Happy Spring!
Today is the first day of Spring and here in Northern California the hills are all green, poppies are starting to appear, and the fruit trees of the Central Valley are in full bloom. This time of year makes us think of some of our favorite gardens of the world. In no particular order, here they are:
Butchart Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia
Over 100 years ago Jennie Butchart had an abandoned l5 acre limestone quarry as a back yard and set about transforming it into spectacular sunken gardens. The garden is near the lovely city of Victoria and really is a must – see for any garden lover. Check back British Columbia itinerary coming soon.
The Netherlands is the tulip capital of the world and Keukenhof is the most amazing flower garden you may ever see. This is a just in the springtime garden. Get tickets in advance – millions of people come to view the gardens. See our Netherlands or Amsterdam Itineraries to plan a trip around your visit
Powerscourt, Wicklow County, Ireland
These 47 acres of gardens are in the beautiful Wicklow mountains only about a half hour from Dublin. Take the 1-hour self-guided tour and enjoy this lovely estate. See our Ireland or Dublin Itineraries for more ideas of other great things to see nearby.
Akureyri Botanical Gardens
These lovely 3.7-acre gardens are the most northern in the world and are really lovely and feature beautiful flowers, Icelandic natives (and are free). We think they are a must- see on our two-week Iceland Itinerary
Golden Pavilion Kyoto, Japan
While the beautiful gold leaf covered temple is the big attraction here, we were as struck by the pond and gardens. Just a beautiful place to see among the many temples of Kyoto.
Sans Souci and Gardens of Potsdam, Germany
Potsdam’s Royal Palaces (there are several) are set on acres of gardens with pavilions to visit and a lovely walk between the palaces. See our Berlin itinerary for more information
Wellington Botanical gardens, Wellington, New Zealand
Grab the funicular up over downtown Wellington for great views and a lovely walk back town to town through the spectacular botanical gardens. Featured in our New Zealand North Island and New Zealand North and South Itineraries
Kew Gardens, London, England, UK
The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew (featured in our London and England itineraries are a short tube or boat ride from London. They are a UNESCO world heritage site and encompasses 300 acres and o 50,000 types of plants. They are also just lovely.
Monet Gardens at Giverny, France
Monet developed these beautiful gardens then spent the rest of his life paining them. Visit Monet’s water lily paintings at the Musee de L’Orangerie in Paris then come here to see the garden that inspired them. Featured in our Paris and check back for our soon to come Normandy itinerary.
Dumbarton Oaks, Georgetown, Washington DC, USA
Located at the highest point in Georgetown this estate features magnificent gardens. See our week in Washington DC itinerary for the ideal trip to the US capital.
Mirabell Gardens and Palace, Salzburg, Austria
The beautiful gardens may look familiar if you’ve ever seen the Sound of Music movie. Be sure and check out the unique (and slightly odd) gnome garden. Salzburg is a great place to visit, and you can learn more about what to see there in our Oktoberfest, Austrian Alps and Romantic Germany trip
Bodnant Garden, Wales, UK
Spectacular garden with an amazing 180-foot yellow laburnum arch (blooms late May to early June) but delightful throughout
International Rose Test and Japanese Gardens, Portland, Oregon, USA
Portland is nicknamed the Rose City and after seeing these gardens you’ll be able to understand why. The rose gardens cover 4.5 acres and as you wander you can enjoy a wide away of flowers (beyond the 700 varieties of roses) and an incredible view of downtown Portland and, weather permitting, Mt. Hood. Just across the street are 11 beautiful acres of Japanese gardens, with koi ponds, ornamental cherry trees, a ceremonial teahouse and a sand garden. Featured in our Portland and Pacific Coastal Northwest trips
Villa d’ Este, Tivoli, Italy
This estate with gardens and fountains is a UNESCO world heritage site and a fairly easy day trip from Rome. A couple more Italy itineraries coming soon.