Every garden should be celebrated, from the smallest container garden to the largest food forest–but there are some gardens that certainly stand out from all the rest. Some of these gorgeous gardens have historical significance, while others are newly established parks with a specific purpose, like protecting native flora. Regardless, the following gardens are some of the most well-known and celebrated gardens in the world.
This article groups these famous gardens by geographical region. It’s a lengthy collection but is by no means an exhaustive list. And although this isn’t an official ranking, it’s hard to dispute that these 26 gardens deserve recognition.
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North America
Even if overseas travel isn’t on your bucket list this year, you can still enjoy several distinguished gardens here at home.
1. New York Botanical Garden – Bronx, New York, United States
According to the NYBG website, the gardens were established in 1891 after Nathaniel and Elizabeth Lord Britton made a trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London. The NYBG is composed of over 250 different gardens and plant collections, making it one of the most renowned botanical gardens in the world.
2. Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, United States
Longwood Gardens is an American horticultural icon, with the gardens being open to the public since 1906, according to the website. The gardens span over 1,100 acres and are divided into four main sections: gardens, conservatories, a meadow, and a woodland. The diverse range of plants and trees, along with the sheer scale of the gardens make for a stunning experience.
3. The L.A. County Arboretum and Botanic Garden – Arcadia, California, United States
The L.A. County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is an incredible and diverse 127-acre botanical garden that opened in 1947. From the website, the gardens are considered one of the most diverse collections of sub-tropical and desert flora, with plants from all over the world. The gardens are home to a variety of birds and wildlife, which only adds to the experience.
4. Butchart Gardens – Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
This popular garden is well-known for its large variety of plants and vibrant seasonal displays. The Butchart Gardens website notes that the gardens were founded in 1904 by Jennie Butchart, and the entire property covers an area of 55 acres, divided into five distinct areas. The gardens are especially renowned for their impressive rose gardens and the magnificent Sunken Garden, which was cultivated over an old limestone quarry.
South America
South American gardens are rich in history and plant diversity, boasting some of the most beautiful flowers in the world.
5. Jardín Botánico de Medellín – Medellín, Columbia
The Jardín Botánico de Medellín is a 14-acre tropical garden that opened in 1955, according to the garden’s website. The gardens are known for their rainforest and cloud forest collections, as well as an impressive variety of orchids, bromeliads and other native plants. Additionally, the Jardín Botánico de Medellín is the home of the annual International Orchid Festival, which draws in thousands of visitors each year.
6. Jardim Botanico – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
According to the travel website Riotur, the Jardim Botanico in Rio de Janeiro is one of the oldest garden institutions in the world, dating back to 1808. This garden is known for its vast collection of tropical plants from the Atlantic Rainforest, including more than 6,000 species of trees and palms.
Europe
Formal gardens are deeply rooted in European culture and were often founded to showcase a particular family’s wealth.
7. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew – Kew, London, United Kingdom
Established in 1759, Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew is a historic and visually stunning garden located in London. Today the gardens span over 300 acres, and feature over 50,000 different plant species. Kew Gardens is renowned for its diverse range of plants and its impeccable gardening techniques.
8. Keukenhof Gardens – Lisse, Netherlands
This awe-inspiring garden is located in Lisse, Netherlands and is known for its dazzling displays of tulips. The gardens opened in 1950 and span an impressive 79 acres with 15 kilometers of footpaths. The Keukenhof Gardens are especially thrilling in the spring when the tulips are in full bloom.
9. Versailles Garden, France
The gardens of the iconic Palace of Versailles are an absolute sight to behold. The record holds that the gardens span thousands of acres and feature the work of André Le Nôtre in the countless statues and fountains on the property. Versailles Garden is especially renowned for its grandiose and intricate design, making it one of the most famous gardens in the world.
10. Gardens of Chateau de Villandry, Indre-et-Loire, France
The ornate gardens of the Chateau de Villandry are a stunning example of French formal gardens. According to the Chateau’s website, the property is composed of six distinct gardens: the kitchen garden, the ornamental vegetable garden, the water garden, the sun garden, the labyrinth, and the flower garden. These diverse gardens make the Chateau de Villandry a beloved destination for garden enthusiasts.
11. Villa d’Este Gardens – Tivoli, Italy
The Villa d’Este Gardens are located in Tivoli and are considered one of the most beautiful Italian Renaissance gardens—in fact, Italy’s Department of Culture and Tourism acknowledges that the gardens are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden is composed of terraces and landscapes, with over 500 fountains and grottoes. Additionally, the gardens are home to many historic sculptures, making them a must-see destination for art and garden enthusiasts.
12. Mirabell Palace and Gardens – Salzburg, Austria
The Mirabell Palace and Gardens is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Salzburg. According to a Salzburg tourism website, the Mirabell Palace and Gardens feature meticulously manicured paths, lined with symmetrical hedges, topiaries, and statues. The gardens are also renowned for their versatile landscape, which features both formal and naturalistic gardens.
13. Powerscourt Estate – Enniskerry, Ireland
The Powerscourt Estate is a stunning garden located in the town of Enniskerry, Ireland. The stunning property is composed of formal gardens, terraces, a rose garden, a walled garden, and a pet cemetery. The estate’s website mentions that the gardens are especially known for their diverse collection of rare and exotic plants and trees, making Powerscourt Estate a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts.
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Asia
Asian gardens seamlessly connect architectural structures with the landscape, creating tranquil spaces with spirituality and meditation at the heart.
