Gardens
The Most Beautiful Gardens in the World
Photography, Vancouver Planner
Gardens
The Most Beautiful Gardens in the World
There’s nothing like strolling through a blooming garden to make you appreciate the wonders of nature.
Across the globe, some gardens stand out not just for their horticultural brilliance but also for their historical significance, innovative design and breathtaking landscapes. Here are some of the most beautiful gardens in the world that offer a glimpse into the artistry of floral design.
1. Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands
Photography, Public Transport Holland
Location: Lisse, Netherlands
Best Time to Visit: Mid-March to mid-May
Known as the "Garden of Europe," Keukenhof Gardens is one of the largest flower gardens in the world. Covering 79 acres, it features approximately seven million flower bulbs planted annually. The garden is renowned for its stunning display of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring flowers. The flower beds’ vibrant colours and intricate patterns, set against the backdrop of traditional Dutch windmills, make Keukenhof a floral paradise.
2. Butchart Gardens, Canada
Photography, Vancouver Planner
Location: Brentwood Bay, B.C., Canada
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Butchart Gardens is a National Historic Site of Canada, attracting over a million visitors yearly. The garden spans 55 acres and is divided into several themed sections, including the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Italian Garden and Mediterranean Garden. Each section offers a breathtaking atmosphere, showcasing a variety of plants, water features and artistic landscaping that reflect the seasons' changing beauty.
3. Claude Monet's Garden, France
Photography, Architectural Digest
Location: Giverny, France
Best Time to Visit: April to October
Claude Monet's Garden in Giverny is a living masterpiece that inspired many of the artist's famous paintings. The garden is divided into two main parts: the Clos Normand, with its vibrant flowerbeds and orchards, and the Japanese-inspired Water Garden, featuring the iconic Japanese bridge and water lilies. Monet's careful design and planting created a serene and picturesque environment that mirrors his impressionist works and still lives on today.
4. Gardens of Versailles, France
Photography, Britannica
Location: Versailles, France
Best Time to Visit: April to October
The Gardens of Versailles are a quintessential example of French formal garden design. Designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre for King Louis XIV, the gardens sprawl across 800 hectares. The meticulously manicured lawns, geometric flower beds, grand fountains and ornate sculptures create a sense of grandeur and symmetry. The gardens are an integral part of the Palace of Versailles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Ryoan-ji Temple Garden, Japan
Photography, Mazda Stories
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Ryoan-ji Temple's rock garden is one of the most famous examples of Japanese Zen garden design. The minimalist garden features 15 rocks of varying sizes arranged on a bed of white gravel, which is raked daily by monks. The simplicity and abstract nature of the garden invite contemplation and reflection, embodying the Zen principles of meditation and harmony with nature.
6. Kew Gardens, United Kingdom
Photography, Britannica
Location: Richmond, London, England
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
The Royal Botanic Gardens, commonly known as Kew Gardens, is one of the world's most famous botanical gardens. It spans 300 acres and houses over 50,000 living plants. Highlights include the Palm House, a stunning Victorian glasshouse; the Temperate House, the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world; and the Treetop Walkway, offering a bird's-eye view of the gardens. Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its extensive plant collections and scientific research.
7. Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, Thailand
Photography, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Ticketts
Location: Pattaya, Thailand
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is a 500-acre garden renowned for its stunning landscapes and diverse plant species. The garden features themed sections such as the French Garden, European Garden, Cactus and Succulent Garden and Orchid Nursery. Nong Nooch is also famous for its cultural shows, traditional Thai dances and elephant performances, making it a unique blend of horticultural and cultural attractions.
8. Villa d'Este Gardens, Italy
Photography, Britannica
Location: Tivoli, Italy
Best Time to Visit: April to October
The Gardens of Villa d'Este are a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance garden design. Located near Rome, these gardens are renowned for their intricate system of fountains, water features and terraces. The Hundred Fountains, the Oval Fountain and the Neptune Fountain are particularly impressive, showcasing the ingenuity of 16th-century engineering. The lush greenery and elaborate waterworks create a sense of enchantment and luxury.
9. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, United States
Photography, Vibemap
Location: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Best Time to Visit: April to May (Cherry Blossom Season) and June to October
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a 52-acre urban oasis that offers a diverse range of gardens and plant collections. The Cherry Esplanade is famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms in spring, while the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Rose Garden and the Native Flora Garden each provide extraordinary botanical experiences. The garden's mission to connect people with the world of plants is evident in its educational programs and community outreach.
10. Desert Botanical Garden, United States
Photography, Succulents and More
Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Best Time to Visit: October to April
The Desert Botanical Garden showcases the beauty and diversity of—you guessed it—desert plants. Covering 140 acres, it showcases more than 50,000 plants, including cacti, succulents and agaves. The garden's trails, exhibits and seasonal events highlight the ecological importance and peculiar adaptations of desert flora. The vibrant displays of wildflowers in spring and the spectacular cactus blooms make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
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