This time we are going to make a route through some of the most impressive gardens in the worldGardens have long been the ideal refuge for those seeking relaxation, inspiration and admiration for nature. Over the centuries, garden design has evolved, becoming true works of art that reflect both the cultures and aesthetic preferences of each era. From exotic gardens to those steeped in history, these green spaces offer a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and nature.
Dumbarton Oaks, Washington, United States
Let's start our tour in Washington, United States, where we find the dumbarton-oaks, an estate that encompasses gardens of over 4 hectares. This property was designed between 1922 and 1947, making it a jewel of landscaping that mixes European and American styles. The gardens are segmented into areas that connect nature with the historic architecture of the villa.
Among them the Fountain of the Dolphins, a space surrounded by lush vegetation and winding paths. The use of native plants and classic decorations give it an air of tranquility, making this place a perfect refuge for visitors. In addition, the space has terraces and staircases that offer spectacular views of the property and make it a perfect place for events and quiet getaways.
Gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, St.-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
Our next destination takes us to France, specifically to St.-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, where the wonderful Gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. This incredible garden, created in the early 20th century by Béatrice Ephrussi, Baroness Rothschild, surrounds a Venetian-style villa that offers a unique experience to its visitors. Walking through this garden, visitors can enjoy nine distinct sections, each with a different style: French, Spanish, Japanese, Florentine, Provençal and exotic, among others. In fact, the french garden is the most famous, with a central pond surrounded by dancing fountains that synchronize their water show with music every 20 minutes. In addition to these green spaces, there are also sculptures and pavilions that reinforce the feeling of luxury and elegance.
Dancing fountains, dedicated to water art, create a visual spectacle that highlights the importance of water in Mediterranean gardens. This place is a clear example of how European garden design It has evolved to adapt to local cultures and environments, combining influences from different parts of the world.
Stourhead, Warminster, England
In England we find the impressive gardens of stourhead, located in Warminster. Considered an icon of English landscape design, they were created in the 18th century by Henry Hoare II. stourhead It is an example of a romantic style garden that seeks to recreate natural landscapes with artificial elements, such as lakes, arched bridges, and classical temples. One of the highlights is the Temple of Apollo, which is perched on a hill offering panoramic views of the rest of the garden. Visitors can also explore the central lake, surrounded by a dense forest, which creates a mystical and mysterious atmosphere.
The Stourhead walk is designed so that each path offers different views, encouraging visitors to explore the nooks and crannies, enjoying the interplay between the natural landscape and classical architecture. Its appearance changes with the seasons, each offering a new visual perception of this striking place. It is, without a doubt, a park that reflects the ideal of giving the walker a sense of journey and discovery at every turn.
Master-of-Nets Garden, Suzhou, China
In Suzhou, China, we find one of the most delicate and complete gardens in the world: the Master-of-Nets GardenChinese residential gardens, especially those built during the Song Dynasty, are known for their meticulous balance between architecture and nature.
En Master-of-Nets, pavilions, halls and bamboo forests are combined with water ponds, creating a microcosm of nature. One of the most striking points is the 'Pink Cloud Pond', surrounded by stone benches and small bridges that seem to float between the traditional architectural structures. This garden is a clear reflection of the Chinese tradition, where each element of the space has a symbolic meaning, reflecting both the harmony of nature and the philosophical and aesthetic beliefs of its time.
It is a garden that combines the precision of architectural design with the simplicity of nature, making it a space where beauty is celebrated in its purest form.
Sanssouci Palace Gardens, Potsdam, Germany
Finally, we arrived in Potsdam, Germany, at Sanssouci Palace Gardens. This space was built by Frederick the Great of Prussia as his summer residence, and its gardens are a natural extension of the palace's Rococo opulence. With terraces lining vineyards, majestic fountains, and carefully landscaped details, the gardens are a testament to the Prussian taste for French baroqueThey have often been compared to the Gardens of Versailles in Paris.
The name 'Sanssouci', meaning 'without worries', perfectly captures the tranquillity of the place, where the monarch sought to escape the stress of political life. Notable features include: Neptune's Pond and Chinese Tea House, an exotic structure surrounded by fruit trees and winding paths, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Other must-see gardens in the world
The world is full of Stunning gardens reflecting cultural and climatic differences. In the Netherlands, the Keukenhof Gardens are especially known for their immense display of tulips in spring. Planted each year with more than 7 million bulbs, this garden blooms in a floral spectacle that amazes all visitors. It is considered one of the most dazzling gardens in Europe.
In Japan, the Kenroku-en in Kanazawa is a classic garden that combines elements of water, rocks and vegetation in perfect harmony. This garden, founded in the Edo period, follows the principle of aesthetics wabi-sabi,, which values the beauty of the ephemeral and the imperfect. Highlights include the Kotojitoro stone lantern and the Kasumigaike Pond, which add a peaceful and timeless atmosphere to the space.
Another garden that you cannot miss is the Monet's Garden in Giverny, France. This garden was designed by the impressionist painter Claude Monet, and was the muse behind his famous series of water lily paintings. The garden is divided into two areas: the water garden, with its Japanese bridges and water lilies, and the The Clos Normand, filled with symmetrically arranged flowers and fruit trees. It is a paradise for any art and nature lover.
On Vancouver Island, Canada, are the Butchart Gardens, an extraordinary example of how an industrial landscape can be transformed into a botanical paradise. This garden has several sections, including a Japanese garden, a Mediterranean garden and a rose garden, making it a place full of colour and natural diversity.
These gardens around the world are true jewels of landscapers, each offering a unique and enriching experience, reminding us of the importance of gardens as havens of peace, places of inspiration and examples of human creative power in harmony with nature.