Gardens are a human obsession. We’re not talking about tomatoes and corn but flowers and trees and ornamental bushes. In traveling there are always gardens to be explored and incredible gems to be discovered. It is difficult to spend time in a garden and not have your soul refreshed. Perhaps Francis Bacon said it best;
“God Almighty first planted a garden. And indeed, it is the purest of human pleasures”.
As we have traveled there have been times when the garden was actually the destination but on occasion they are unexpected surprises stumbled upon as we stroll a city. Spend a minute and let us introduce you to some of our favorite gardens.
KEUKENHOF
Perhaps one of the worlds most extravagant flower shows is Amsterdam’s Keukenhof, held each Spring. The show was actually created as a commercial exhibition representing Holland’s tulip growers but is now a major evEnt attracting visitors from all over Europe and the world.
Some gardens are just pure extravaganzas and one of the biggest is The Gardens By The Sea in Singapore. Just being near the gardens, especially at night, is an experience. If you find yourself in Singapore don’t miss the Singapore Botanical Gardens.
SINGAPORE
The North Carolina Arboretum
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Asheville North Carolina is a public Arboretum. The North Carolina Arboretum is located on The Blue Ridge Parkway near the Asheville entrance at mile marker 393. The site offers acres of cultivated gardens and groomed trails featuring some of the most beautiful, native plants in the region. Admission is free but there is a charge to park.
NAN LIAN GARDENS HONG KONG
Set in a pocket of land surrounded by the city’s high rise buildings is a beautiful, traditional Chinese garden.
Wellington New Zealand Botanical Garden
New Zealand has been described as a nation of gardners and that honor is probably well deserved and the Kiwi’s do love their roses!.
The Wellington Botanical Garden in New Zealand is a large garden running down the side of a hill that sits above the city. The easiest way to visit the garden is to take the Salamanca – Cable Car up to the top and stroll back down into the city. Don’t miss the rose garden.
“No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden. ” Thomas Jefferson
To be continued but enjoy the following connections for more information and some additional great garden websites;
American Orchid Society Garden, Florida
New Zealand Gardens Trust – Wellington
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami
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