Ten of the most Beautiful Gardens of the World
The 10 Best Gardens For a Stroll
posted in: World | posted by: Jennifer Gregory on September 4, 2008
The closest I’ve ever come to having a garden was purchasing a ticket to the annual flower show that rolled through town last year. Hundreds of florists and horticulturalists came together in one place to show off their skills when it comes to laying out both creative and relaxing gardens.
Come with me on this journey through some of the most magnificent gardens in the world.
10. CHATEAU DE VERSAILLES
Located in Versailles, France, the Chateau De Versailles is open to the public on a daily basis and features a number of incredible sights, including four distinct palace buildings. The most incredible vision, however, is that of the 250 acre garden where you’ll find miles of meticulously laid flower beds. The landscape includes ornamental lakes, dozens of classical statues, and even a small canal!
9. SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS
The Singapore Botanic Gardens was founded in 1859 and is as rich with history as it is with beauty. The garden has evolved from a simple leisure garden to one wrought with scientific research blended with visual creativity. Ownership of the park has changed hands several times as its mission has evolved. The gardens housed some of the country’s first orchard breeding experiments, focused on projects dedicated to helping Singapore stay as green as possible, and still aims to be a leader in botanical research and conservation.
8. DESCANSO GARDENS
Located in La Canada Flintridge, California, Descanso Gardens is an incredible destination for horticultural aficionados and families alike. Plant lovers from all over will enjoy strolling through over a dozen different gardens and buildings. The 160-acre facility features not only gardens, but hosts a variety of school programs, weddings, and more. Children will especially enjoy a ride on the Enchanted Railroad which will give them a private tour of a small area of the Descanso Garden estate.
7. VILLA D’ESTE
The Villa D’Este is found in Tivoli, Italy. The site was originally a Benedictine monastery which was later converted to a villa, at which point the incredible garden was added. The garden is lined with dozens of fountains designed to depict Roman scenes, animal heads, and more. There are dozens of great places to stay in Tivoli, so this is an excellent addition to any Italian vacation.
6. DUMBARTON OAKS
In Washington, D.C., amidst the concrete capital of the United States, you’ll find Dumbarton Oaks. The Georgetown site is known as a research library, but originally started out as a home on rather uncared for property. The property was purchased by Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss who later landscaped the entire property to include a series of gardens, terraces, and walkways. Parts of the garden acreage have been given to various learning institutions, but most remains intact.
5. GARDENS OF THE VILLA EPHRUSSI DE ROTHSCHILD
In St. Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France you’ll come across the Gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. The meticulously landscaped gardens feature pools, fountains, and incredible themes. Walk amongst the olive and lavender trees, marvel at the incredibly planned Japanese and Florentine gardens, or explore the massive sculptures banished to the outdoor gardens due to their sheer size.
4. STOURHEAD GARDENS
In Warminster England, you’ll find yourself amazed by the gardens at Stourhead. Owned by Henry Hoare II, the focus of the entire estate was on remaining as classical as possible. Throughout the gardens you’ll find recreations of Greek and Roman ruins as well as incredibly landscaped horticultural displays.
3. THE GARDEN OF THE MASTER OF NETS
The Garden of the Master of Nets can be found in Suzhoa, China. One of the smallest gardens in the area, it is considered one of the most impressive because of the way it was designed to appear larger than it actually is. The garden has three sections, including a residential garden, main central garden, and inner garden. The beautiful gardens include a small pavilion at the center of a pond. You’re welcome to visit the pavilion if you don’t mind crossing a footbridge that is less than 1-foot wide!
2. SANSSOUCI
Located in Potsdam, Germany, Sanssouci was originally designed as the summer palace for Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. He designed the entire estate, especially the gardens, as a place where he could relax without the stress of power. After his death, Frederick the Great was buried in a tomb overlooking his gardens, which are now considered a World Heritage Site and are maintained by the Foundation for Prussian Palaces and Gardens. Make Sanssouci part of your tour of Germany.
1. BUTCHART GARDENS
On Vancouver Island in British Columbia you’ll find Butchart Gardens. The 55-acre garden used to be the site of a quarry, but was later filled in with dirt and turned into a garden. The garden has grown to include almost 1,000 different plant varieties and has now been in operation for over 100 years. Stroll the gardens by day, enjoy a meal either via picnic or in one of the garden restaurants, and enjoy an evening of fireworks. You’ll never have to search for something to see next.
Each of these gardens is the result of hours and hours of work by dedicated gardeners, landscapers, and horticulturalists from around the globe. Don’t miss out!
Ten of the most Beautiful Ancient Gardens of the World
There is perhaps nothing more pleasant to the senses than to sit in a garden filled with the greenest of greens; to see flower beds that present an array of colors so varied that one can easily get lost; to hear sound of birds around you; in short nature at the peak of its glory. Just to be there and to absorb the entirety of it, to feel the serene silence is a treat to dive into. Read on to find out about some of the most astounding natural and ancient gardens in the world restored in top notch state waiting to be toured.