14. Dubai Miracle Garden – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Just because the Dubai Miracle Garden is a newer garden–less than 10 years old–doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve attention. The Miracle Garden calls itself “The World’s Largest Natural Flower Garden,” and with 150 million flowers in bloom at one time, it’s a believable statistic. The garden also boasts amazing structures, like its heart-shaped archways and its magnificent butterfly garden.
15. Ryōan-ji Garden – Kyoto, Japan
The Ryōan-ji Garden is located in Kyoto and is renowned for its Zen garden architecture. The rock garden consists of several stones perched amongst a sea of gravel, carefully raked to evoke the ripples of water. The garden is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site and is an ideal destination for meditation and contemplation.
16. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden – Tokyo, Japan
The Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is located in Tokyo and is one of the oldest gardens in Japan. According to the park’s website, the garden was first established in 1629 and is composed of ponds, streams, as well as a variety of plants and trees. The garden is treasured by many for its tranquil atmosphere.
17. Yu Garden – Shanghai, China
The Yu Garden is one of the most famous classical Chinese gardens, located in Shanghai. Composed of six distinct gardens, each individual garden has a unique ambiance that adds to the atmosphere of the whole. The garden is especially renowned for its intricate pavilions, bridges, and rockeries.
18. Humble Administrator’s Garden – Suzhou, China
The Humble Administrator’s Garden is located in Suzhou and is considered one of the top four gardens in China, according to the travel website Chinadiscovery.com. The garden, which was established in 1513, is composed of several connected gardens, ponds, and pavilions, as well as many centuries-old trees and shrubs. The garden is especially noteworthy for its exquisite scenery and its complex stone structures and pathways.
19. Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden – Pattaya City, Thailand
The Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is a renowned botanical garden located in Pattaya City, Thailand. The garden, which covers an area of several hundred acres, features a variety of gardens–including a French garden, an orchid garden, and a bonsai garden. Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is especially known for its diverse selection of flora and fauna and its vibrant colors.
Africa
Many African gardens serve as both nature preserves and living museums that showcase the region’s native plants and wildlife.
20. Aswan Botanical Garden – Aswan, Egypt
The Aswan Botanical Garden is located in the city of Aswan, Egypt, and is home to an impressive array of plants and trees from around the world. According to Luxor and Aswan Travel Agency, the gardens are composed of three distinct gardens – a grassy area, an orchard, and a palm garden. The gardens also feature rare and endangered plant species as well as a variety of birds and animals.
21. Jardin Majorelle – Marrakech, Morocco
The Majorelle Garden is located in Marrakech, Morocco, and was designed by the French painter, Jacques Majorelle. The gardens feature a variety of tropical and subtropical plants from around the world, as well as vibrant colors and tranquil waterways. According to the website, the current owners purchased the gardens to save them from hotel development–today, the gardens are home to native wildlife of all kinds.
22. Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden, South Africa
The Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden is located in South Africa and is known for its incredible diversity of plants, trees, and flowers. According to the website, the protected lands span an area of 1,305 acres and are home to thousands of native flora and fauna. Kirstenbosch is renowned for being one of the most biodiverse spaces in the world, and the gardens also feature a variety of trails and educational activities.
23. Mauritius National Botanical Garden – Pamplemousses, Mauritius
The Mauritius National Botanical Garden is located in Pamplemousses, Mauritius, and is considered one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. According to Mauritius Attractions, a travel agency, the gardens feature over 650 tropical plants and 85 different types of palm trees. A tour through the garden also reveals a lake filled with giant water lilies and a number of sacred Hindu and Buddhist sites
Australia and Oceania
These tropical gardens are lush and green, featuring an incredible diversity of flora and fauna native to the South Pacific.
24. Hunter Valley Gardens – Pokolbin Hunter Valley, Australia
The Hunter Valley Gardens are a stunning destination located in the Pokolbin Hunter Valley region of Australia. Hunter Valley Gardens’ website boasts of the property’s 35 acres of gardens featuring terraced lawns, flowerbeds, towering trees, and striking sculptures. The gardens are especially popular for their enchanting evening light displays, though the gardens are truly awe-inspiring any time of day.
25. Pukekura Park – New Plymouth, New Zealand
Pukekura Park is an iconic destination located in New Plymouth, New Zealand. The park is well-known for its lush gardens, peaceful lakes, and diverse bird species. Visiting the park allows for a wide range of activities, including hand-feeding the ducks and exploring the network of walking trails.
26. Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore
The Singapore Botanic Gardens are a particularly famous network of gardens located in Singapore. The gardens are the city’s first botanic garden and are prized for their diverse range of plants, including orchids, palms, and bamboo. The gardens also feature beautiful sculptures and ponds and are a must-see destination for tourists and locals alike.
Conclusion
Visiting any one of these famous gardens is an excellent way to experience a country or a city’s flora as well as its culture. Activities at these well-known gardens range from educational guided tours through dense forests to self-directed activities like meditation and birdwatching.
The above gardens provide an amazing array of attractions and experiences that can be enjoyed by travelers of all backgrounds and ages. From the majestic Ryōan-ji Garden in Japan to the lush Hunter Valley Gardens in Australia, there is something to be enjoyed by everyone in these famous gardens around the world.
You can learn about regenerative agriculture and what it means here.
You can learn about water gardens (and how to get started with your own) here.
You can learn about 7 good reasons to start a garden here.
You can learn more about Greek gardens (and get some ideas for plants) here.
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~Jonathon
About the author:
When not writing content or growing flowers in her native Virginia, you can find Sarah hiking a long-distance trail deep in the woods. Follow along with Sarah’s adventures at http://sarahcolliecreative.com.
