world is dotted with gardens that make those backyard attempts look like child’s play. From the extravagant floral displays of Keukenhof in the Netherlands to the lush greenery of the Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, these spaces aren’t just pretty; they’re odes to Mother Nature herself, showcasing every imaginable color and scent.
And trust us, if you’re a traveler seeking to reinvigorate your spirit, these gardens are your golden ticket. So, if you’re ready to swap your garden gnome for something a little more exotic, let’s get into some of the most incredible gardens around the globe that’ll have your eyes popping and your sniffer going wild.
Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands
If you’re searching for a floral paradise that’ll make your attempts at gardening look even more tragic, Keukenhof is where you want to be. Sprawling across 79 acres, it’s basically a Disneyland for flowers, boasting over seven million bulbs blooming every spring. That’s right; seven million!
And these aren’t just any old daisies, either—think vibrant tulips, daffodils that could make you weep, and hyacinths that smell better than your favorite candle. But just so you know, this floral wonderland is only open for about two months a year because, apparently, flowers have a tight schedule. So, don’t miss out!
Gardens of Versailles, France
The Gardens of Versailles are what happens when the French take their gardening just a tad too seriously. This sprawling estate doesn’t mess around; it’s a whopping 1,975 acres of meticulously manicured hedges and fountains that would make even the pickiest of gardeners fall in love.
Designed in the 17th century, these gardens not only reflect the grandeur of the French monarchy but also introduce a concept called “parterre,” which is just a fancy term for a geometric garden layout. Honestly, if art and nature had a sophisticated love child, it would definitely be these gardens, prancing around in their royal attire.
Butchart Gardens, Canada
Stepping into Butchart Gardens is like crashing a fancy garden party where the hosts are trying way too hard to show off. Located on Vancouver Island, these stunning gardens cover over 55 acres of pure floral bliss.
Lose yourself in the Sunken Garden, which was once a limestone quarry—proof that you can turn even the most mundane of places into a work of art. One minute, you’re admiring the intricate flower arrangements, and the next, you’re wondering if it’s acceptable to squat here forever. Just remember, these beauties have been captivating visitors since 1904, so they clearly know how to throw a garden shindig.
Kew Gardens, England
Let’s talk about Kew Gardens, a floral utopia that outshines many a backyard fiasco. This sprawling 300-acre paradise boasts the largest collection of living plants in the world—over 30,000 species, each trying to outdo the other in beauty.
And with its iconic Palm House and Temperate House, it’s like nature’s very own greenhouse thrown together by an overzealous horticulturist. So, if you’re gone long enough for grass to grow over your own garden, Kew will be there to remind you how it’s done. Don’t worry; it’ll also whisper sweet nothings to those neglected daisies of yours who are still waiting for your attention.
Longwood Gardens, USA
Longwood Gardens, located in Pennsylvania, is the spot where plant life goes to strut its stuff. Spanning a hefty 1,077 acres, it’s got a conservatory that’s a VIP lounge for exotic plants—who knew ferns could be so posh? And they’re not just about the looks, either; Longwood boasts one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of orchids.
If you thought your houseplants were impressive, just wait until you see these show-offs! You may leave questioning your own skills, but at least you’ll be inspired to spice things up in your sad little corner of the backyard.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, South Africa
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is what happens when the word “extra” takes on a life of its own. Sprawled at the foot of Table Mountain, this garden goes beyond the basics, showcasing a jaw-dropping collection of native flora—over 7,000 species, to be exact.
It’s like nature decided to host an all-you-can-eat buffet of plants, and everyone’s invited. You can stroll through fynbos, which sounds fancy but is just a unique vegetation type that only grows here.
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, Thailand
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is that friend who always tries to one-up everyone else. This extraordinary place sprawls over 500 acres and is home to more than 670 species of orchids (clearly, just one or two wouldn’t suffice).
You’ll find beautifully themed gardens, giant topiary animals, and even Thai cultural performances; it’s a floral festival on steroids. The piece de resistance? The garden hosts a stunning display of flowering plants that change with the seasons, ensuring you’ll never have the same boring visit twice. Good luck trying to compete with that at your house.
Majorelle Garden, Morocco
Tucked away in Marrakech, the Majorelle Garden is a vibrant splash of color on a canvas pulled straight from a painter’s imagination. It literally feels like you’ve stepped into an art piece. Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, it contains over 15 different species of palm trees, along with a dazzling array of exotic plants that seem to compete for attention.
And let’s not forget the striking cobalt blue buildings that make you question your entire home decor strategy. If your plants could throw shade, they’d definitely be envious of this botanical beauty.
Mirabell Gardens, Austria
Mirabell Gardens in Austria…where fairy tales go to vacation. Spanning a delightful 18 acres, these gardens are more meticulously arranged than your sock drawer—if you decently organized your socks, that is.
Renowned for their dazzling marble sculptures and perfectly symmetrical flower beds, you might even spot a random prince or princess lurking about, longing to escape their royal duties. And if history’s your jam, you’ll love that these gardens date back to the early 18th century, proving that while fashions may come and go, the art of over-the-top gardening is forever en vogue.
Chateau de Villandry, France
Chateau de Villandry is not just any chateau; it’s where gardening transforms into a jaw-dropping spectacle of planning and precision. Known for its stunning Renaissance gardens, this place takes the term “plant parent” to a whole new level.
Its vegetable garden is designed to be as visually appealing as it is practical—yes, that’s right, feeding your family while simultaneously impressing the neighbors. You might even find yourself questioning if your backyard tomatoes should start dressing better because here, veggies are flaunting their colors like they’re auditioning for a gardening reality show. Who knew kale could look this good?
Ryoan-ji Temple Garden, Japan
Ryoan-ji Temple Garden is the zenith of minimalism—proof that you don’t need to overdo it to make a statement. This iconic rock garden boasts 15 carefully placed stones set in raked gravel, which somehow manages to spark more debate than your average political discussion.
The catch? No matter how hard you try, you’ll never see all 15 stones at once. It seems to be a carefully curated ultimate game of hide and seek. Honestly, it’s a miracle visitors don’t leave in complete existential crisis after wondering why their own gardens are still a chaotic mess of weeds.
Gardens Of the Bay, Singapore
In Singapore, you’ll find a wild place where futuristic architecture meets nature on an extravagant shopping spree. Towering “Supertrees”—some reaching a dizzying height of 160 feet—literally wear their gardens like accessories, showing off a dazzling display of lights at night. It’s as if the city decided to throw a rave just for plants.
Each Supertree has an integrated environmentally-friendly system, because even plants deserve to be eco-conscious. And you can even stroll through the Cloud Forest, where it’s so humid that your hair might decide to join the humidity party—just don’t blame the flowers if they look fabulous and you don’t.
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