10. VICEROY’S PALACE GARDEN, INDIA
The Viceroy’s Palace Garden in India is one of the most beautiful gardens of the country. It has a vast span of formal gardens with extensively designed landscapes that are a treat for the eyes. The impressive thing about the landscapes is the fact that they are not depictive of the Mughal or British style of gardening. They represent a modernistic vision which is pretty advanced for gardens that old. Covered in vast flowery areas and delicate lanes of grass separated with fountains, they present a wonderful scene to the onlooker.
9. HUNTINGTON LIBRARY CACTUS GARDEN, USA
The Huntington is an educational and research institution and its botanical gardens are famous all over the world. The gardens are divided into various themes from all over the world (Australian, Camellia’s collection, Children’s Garden) and cover around 120 acres of land. It contains a whole bunch of rare plants from around the world. It has a dedicated portion of Tropical and Carnivorous plants. It has one the worlds largest and oldest collections of cacti along with with plants from extreme environments.
8. POWIS CASTLE GARDENS, WALES
It was initially the residence of the Earl of Powis but is now under the care of National Trust. It was visited by the queen of England during her tour in 1832. It is perhaps the only garden in Britain that survived the 18th century reaction and thus is the only place where a true Baroque garden exists and is appreciated. The gardens are also very famous for the lead statue of Fame which is now seen in the courtyard. The builders were experts in hydraulics and thus the original water gardens. More formal gardens were added to the south east corner by the wife of the fourth Earl of Powis.
7. VILLA LANTE GARDENS, ITALY
It is one of the most romantic ancient gardens in the world and one that should not be missed if you are out in the world for a garden visit. These gardens are listed as the world heritage of UNESCO and are most famous for the statues from the old Roman Empire that decorate various corners of the garden. An example is shown in the picture above. Other attractions of the garden include the Aniene River, the singing birds and a gazillion fountains found in various areas of the gardens.
6. GARDEN OF COSMIC SPECULATION, SCOTLAND
As very obvious from the picture above, the gardens are more of a maths and science project than anything else. May be that is exactly what Charles Jencks wanted when he created these private gardens in Scotland. The whole landscape, the sculpturing are all based on the themes of mathematical formulas and scientific phenomenon. The main focus was not plantation but a setting that mindfully yet artfully combines symmetry, arithmetic curves, and nature. These gardens do not have a competitor in the entire world and though being private, they are open to public once every year. The income goes to a caner charity. Thoughtful and impressive!
5. ALHAMBRA GARDENS, SPAIN
These gardens were built around 660 years ago for a Muslim ruler of Spain as part of the Alhambra Palace in Granada. They were later discovered somewhere in the 19th century and since then they have been restored to represent the original grandeur. Since Spain is considered to have a hot atmosphere, the gardens were a healthy and fresh retreat for the royals. The royal park has beautiful watered gardens with overhead terraces presenting a cool green respite and the surrounding flower beds attract all kinds of humming birds which obviously add to the atmosphere.
4. THE SIX POEMS GARDENS – TOKYO – JAPAN
Also known as the green paradise of Tokyo, it is the most famous destination for tourists in the whole of Japan. It signifies a completely traditional Japanese gardening style. Its Japanese name is Rikugi which means the six poems which came from the inspiration behind the purpose of the garden. The people who lay the foundation of this beautiful garden wanted it to represent the six elements of ancient Japanese poetry. They wanted to capture and represent 88 of Japans most representative poems in the garden. It still boasts of being able to depict at least 30 of them.
3. BOTANICAL GARDENS OF SINGAPORE
The beautiful garden is surrounded by three different yet very pretty lakes and has around 60,000 orchids. It is situated on 63.7 acres of land and is known to be the only free botanical garden in the world. It is a major attraction for tourists from around the world. It is even common for people to travel from various destinations just to view the gardens in its actual brilliance. As is with all gardens, there exists a path that leads right through the botanical gardens and gives the viewers one amazing view after another. Established in 1895, it is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the entire world.
2. THE GARDENS OF THE ORIENTAL PALACE, TIVOLI, ITALY
The most interesting information about these gardens is perhaps the fact that they were established for the wife of an accomplished dignitary of Italy because she was very depressed. Talk about being over pampered. Well love surely is blind. Apart from this little fact, the gardens are famous in the whole world for their beautiful fountains. One of the many are depicted in the picture above. They create a spell bounding effect on the viewer and the serenity of the place is heart warming.
1. THE GARDENS OF VERSAILLES, FRANCE
The gardens of Versailles cover around 800 acres of land space and are known to be one of the most ancient and beautiful gardens in the world. No wonder they occupy the first place on this list. They occupy a part of what initially was the domain of the royal palace of Versailles. The gardens are styled in the classic French style by the famous Andre Le Notre. These gardens are one of the most visited places in the whole of France with the yearly tourist count to be more than 6 million. The main attractions of the gardens are the tediously manicured lawns, the flowers, and the sculptured fountain structures which are spread through out the gardens in various places. The beauty is astounding!
