For thousands of years, societies have been cultivating gardens for agricultural, medicinal, and aesthetic purposes. This has led to a wide range of styles across the globe, each of which has its own unique charm and history. Here are five samples of the best gardens the world has to offer.
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Spanning over 100 hectares, these magnificent gardens feature three waterfront bays and huge horticultural sculptures that aim to bring the world of plants to Singapore.
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, Pattaya, Thailand
Spread over 600 acres, the intricate design of these gardens is truly breathtaking. It is a testament to human diligence, ingenuity, and precision.
Gardens of Versailles, Versailles, France
Perhaps the most famous in the world, the gardens at Versailles were commissioned by King Louis XVI in 1661 as a symbol both of his temporal power and of man’s domination of nature. They have become synonymous with the Western tradition of horticulture – most notably, rational, regular, geometric patterns.
Kenrokuen, Kanazawa, Japan
If the gardens of Versailles are representative of the Western tradition of horticulture, Kenrokuen exemplifies the Eastern. While the European gardens demonstrate mastery over nature, the Japanese and Chinese traditions strive to create calm, meditative spaces where you can be at one with nature in the ideal landscape.
Jardin Majorelle, Morocco
The garden was created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1886. It is noted for its vibrant blue paint that jumps out from under over 30 members of the cactus family and is home to a great variety of bird species. In 1980, this little oasis was bought by French designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge.