Welcome to a world of stunning natural beauty and sustainable tourism. From the lush gardens of North America to the vibrant blooms of Europe and the exotic flora of Asia, our planet is home to some of the most beautiful gardens on Earth. These botanical masterpieces are a testament to the incredible diversity of plant and animal life that thrives in various regions around the globe.
Let’s take a look at some of the most amazing gardens that give people a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature while promoting conservation.
Longwood Gardens, United States
Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania is a massive botanical garden, spanning 1077 acres and featuring 40 gardens and 4.5 acres of greenhouses, which are home to over 11,000 types of plants and trees. The highlight of the garden is the 86-acre meadow, and visitors can explore well-maintained walking trails stretching over 3 miles.
There are numerous water resources and wildlife, including deer, beavers, butterflies, and birds. The conservatory alone houses 20 indoor gardens and protects over 5500 plant species, including roses, bonsai, cacti, and ferns. The garden hosts seasonal exhibitions, performing arts, summer fountain shows, concerts, and firework displays.
The Butchart Gardens, Canada
The Butchart Gardens in British Columbia is an ecotourism destination, drawing over a million visitors annually. It was created by Jennie Butchart, who turned her husband’s quarry into a lush paradise. Spanning 55 acres, the gardens boast 900 plant varieties and 26 greenhouses, with must-see areas like the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Sunken Garden, and Mediterranean Garden.
There are also several dining options, including The Blue Poppy Restaurant, The Dining Room, and Coffee Shop, as well as a gift shop. The gardens are a National Historic Site of Canada.
Gardens of Versailles, France
The Versailles Gardens cover 800 hectares and have 300 hectares of forest, hundreds of acres of flower beds, 35 kilometers of canals, 600 fountains, and 372 statues. Commissioned by Louis XIV in 1661 and taking 40 years to complete, the gardens have the same importance as the palace and were recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1979.
The Grand Canal, stretching 1.5 kilometers long, is a highlight of the gardens with oak, wild cherry, and ash trees lining its banks. The Orangerie, covering 7.5 acres, protects thousands of trees during winter, and the garden’s fountains are adorned with colossal statues depicting mythological figures. A boat ride along the Grand Canal gives you a magical view of the huge gardens of Versailles. If you’re a nature lover, then this is a place you must see.
Monte Palace Gardens, Madeira
In Madeira, nature lovers can find a paradise of botanical gardens and parks, with Monte Palace Gardens being one of the best. Spanning 70,000 square meters across multiple levels, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Funchal and the sea as they explore the extensive collection of exotic plants from around the world.
Not only do the Monte Palace Gardens feature stunning tropical gardens, tourists can also admire a collection of Hispano-Moorish tiles from the 15th and 16th centuries. Inside the Monte Palace Madeira Museum, one can find numerous African sculptures and a captivating mineral collection. With so much to see and explore, the Monte Palace Gardens are a must-visit destination for anyone seeking natural beauty and cultural enrichment.
Giardini Botanici Villa Taranto, Piedmont, Italy
Nestled in the scenic Piedmont region of Northwest Italy, the Villa Taranto botanical garden boasts an impressive 16 hectares of land, showcasing a staggering 20,000 varieties of plants from thousands of different species. Visitors can wander through 4.3 miles of walkways and marvel at the Italian-style statues, terraces, waterfalls, fountains, and ponds that enhance the garden’s beauty.
The Villa Taranto botanical garden is open to the public free of charge, and visitors can experience the full bloom of flowers from spring to autumn. In April, thousands of tulip flowers bloom, creating a magnificent display of color, while the dahlia season kicks off in July and lasts for three months. With its breathtaking beauty and diverse plant collection, the Villa Taranto botanical garden is a must-see destination for any nature lover.
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, Pattaya City, Thailand
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is a stunning 500-acre garden in Pattaya, Thailand, featuring an extensive collection of over 670 native species of flowering plants. The symmetrical design of the garden includes separate sections for bonsai, ferns, palms, cacti, orchids, and perfectly trimmed shrubs, and a 1.1-kilometer walkway offers a delightful stroll through the garden.
Beyond the gorgeous botanical displays, NongNooch Pattaya Garden & Resort offers additional attractions such as a Thai cultural hall with daily shows, a car museum, a fishing pond, an elephant show, cycling, elephant riding, and paddle boats. Visitors can also enjoy views of the garden from an elevated walkway and watch the feeding of giant Arapaima fish from the Amazon.
Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherlands
The Keukenhof flower garden in the Netherlands is the largest in the world, covering 32 hectares and displaying over 7 million flowering plants. Open only in spring, the garden is known for its beautiful tulips in full bloom, as well as bluebells, hyacinths, narcissi, and daffodils. Each year, the garden features a different theme and also boasts the world’s largest lily show.
Visitors can explore the garden through its 15-km walking paths, take a 45-minute boat ride, and admire the artwork sculptures and fountains. Located in the town of Lisse, Keukenhof is often referred to as “The Garden of Europe” and is a must-see destination for flower lovers.
Many of these gardens are dedicated to promoting sustainable practices, and eco-tourism is a growing trend in the travel industry. Visitors can take guided tours, learn about sustainable gardening practices, and support local conservation efforts. By exploring the most beautiful gardens in the world, visitors can appreciate the beauty of nature while making a positive impact on the environment.
