A catalog of wonderful gardens to visit
Some of the best gardens to visit in the world have been featured in this catalog.
Visiting a garden can be a relaxing break with memories to cherish. Scroll down to the bottom of this page and you will be able to listen to some birdsong as you browse this lens and enjoy the flowers.
Throughout the world, people have created wonderful gardens, managing and modeling nature to create tranquil environments and living works of art.
Many of these gardens are open for the public to visit and enjoy.
My aim is to catalog these beautiful gardens to visit, so whether your close to home or traveling in far away places, you will always be able to find a piece of paradise that you can visit. There are a lot of gardens to visit out there and new gardens are continually being added. You don't have to be into gardening to appreciate the beauty of a flower, if you have a favorite garden to visit, why not tell us about it and get it added to this lens
The photograph from Trebah Gardens in Cornwall, England is copyright R. Woodrough
Garden Photos to Inspire
Here you will find these gardens to visit:
- Private Gardens to visit and open to the public
- Gardens UK
- National Trust Tour Pass
- Kingston Lacy in Spring
- Mottisfont Abbey
- Kew Gardens
- Royal Horticultural Society
- Royal Botanic Gardens Scotland
- Photos of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Scotland
- Other favourite gardens in the UK
- Eden Project Rainforest Dome
- Gardens USA
- The Rose Garden in the White House at Cherry Blossom Time
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Gardens Australia
- Gardens Canada
- Gardens Japan
- Gardens Portugal
- Gardens South Africa
- The Gardener's Poet
- Thinking about a vacation?
- Have you seen these?
- Bird Song from the BBC
Private Gardens to visit and open to the public
All over the world, there are many private gardeners who proudly open their gardens to the general public, usually in support of a charity.
Garden lovers in England and Wales, will find the Garden Finder on the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) web site a very handy resource for planning their visits.
Scotland has initiated its own scheme: Scotland's Gardens Scheme
Similar schemes in other countries are:
Australia: Open Garden Scheme
Belgium: Jardins Ouverts-Open Tuinen
Netherlands: The Nederlandse Tuinenstichting
New Zealand: The New Zealand Gardens Trust
Scotland: Scotland's Gardens Scheme
U.S.A: The Garden Conservancy
N.G.S. Japan is a scheme organized by the Japanese. Unfortunately, this site is in Japanese but here is a link to the Japanese National Trust which is in English.
Garden lovers in England and Wales, will find the Garden Finder on the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) web site a very handy resource for planning their visits.
Scotland has initiated its own scheme: Scotland's Gardens Scheme
Similar schemes in other countries are:
Australia: Open Garden Scheme
Belgium: Jardins Ouverts-Open Tuinen
Netherlands: The Nederlandse Tuinenstichting
New Zealand: The New Zealand Gardens Trust
Scotland: Scotland's Gardens Scheme
U.S.A: The Garden Conservancy
N.G.S. Japan is a scheme organized by the Japanese. Unfortunately, this site is in Japanese but here is a link to the Japanese National Trust which is in English.
Gardens UK
Gardens managed by the UK National Trust
There are an enormous number of gardens open to the public in the UK and the UK National Trust are custodians to so many of the important gardens that I have devoted a separate section to the National Trust, which offers the opportunity to purchase a money saving tourist pass and showcases some of the best UK gardens managed by the National Trust, listed by region.
This search tool lists all gardens managed by the UK National Trust
Search Gardens to Visit in the UK.
A number of National Trust gardens are known for their winter beauty and snowdrop displays.
Snowdrops photographed by Chris Chidsey.
This search tool lists all gardens managed by the UK National Trust
Search Gardens to Visit in the UK.
A number of National Trust gardens are known for their winter beauty and snowdrop displays.Snowdrops photographed by Chris Chidsey.
National Trust Tour Pass
With free entry to such a huge number of wonderful gardens, many people find it worthwhile belonging to the National Trust, even though they live outside the UK. Indeed, over 40,000 Americans belong to the National Trust's US membership affiliate, the Royal Oak Foundation.Membership benefits include:
- Free admission to National Trust gardens and properties.
- A copy of the National Trust Handbook.
- Three editions of the National Trust magazine.
- The Royal Oak newsletter, published quarterly.
Alternatively, if you are planning a trip to the UK, then you can take advantage of the National Trust Touring Pass.
This 7 or 14 day pass gives overseas visitors free entry to hundreds of historic houses and gardens in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Besides, free entry to over 300 National Trust properties, the pass comes with a free Map Guide detailing all National Trust gardens and houses, plus a Great Ideas Guide, that is packed full of useful information and suggestions on how to get the most out of your pass.
From as little as £22, this has to be the best way to enjoy the great British gardens, but note that The Touring Pass has to be bought in advance. It cannot be bought from National Trust properties or any other outlet in the UK.
