There are few simpler and more magical experiences than walking through a beautiful garden. With all the daily stresses of modern life sometimes you just need to slow down, unwind, and enjoy a gentle stroll through a well-kept garden.
There are famous flower gardens all over the world, so if you are willing to travel you can enjoy blooming flowers all year round. Here are our pick of the best places for gardens that the world has to offer:
Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg, Austria
Mirabell Garden (photo @a bean fan)
Located in the historical centre of the Austrian city of Salzburg, the Mirabell Gardens are one of Europe's finest. Beautifully situated in the grounds of the stunning 17th century Mirabell Palace, the garden offers a majestic location for a walk. The Rose Garden is a particular stand out, and is a perennial favourite of visitors to the grounds.
Roseraie de L'Hay, France
Roseraie de L'Hay (photo @Christian Ar Vro Vigoudenn)
The oldest rose garden in the world, the single-species celebration Roseraie de L'Haÿ is a shrine to the flower of romance. It was commissioned by rosarian Jules Gravereau and designed by celebrated horticulturalist and landscape architect Édouard André in 1892. Roseraie de L'Haÿ claims over 13,000 rose bushes and thousands of distinct varieties of the flower.
Kew Gardens, London, England
Kew Gardens (photo @Sam Hodges)
Perhaps the most famous of all the botanical gardens, Kew Gardens is a massive area that is home to the largest collection of living plants in the world. Always colourful and richly fascinating, you can easily get lost walking amongst the flora on display. Make sure to take a stroll along the treetop walkway when you visit, and take in beautiful views of the greenery below.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (photo @Greg Fullard)
While many of us have a gentle and serene idea in our minds when we picture a flower garden, they also come in a more spectacular style. Nowhere is this truer than Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town. The botanic garden is dramatically situated on the famous Table Mountain and contains a myriad of beautiful African flowers that makes it worth the trek.
Rikugien Garden, Tokyo, Japan
Rikugien Garden (photo @ Manuel Tamares)
Enjoy a tranquil and meditative experience by walking around the perfectly manicured Rikugien Garden in Tokyo. Designed to reflect the six principles of traditional Japanese waka poetry, the garden's flowers and cherry blossoms invoke a feeling of serenity in any visitor. To see the garden at it's most beautiful a visit in the autumn is definitely recommended.
