For some, travel is about museums. For others, it’s about food. But for us, there is no better way to understand a new country than through its flora.
Visiting a botanical garden offers a moment of calm in a busy itinerary. It connects us to the local climate, the history, and the distinct beauty of the region. Whether you are a serious horticulturist or just looking for a peaceful escape, these five global gardens are destinations in their own right.
1. Keukenhof (Lisse, Netherlands) The Spring Spectacle Known as the “Garden of Europe,” this is the world’s largest flower garden. It is a bucket-list destination for anyone who loves color.
Best time to visit: Mid-April to see the tulips in peak bloom.
The Gardener’s Eye: Look beyond the tulips; the park design and the heritage trees are a masterclass in landscape architecture.
2. Jardin Majorelle (Marrakech, Morocco) The Artist’s Retreat Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, this garden is a masterpiece of light and shadow. The vibrant “Majorelle Blue” of the villa contrasts stunningly with giant cacti and bamboo groves.
Why go: It shows how a garden can be an oasis in an arid climate. It is a lesson in structure, succulents, and bold color.
3. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (London, UK) The Scientific Powerhouse Kew isn’t just a park; it’s a global research institution. With over 50,000 living plants, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Don’t Miss: The Temperate House (the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse) and the Treetop Walkway for a bird’s eye view of the canopy.
4. Singapore Botanic Gardens (Singapore) The Tropical Paradise The only tropical garden on the UNESCO World Heritage list, this is a stunning example of a “City in a Garden.”
The Highlight: The National Orchid Garden. With over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids on display, the sheer variety of shapes and colors is overwhelming in the best way possible.
5. Butchart Gardens (British Columbia, Canada) The Reclamation Project This garden is a testament to the power of nature to heal. Originally a limestone quarry, it was transformed by Jennie Butchart into a sunken garden of incredible depth and beauty.
Inspiration: It proves that any space, no matter how industrial or scarred, can be turned into a sanctuary with vision and patience.