Buy your pass direct from the National Trust now.
Kingston Lacy in Spring
A spring photograph taken in the Fern Garden at Kingston Lacy, Dorset, England,
by J. Woodrough
Mottisfont Abbey
Near Romsey in the UK
A view in the gardens of Mottisfont Abbey, photographed by R.Woodrough, in April.
Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond (London UK)
The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew is a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering over 300 acres and 2009 is the 250th anniversary of its founding. Its address is:
Royal Botanic Gardens
Kew
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 3AB
But it is just over one hour from the centre of London and is connected by both bus services and the London Underground metro.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Kew
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 3AB
But it is just over one hour from the centre of London and is connected by both bus services and the London Underground metro.
Kew Gardens are so vast and varied that you can easily spend a day exploring its grounds, but there is actually a lot more to this charming corner of London than just the botanical gardens and I have devoted a lens to the "village" of Kew.
Here is a great series of pictures from Kew Gardens by Taxus.
Note that you must have Javascript enabled and the latest Adobe Flashplayer installed in order to view this slideshow of photographs from Kew Gardens.
Note that you must have Javascript enabled and the latest Adobe Flashplayer installed in order to view this slideshow of photographs from Kew Gardens.
Royal Horticultural Society
Royal Botanic Gardens Scotland
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byPhotos of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Scotland
Other favourite gardens in the UK
- Holehird Gardens
- This is truly a gardener's delight. 10 acres of landscaped gardens, sitting above Lake Windermere and entirely maintained by volunteers; not only that, car parking and entrance is free, the gardens are supported by voluntary donations.
Holehird Gardens are open throughout the year and host three national plant collections: Astilbe, Hydrangea, and Polystichum. - The Lost Gardens of Heligan
- These gardens are like a real- life English Shangri-La. A lost garden in a hidden Cornish valley. Probably top of the ten best gardens to visit in the UK.
The Eden Project
A series of micro-climates created inside gigantic domes and extensive outdoor planting. Visitors can spend the day wandering between an English country garden, an Amazon rainforest and a Spanish courtyard. And that's just for starters.
Note that although the Eden Project is close to St Austell, it is on the Bodmin side of St. Austell and just off the A391. If you are travelling to the Eden Project along the A30, take the A391 turn-off to St Austell and the Eden Project is sign-posted; avoid going through St Austell, because you will not find signs to the Eden Project until you come upon the A391 Bodmin Road.
Eden Project Rainforest Dome
Gardens USA
Great gardens to visit in the USA
I already mentioned above, The Garden Conservancy in the U.S.A, whereby private gardens are opened for visits by the general public but here I want to list some of the particularly outstanding gardens to visit.
Let's begin with the Howard Peter Rawlings Conservatory, located at the edge of Druid Hill Park, Baltimore. Regarded as the crown jewel of Baltimore city's public gardens, it was brought to my attention by Lensmaster NatureMaven, who has created a lens, Baltimore's Best Gardens, devoted to celebrating its splendor with a great gallery of photographs.
Let's begin with the Howard Peter Rawlings Conservatory, located at the edge of Druid Hill Park, Baltimore. Regarded as the crown jewel of Baltimore city's public gardens, it was brought to my attention by Lensmaster NatureMaven, who has created a lens, Baltimore's Best Gardens, devoted to celebrating its splendor with a great gallery of photographs.
The Rose Garden in the White House at Cherry Blossom Time
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Spring has arrived and the Cherry Trees are in bloom. This is the month that the Cherry Walk at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is at its most beautiful and the Cherry Blossom festival of Hanami is celebrated. It runs through to May 2 and culminates in the two-day Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival, two days of music, workshops, crafts and wonderful scenery, which is the largest event in a USA public garden.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which this year celebrates 100 years, is at:
1000 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which this year celebrates 100 years, is at:
1000 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
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Gardens Australia
Some of the best gardens to visit in Australia
I have already referred to private gardens open to the public in Australia, under the Open Garden Scheme but here I mention some particularly noteworthy, Australian gardens to visit.
The section opens with a splendid video gallery from Tony (ightstar1969) of the 2009, Floriade Flower Festival in Canberra. The Canberra Floriade is the largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere and is an annual event to celebrate spring, in contrast to its Netherland namesake which is staged once every ten years. In 2010 the Floriade Flower Festival in Canberra, runs from 12 September to 11 October in Commonwealth Park, Canberra.
The section opens with a splendid video gallery from Tony (ightstar1969) of the 2009, Floriade Flower Festival in Canberra. The Canberra Floriade is the largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere and is an annual event to celebrate spring, in contrast to its Netherland namesake which is staged once every ten years. In 2010 the Floriade Flower Festival in Canberra, runs from 12 September to 11 October in Commonwealth Park, Canberra.