From the National Geographic book The 10 Best of Everything
Château de Versailles
Versailles, FranceThe famous French landscape designer André Le Nôtre laid out these gardens southwest of Paris in the 17th century at the behest of Louis XIV. The Sun King wanted them to magnify the glory of his palace at Versailles, which was itself a monument to his absolute rule. The 250 acres (101 hectares) are riddled with paths that lead to flower beds, quiet corners decorated with classical statuary, ornamental lakes, and a canal that King Louis used for gondola rides.Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
Kew, Richmond, Surrey, EnglandSet amid 132 hectares (326 acres) of landscaped grounds, greenhouses are a popular feature of the gardens. Underneath their domes, botanical science and conservation come together in an elegant setting 16 kilometers (10 miles) from London. The Temperate House is the world’s largest Victorian greenhouse; the Bonsai House has trees more than 150 years old. Beneath the sloping glass roof of the Palm House, ten climatic zones grow baobab trees and vanilla orchids. Queen Charlotte’s Cottage for royal picnicking and the Orangery for lunch are enchanting.Powerscourt Gardens
Enniskerry, County Wicklow, IrelandThe gardens and grand Palladian villa at Powerscourt, south of Dublin, were designed in the 18th century and punctuate 19 hectares (47 acres) of formal walled gardens and shaded ponds. The grounds, waterfalls, parks, garden pavilions, and fine tree-lined arbors were suggested by the Italian Renaissance and the great estates and gardens of France and Germany. Cascading terraces and formal landscapes are planned with carefully designed walks that are framed by the gentle beauty of the Wicklow Mountains.Butchart Gardens
Vancouver Island, British ColumbiaThe Butchart Gardens are a dazzling example of a successful reclamation project. The land, used for years by Portland Cement, by 1904 had exhausted its value as a quarry. That's when Jennie Butchart, the wife of Portland Cement's owner, filled the space with soil from nearby farms. Her vision expanded into a 55-acre (22-hectare) tract filled with 700 varieties of plants that bloom from March to October.Villa d'Este
Tivoli, ItalyA Renaissance cardinal decided to make life in Tivoli bearable by turning a dilapidated Benedictine monastery into a lovely villa, the Villa d'Este. This was embellished by one of the most fascinating garden and fountain complexes in the world, recently listed by UNESCO as one of Italy's 31 major historical/artistic sites. Among the most bewitching of the mossy fountains are the Fontana del Bicchierone (water pours out from a large shell-shaped basin); the Rometta fountain, which is a miniature Rom complete with a wolf-suckling Romulus and Remus; and the Avenue of the Hundred Fountains, where animal heads, lilies, a small boat, basins, and so on all spurt water.
The gardens at Versailles are riddled with paths that lead to flower beds, quiet corners, ornamental lakes, and a canal that King Louis used for gondola rides.
Photograph by Pete Turner/Getty
Dumbarton Oaks
Washington, D.C.You might feel as though you've stepped into a Merchant-Ivory set in any of the gardens that make up this estate at the north end of Georgetown, one of Washington's poshest neighborhoods. Vines tumble down stone walls enclosing the Fountain Terrace. Lovers' Lane meanders past a Roman-style amphitheater built around a small deep-blue pool. And what used to be a simple cow path leading away from the pool is now called Melisande's Allée, perhaps as a nod to the haunting opera Pelleas et Melisande.Gardens of the Villa Éphrussi de Rothschild
St.-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, FranceIn the early 1900s, Béatrice Éphrussi, a Rothschild baroness, built a pink-confection, Venice-style villa surrounded by breathtaking gardens, with the sparkling sea beyond. Pathways meander through the seven themed gardens, the focal point being the French gardens, with a lily-pad-dotted pool, dancing fountains, and a Temple of Love replicating the Trianon at Versailles. There are also a Provençal garden, filled with olive trees and lavender; a lapidary garden, with sculptures too large to be displayed in the villa; and Spanish, Japanese, Florentine, and exotic gardens.Stourhead
Warminster, EnglandTo the English gentry of the 18th century, the more classical something could be, the better. Stourhead is a grand example of genteel fascination with the past. Henry Hoare II punctuated the gardens of his Wilshire estate with re-created ruins and classical buildings such as the Pantheon and Temple of Apollo.The Master-of-Nets Garden
Suzhou, ChinaThis residential garden in southeast China, called Wangshiyuan in Chinese, was designed during the Song dynasty (A.D. 960-1270). The arrangement of pavilions, halls, music rooms, winsome bamboo groves, and waterside perches is an exercise in natural harmony. The central section is a small world within itself; piles of yellow stones form "mountains" complete with caverns, and a tiny arched bridge called the "leading to quietude" crosses a pond to a small pavilion in the center.Sans Souci
Potsdam, GermanyFrederick the Great of Prussia built the splendid rococo palace as his summer place, where he could live without a care, sans souci. Busts of Roman emperors, decorative statues, and a Chinese teahouse dot the lavish grounds.
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