Here is the third installment on bucket list gardens and is about those magical gardens which are outside of North America. These breathtaking beauties offer a glimpse of the world’s botanical treasures which visitors – and die-hard gardeners – can enjoy.
I’m ready to pack my bags:
Keukenhof (Lisse, Netherlands): Known as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof is one of the largest flower gardens globally, with millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in bloom during late March to mid-May. Marty and I are planning to take our first European river cruise next year and we made a point of booking an itinerary which included the Keukenhof. So excited!
Alnwick Garden (Northumberland, England): This contemporary garden features unique designs, a grand cascading fountain, the famous Poison Garden with deadly plants, and the world’s largest treehouse which includes a jaw-dropping restaurant amidst the trees. (I would love to live there like a hobbit).
Boboli Gardens (Florence, Italy): Adjacent to the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens showcase Italian Renaissance landscaping with elegant sculptures, ornate fountains, and expansive lawns.
Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): Founded in 1808, this botanical garden is home to over 6,500 species of plants, including rare Brazilian flora, as well as historic buildings and monuments.
Gardens by the Bay (Singapore): This futuristic garden complex features the iconic Supertree Grove, towering vertical gardens, the Flower Dome with diverse plant collections, and the Cloud Forest with its indoor waterfall.
Powerscourt Gardens (County Wicklow, Ireland): Situated on the grounds of Powerscourt Estate, these gardens boast formal terraces, ornamental lakes, statues, and the impressive Powerscourt Waterfall, Ireland’s highest waterfall.
Hamarikyu Gardens (Tokyo, Japan): Located in the heart of Tokyo, these traditional Japanese gardens offer a serene escape with tidal ponds, cherry blossom trees, tea houses, and scenic walking paths.
Villa d’Este Gardens (Tivoli, Italy): This UNESCO World Heritage Site features Renaissance terraced gardens adorned with elaborate fountains, water features, and lush greenery, all set against the backdrop of the Villa d’Este.
Kew Gardens (London, England): The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are a global center for botanical research, conservation, and education, featuring diverse plant collections and iconic glasshouses.
Versailles Gardens (Versailles, France): These gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, are renowned for their formal French garden style, featuring grand fountains, geometrically arranged flower beds, and sculpted hedges.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Cape Town, South Africa): Situated at the foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is renowned for its diverse indigenous flora, scenic hiking trails, and stunning views.
Monet’s Garden (Giverny, France): Inspired by Impressionist painter Claude Monet’s works, these gardens feature a water lily pond, Japanese bridge, and vibrant flower beds, providing endless inspiration.
