There’s something intrinsically beautiful about visiting a botanical garden filled with flowers and plants of all kinds. From picturesque lily ponds, beautifully carved plant hedges and artistically shaped topiaries to large greenhouses filled with exotic plants and trees, these gardens would spellbind the average visitor for sure. And though there are several botanical gardens in the world, only a few boast of being the most beautiful and diverse gardens on earth. So if you are a nature lover, make sure you add these gardens to your ‘must visit’ list!
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Located in Western Cape, South Africa, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is adjudged to be one of the most popular and beautiful botanical gardens in the entire world. Opened in 1913, the garden is situated near the Table Mountain and houses some of the most exotic plants that can be found in this part of the world, including the extremely beautiful protea flowering plant. The garden also houses plants that can be found in over 5 different biomes of the continent. So make sure you plan a trip down there as soon as possible.
The Missouri Botanical Garden
Situated in the town of St. Louis in Missouri, USA, the Missouri Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the entire country. Housing over 1200 different species of flora and fauna, the garden is very famous for its greenhouse which is shaped like a geodesic dome and is called a Climatron. The sheer number of plant species you will find in the garden would surely amaze you!
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Located in New York, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden stretches for over 52 acres and is easily considered as one of the best botanical gardens on the planet. The best time to visit the garden would be in spring when thousands of cherry blooms put up a spectacular show.
The garden is divided into different sections, with each section housing a mini garden with a unique theme. Some of these include the Shakespeare Garden which showcases nearly 80 different plants that have been featured in the poet’s works, and the historic Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden which dates back to 1915. Other highlights of the garden include a bonsai museum, climate controlled plant pavilions, an art gallery and greenhouse dedicated to aquatic plants.
The JardinBotanique de Montreal
Located in Quebec, Canada, the JardinBotanique de Montreal aka the Montreal Botanical Garden is considered to be one of the most extensive botanical gardens on earth. In addition to housing a large greenhouse with diverse flora and fauna, the garden features several outdoor gardens that come with unique themes and plants related those themes. These include the First Nations Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Alpine Garden and the Chinese Garden (the largest in the world outside China).
The Villa Lante
Situated in the Bagnaia province of Italy, the Villa Lante Garden was formerly a private property that belonged to the Lante family. Considered one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, the Villa Lante was opened to the public in the 20th century after crossing 100 years of age.
The garden is bordered by identical homes on either side, and houses several lush grottos, beautiful hedge mazes (you will be amazed by the intricate patterns on the hedges) and mesmerizing stone fountains. You will definitely have to see it in order to believe it!
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Located in the Heligan estate that falls in the Cornwall province in the UK, the Lost Gardens of Heligan were for the most part, ignored during the 1970s, and remained deserted for several years afterwards. It was only after the estate along with the garden in it was transferred to a local trust, that nature lovers started cleaning it up and planting new plants. Today, the Lost Gardens of Heligan welcome visitors to view some really exotic plants, and some fascinating works of art embedded with the flora and fauna. These include the walled garden, the vegetable garden, the ‘jungle’, the ‘Giant’ Head’ and the ‘Mud Maid’.
The Monte Palace Garden
Located in the scenic town of Madeira in Portugal is the Monte Palace Garden which was originally part of a hotel. The extremely beautiful garden opened to the public in 1989, and houses several star studded plant attractions. These include different themed mini oriental gardens that showcase local as well as exotic flora and fauna. It is also possible to find several other decorations, including several ceramic tiles that date back to the 15th century.
The Kew Gardens
Located in southwest London in the UK, the Kew Gardens aka the Royal Botanic Gardens is home to over 30000 different species of live flora and fauna. And if that’s not enough, the garden features a gigantic glass walled herbarium that houses over 7 million specimens of preserved plants. It is also possible to spot several research facilities, greenhouses and outdoor mini gardens on site. You will also be amazed at some of the garden’s architectural attractions, including a pagoda that is nearly 49 feet tall, and a treetop walkway.