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Bruno's Art & Sculpture Garden
Bruno's Art & Sculpture Garden in Victoria, approximately 95 kilometres from Melbourne, is one of the most magical places in the world. Unfortunately Bruno's home and art gallery were completely destroyed in the February 2009 bushfire. The sculpture garden was badly damaged, but around sixty percent of the sculptures miraculously survived and after a lot of work, the garden has re-opened to the public.
- More on Bruno's Art & Sculpture Garden
51 Falls Rd
Marysville VIC 3779, Australia
Gardens Canada
Wonderful gardens to visit in Canada
Lens master Joanne Ott from Victoria BC, Canada, has produced a top-ranking lens on Butchart Gardens, including a very nice photo set. Butchart Gardens is close to downtown Victoria.
The Royal Botanical Gardens Centre is located on the border of Burlington and Hamilton, at 680 Plains Road West, Ontario, Canada. It is Canada's largest botanical garden and includes areas of deliberately uncultivated landscapes as well as cultivated gardens.
There is a useful list of Canadian botanical gardens published in Wikipedia but it may not be fully up to date. Also, note that the term "botanical gardens" implies a certain scientific element and whilst of horticultural interest, "botanical gardens" may not necessarily have a high pictorial or leisure content. In particular, some very picturesque gardens may not qualify for a list of "botanical gardens".
The Royal Botanical Gardens Centre is located on the border of Burlington and Hamilton, at 680 Plains Road West, Ontario, Canada. It is Canada's largest botanical garden and includes areas of deliberately uncultivated landscapes as well as cultivated gardens.
There is a useful list of Canadian botanical gardens published in Wikipedia but it may not be fully up to date. Also, note that the term "botanical gardens" implies a certain scientific element and whilst of horticultural interest, "botanical gardens" may not necessarily have a high pictorial or leisure content. In particular, some very picturesque gardens may not qualify for a list of "botanical gardens".
Minter Gardens, Vancouver, Canada
Gardens Japan
Great gardens to visit in Japan
With the cherry blossom festival season, it is a good time to introduce Koishikawa Botanical Gardens at the University of Tokyo, Japan. The Botanical Gardens, are open to the public and are located in midtown Tokyo. It is a popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot.
Nikko Botanical Garden is another branch of the University of Tokyo Botanical Gardens, where alpine, montane, marsh and temperate plants are grown, The gardens have good collections of trees and shrubs, including 22 of the 24 indigenous Japanese species of Acer.
Nikko Botanical Garden is another branch of the University of Tokyo Botanical Gardens, where alpine, montane, marsh and temperate plants are grown, The gardens have good collections of trees and shrubs, including 22 of the 24 indigenous Japanese species of Acer.
Japanese temple garden In Nagoya
Amazing books about gardens to visit
Gardens Portugal
Botanical gardens to visit in Portugal
Portugal and its dependencies have a number of picturesque and exotic botanical gardens open to the Public. We begin this listing with the Botanical garden at the National Museum of Natural History in Lisbon.
- Jardim Botânico- Museu Nacional de História Natural
- 4 ha at:
Rua da Escola Politécnica 58
1250-102 Lisboa - Jardim Botânico da Ajuda (não oficial)
- Instituto Superior de Agronomia
Tapada da Ajuda
1349-017 Lisboa - Jardim Botânico de Coimbra
- Located in the heart of the city of Coimbra since 1772, when it was founded by the then prime-minister Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo (Marquis of Pombal), the Botanic Garden covers a total area of 13 ha. of land, most of which was donated by Benedict monks and is notable for a peaceful and inviting atmosphere, filled with hidden corners.
- Jardim Botânico do Faial
- Jardim Botânico do Faial in the Azores, was established in 1986, taking the place of an old farm of orchards and pastures, located in São Lourenço, in Flamengo's valley and then expanded in 1995 to Pedro Miguel parish, taking in an additional location at an altitude of 400 m.
- Jardim Botânico da Madeira
- Madeira Botanical Garden is located at:
Caminho do Meio- Bom Sucesso
9050 - 244 - Funchal - Madeira
About 3 km from Funchal city centre and occupying 5 ha.
Mafra Garden, Portugal
Gardens South Africa
Unique gardens to visit in South Africa
The South African National Biodiversity Institute, SANBI, was established in 2004 to promote the sustainable use, conservation, appreciation and enjoyment of South African biodiversity , for the benefit of all people.
South Africa enjoys an exceptionally rich biodiversity and the home page of the South African National Biodiversity Institute offers links to nine wonderful National Botanical Gardens, including the great Kirstenbosch.
The 9 National Botanical Gardens are:
Free State
Hantam
Harold Porter
Karoo Desert
Kirstenbosch
KwaZulu-Natal
Lowveld
Pretoria
Walter Sisulu
South Africa enjoys an exceptionally rich biodiversity and the home page of the South African National Biodiversity Institute offers links to nine wonderful National Botanical Gardens, including the great Kirstenbosch.
