In celebration of Chelsea in Bloom and the iconic Chelsea Flower Show on our Studio doorstep, I have compiled a list of the most memorable Gardens I have been lucky enough to witness across the world. A charming blend of those at home and abroad, I do hope you enjoy the read -preferably in the sun!
Spanning over 2,000 acres, Blenheim Palace Garden in Oxfordshire epitomises the grandeur and elegance of 18-century English gardens. The UNESCO World Heritage site showcases the work of renowned landscape architect Capability Brown, whose vision transformed the grounds into a blend of rolling lawns, serene water features, and majestic tree-lined avenues.
Highgrove Gardens is a horticultural gem reflecting the passion and environmental vision of its creator, His Majesty King Charles III. The gardens are a testament to sustainable gardening and organic practices with each garden room designed with a unique theme, from the vibrant and structured Sundial Garden to the tranquil and reflective Thyme Walk. My favourite are the wildflower meadows that burst with seasonal colour and biodiversity, offering a haven for wildlife.
The gardens at Stowe were crafted in the 18th century by visionary designers Capability Brown, William Kent, and Sir John Vanbrugh. The grounds are adorned with classical temples, serene lakes, and sweeping vistas that create a sense of grandeur and timeless elegance. The harmonious blend of art, architecture, and nature at Stowe not only enhances the adjoining school’s learning environment serving as a living classroom and fostering an appreciation for history, design, and the natural world.
The Newt in Somerset is a fusion of history and modern innovation. The landscape includes formal gardens, productive orchards, and lush woodlands. The Victorian Fragrance Garden is my highlight, brimming with aromatic herbs and flowers. Water features add to the ambiance, while contemporary installations and sculptures provide a modern twist. The gardens also champion sustainability, with an on-site farm producing organic produce for the estate’s restaurants.
Babylonstoren in South Africa, is my favourite garden destination. Inspired by the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon and covering eight acres, the garden boasts a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, all laid out in a formal structure reminiscent of the historic Company Gardens of the Cape. The garden’s produce supplies the estate’s farm-to-table restaurant, and a commitment to sustainability and organic farming practices is evident throughout, making it not just a garden but a living, breathing showcase of agricultural artistry and ecological harmony.
Chatsworth House, nestled in the heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District, is renowned for its opulent gardens. The grounds have evolved over almost 500 years, with contributions from various landscape architects creating a diverse array of features. The Cascade, an 18th-century water feature, and the Emperor Fountain, installed for a visit by Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, are both beautiful.
In Surrey lies RHS Garden Wisley, a horticultural paradise that serves as the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society. The Glasshouse stands out with its tropical, temperate, and desert zones, creating a year-round haven of exotic plants. The Mixed Borders are the longest in the UK and burst with colour and texture through the seasons. With a remarkable collection of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, the gardens stand as a living laboratory and a source of inspiration for gardeners of all levels.
The Monk’s Garden at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston was designed by renowned landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh. The thoughtful design creates an intimate, reflective environment emphasising subtlety and restraint, The crushed stone paths meander through the garden dotted with Japanese maples, magnolias, and evergreens.
THE OLD ENGLISH GARDEN,
BATTERSEA PARK
The charming Old English Garden in Battersea Park was revitalised by Jo Malone London in collaboration with the charity Thrive. Its winding paths and cosy seating areas are nestled within the expansive park, Thrive is a charity dedicated to using gardening to improve well-being, and plays a crucial role in maintaining the garden. Their work ensures that the garden is not only beautiful but also a therapeutic space where people can garden to enhance their physical and mental health. It’s a wonderful testament to community collaboration, offering a retreat where the beauty of traditional English gardening flourishes alongside a mission of inclusivity and well-being.
Home of the influential gardener and writer Christopher Lloyd, Great Dixter House and Gardens gardens are celebrated for their vibrant, dynamic plantings and innovation. Colorful borders, wildflower meadows, and meticulously maintained topiary, are all framed by the historic house. The estate hosts numerous workshops, lectures, and tours, sharing Lloyd’s gardening philosophies and practices with enthusiasts from around the world.
Once neglected and overgrown, The Lost Gardens have been meticulously restored to their former glory. The gardens feature an array of themed areas, each with its unique charm and historical significance. I love the Victorian Productive Gardens with meticulously maintained vegetable plots, fruit trees, and glasshouses, demonstrating the self-sustaining ingenuity of Victorian gardeners. The story of the gardens’ rediscovery in the 1990s, after being lost for decades following World War I is interesting and. the restoration project, led by Tim Smit and a dedicated team, has revived Heligan as a biodiverse sanctuary.
THE GARDEN OF DREAMS,
KATHMANDU
In the heart of Kathmandu is an exquisite neo-classical oasis amid the bustling city. Originally known as the Garden of Six Seasons, it was created in the early 1920s by Field Marshal Kaiser Shumsher Rana as a private garden. The design reflects a blend of European aesthetics and traditional Nepali elements, featuring elegant pavilions, pergolas, and balustrades. With the support of the Austrian Government the Garden of Dreams reopened to the public in 2007.
Terra Nostra Garden on São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal, is a paradise with vegetation, thermal hot springs. There is a stunning Camellia collection, one of the largest in the world, as well as numerous cycads, ferns, and azaleas that thrive in the island’s unique microclimate. Central to Terra Nostra Garden is its famous geothermal pool, filled with warm, mineral-rich waters that are naturally heated by volcanic activity.
CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN
Nestled along the River Thames in London is this treasure dating back to 1673. Established by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, it is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Britain and was originally created for the study of medicinal plants. The garden spans four acres and offers a serene and educational escape from the bustling city. Just down the road from the heart of the Chelsea Flower Show, it is a must for any flower lover visiting London.
GARDENS AND VILLA EPHRUSSI DE ROTHSCHILD
Commissioned by Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild in the early 20th century, this garden is a breathtaking example of classical French garden design and Mediterranean landscaping. Spread across nine distinct terraced gardens and include the Spanish Garden, with its Moorish-style architecture and colourful ceramic tiles, and the Florentine Garden, featuring sculpted hedges and Renaissance-style statuary.
Surrounding the historic Tudor mansion, these gardens date back over 500 years. At the centre of the is a magnificent Grade I listed walled garden arranged in intricate patterns. The herbaceous borders burst with seasonal blooms, while the parterre garden dazzles with its geometric precision. The charming kitchen garden and orchard evoke the charm of a bygone era.
VALLEY GARDENS,
WINDSOR GREAT PARK
The Valley Gardens are characterised by their natural beauty and diverse ecosystems, featuring ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, and a network of winding pathways that meander through the landscape. Virginia Water, a stunning man-made lake sits in the middle surrounded by lush vegetation and dotted with picturesque islands and cascading waterfalls.
A quintessential spot renowned for its timeless elegance, vibrant atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage. Created in the 17th century at the behest of Queen Marie de’ Medici, the garden is 25 hectares and its heart lies the magnificent Luxembourg Palace, a seat of the French Senate.The iconic green chairs, arranged around the ponds and beneath the shade of the trees are a perfect spot for people-watching or simply soaking up the sun.
St. John’s Lodge Gardens sits within Regent’s Park in the heart of London with verdant lawns, shaded groves, and vibrant flower beds, creating a sense of enchantment. St. John’s Lodge Gardens offer a delightful respite in the city. I love how the circular patterns of the flowerbeds repeat, but the plants in each differ.
Penshurst Place is a historic stately home dating back to the 14th century, My favourite is the Knot Garden, featuring intricate patterns of clipped boxwood and aromatic herbs. There is also the Elizabethan Garden, laid out in the 16th century; it is filled with old-fashioned roses, peonies, and other cottage garden favourites.
Anglesey Abbey was originally a priory dating back to the 12th century, the property was transformed into a lavish residence in the 17th century and is now owned by the National Trust. The stunning Winter Garden showcases the beauty of plants during the colder months. Beyond the formal gardens, Anglesey Abbey is surrounded by extensive parkland, waterways, and woodland walks, offering endless opportunities for exploration.
Inverewe Gardens sits on the windswept shores of Loch Ewe on the west coast of Scotland, is a botanical wonderland that defies the odds of its harsh climate. Despite its rugged surroundings and northern latitude, Inverewe Gardens benefit from the warming influence of the Gulf Stream. This allowed Osgood Mackenzie to cultivate a diverse array of plants in the late 19th century. It’s collection of rhododendrons and azaleas bloom in a riot of colours in the springtime. The sweeping views of the rugged coastline and the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean adding to the sense of awe.
EDINBURGH BOTANIC GARDEN
The Glasshouses at the Edinburgh Botanic Garden are a must-visit when in Edinburgh. The Victorian Palm House, with its soaring iron framework and exotic plantings, is particularly impressive. Set in over 70 acres of beautiful landscape and just one mile north of the city centre, the Garden offers superb panoramic views of the city skyline featuring Edinburgh Castle.
ISABELLA PLANTATION,
RICHMOND PARK
Isabella Plantation was established in the 1830s but transformed into its current form in the 1950s, when the rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias are in full bloom it is breathtaking . The garden’s centrepiece is the stunning Rhododendron Dell, which bursts into a riot of colour in the springtime, with cascades of pink, purple, and white blooms creating a memorable display.
The Alcázar Gardens in Seville, are a blend of Moorish and Renaissance design within the historic Alcázar palace complex. Dating back over a thousand years, these gardens are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Andalusia, showcasing a harmonious fusion of Islamic and Christian influences. The gardens are laid out in a series of terraces, courtyards, and pathways, at the centre sits the Mercury Pond, surrounded by fragrant orange trees that fills the air with a sweet citrus scent.
Kenroku-en Garden is known as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Dating back to the Edo period the name “Kenroku-en” translates to “Six Attributes Garden,” which refers to the six qualities of a perfect landscape garden: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramic views. True to its name, Kenroku-en embodies these principles with its stunning layout.
Brief Garden in Beruwala, Sri Lanka, was designed by landscape architect Bevis Bawa. It originated from a rubber plantation in the late 1920s and was opened to the public in 1969. The garden features lush pathways leading to a main house adorned with unique artwork and sculptures. The art blends with the natural landscape, creating a unique aesthetic. The main house showcases many artworks, such as murals, statues, and mosaics with an eclectic and whimsical style.
PAMPLEMOUSSE BOTANICAL GARDEN,
MAURITIUS
The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is in the north of Mauritius and sits as one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. The 60 acres are a treasure trove of natural beauty, featuring towering palm trees, bamboo groves, and giant water lilies.
As the famous Roman statesman Cicero once proclaimed, ‘if you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.’ Have a wonderful weekend.