The 9 National Botanical Gardens are:
Free State
Hantam
Harold Porter
Karoo Desert
Kirstenbosch
KwaZulu-Natal
Lowveld
Pretoria
Walter Sisulu
The Gardener's Poet
John Clare, the Englishman known as the Gardener's Poet , wrote a great verse called "All nature has a feeling". A few lines from the poem, beautifully encapsulate the joy from visiting a garden.All nature has a feeling: woods, fields, brooks
Are life eternal: and in silence they
Speak happiness beyond the reach of books.
And this verse does a grand job of describing flower power:
Observe the flowers around us, how they live,
not only for themselves, as we may feel,
but for the joy which they to others give;
for Nature never will her gifts conceal.
The photograph is copyright Robert Woodrough.
Gear for Garden Lovers
Gardener's Blogs
- Smaller containers appeal to veggie gardeners who don't have lots of space
- Container gardening is growing smaller. Suppliers are downsizing this season with easier-to-use trough planters, raised beds, pots or bags. It's an effective way to produce edibles or blooms in tight spaces. One of the leaders in this less-is-better ...
- Apply now for next Master Gardener's class
- Once again, spring is in the air, and the UT Extension office is gearing up to train a new class of gardeners. They will learn how to garden from the ground up, about soil, what it consists of and how its various components effect plant life and about ...
- Introducing The New Sunset Western Garden Book, the Essential Guide to ...
- Now in its ninth edition and completely redesigned to be more accessible, this go-to reference for gardening in the western United States includes over 2000 full-color photographs for the first time as well as extra emphasis on contemporary issues like ...
- In the Garden: Gardening with love
- By Gloria Kupferman, Master Gardener Red tulips are viewed in some cultures as the flower of choice to communicate love. ?The garden is a love song, a duet between a human being and Mother Nature.? I've often wondered why Valentine's Day, ...
Thinking about a vacation?
Vacations about gardens and gardening
- Horticultural Holidays and Vacations
Jump to this article which suggests that, as an alternative to a beach holiday, garden tours and vacations can offer a memorable relaxation break.The lovely photograph is by Thomas Ricks
Feedback will help this lens to blossom.
It is great to get feedback and any suggestions will be much appreciated.
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davespeed
Dec 1, 2011 @ 6:00 pm | delete
- Beautiful lens! My parents visited the Butchart Gardens that aesta1 mentioned and they said it was one of the most beautiful places they had ever been. I would recommend visiting Bellingrath Gardens in my home state of Alabama, USA.
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aesta1
Sep 4, 2011 @ 8:39 pm | delete
- The Butchart Gardens in Canada is a must see.
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brbrooks
Sep 2, 2011 @ 2:43 pm | delete
- I love gardens and I loved reading your lens.
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RinchenChodron
Aug 11, 2011 @ 9:52 pm | delete
- What a fabulous lensography! Obviously you love gardens - so do I!
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Irenemaria
Aug 11, 2011 @ 1:17 pm | delete
- Wonderful and beautiful. I want to see them all.
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ShirleySunshine
Jul 1, 2011 @ 12:21 pm | delete
- What delightful gardens,a lovely Lens, with so much to see, very well done!
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Blessedmombygrace
Jun 4, 2011 @ 5:38 pm | delete
- You have some beautiful gardens here. Kew Gardens is lovely! Enjoyed the slide show.
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sushilkin Apr 27, 2011 @ 5:15 am | delete
- Nice Lens. Thanks for Sharing your knowledge. PRAY FOR JAPAN PLEASE
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EmaAzevedo
Apr 15, 2011 @ 2:30 pm | delete
- Beautiful Lenses. You managed to get a great list of world wonderful gardens. I favourited your lenses.
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Nibbled
Mar 5, 2011 @ 6:13 pm | delete
- Oh my goodness, this lens makes me so eager for Spring. Kew Gardens sound like a place I'd like to visit if I ever go to England again.
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Have you seen these?
Bird Song from the BBC
Wildlife sound recordist Chris Watson provided some of the sounds.
Just click on the first entry below and the player will begin, looping through all the birdsong provided in the table.
Just click on the first entry below and the player will begin, looping through all the birdsong provided in the table.
- Blackbird (Eurasian Blackbird)
- Birdsong-Blackbird.
- Song_Thrush
- Birdsong-Song_Thrush
- Robin
- Birdsong-Robin
- Chaffinch
- Birdsong-Chaffinch
- Mistle_Thrush
- Birdsong-Mistle_Thrush
- Redwing
- Birdsong_Redwing
- Siskin
- Birdsong_Siskin
- Wren
- Birdsong-Wren
In case you missed these in Gardens to Visit
by Geeve
Geeve
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