The world’s best botanical gardens

The world is a beautiful place, filled with a myriad of natural wonders which botanical gardens magnificently display throughout their grounds. From the South African bush to the gardens that inspired some of Claude Monet’s greatest artworks, botanical gardens preserve the best of nature – and are ready to welcome you into their figurative arms. We’ve composed a list of the world’s best botanical gardens, ensuring that no matter where you are in the world, you’re not far from beauty. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa Acclaimed as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is a landscape filled with beautiful examples of flora that guarantees to steal your breath away. Situated along the eastern slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town, the garden spans over 36 hectares and is home to more than 7,000 species of plant. You will find many rare and endangered examples of flora throughout the garden, making a visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens enlightening and essential. Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, New York, USA Although Brooklyn may not immediately conjure up images of leafy green foliage, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden is in fact one of the most renowned gardens in the world. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden spans over 52 acres and houses various plant collections, the Steinhardt Conservatory, Starr Bonsai Museum, plant house and art gallery. There are always various exhibits and collections taking place at the garden, as well as various workshops which enables visitors to get involved and have a hands on experience at the botanical garden. Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, Tokyo, Japan Situated in Tokyo, the Koishikawa Korakuen is one of Japan’s oldest botanical gardens, having been established in the early Edo Period (1600-1867). Like many other Japanese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen uses ponds, stones and trees to recreate famous Japanese scenery, resulting in its own fascinating landscape. Although the garden is open all year around, it is advisable to visit between February and March, when the beautiful cherry blossom is in full bloom; there is no view more spectacular. Kew Gardens, London, UK Kew Gardens is perhaps one of the most famous botanical gardens in the world. It consists of 121 hectares, and features botanical glasshouses and artistic sculptures, the likes of which have been constructed by some of the most renowned artists.  Whether you have an interest in plant conservation, the origins of flora or beautiful art, Kew Gardens can certainly accommodate you. Offering various school visits and learning courses throughout the year, Kew Gardens provides the perfect environment for you to absorb both knowledge and beauty. Chicago Botanic Garden, Illinois, USA Located in Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Garden provides a wealth of plants and flowers which can be admired throughout its 385 acres. Although relatively young, having been opened only 40 years ago, it is already one of the United States’ most visited public gardens, attracting an annual crowd of one million people. Home to a fascinating aquatic garden, where visitors can see how water plants grow, as well as various exhibitions and delightful examples of flora, the Chicago Botanic Gardens certainly deserves its reputation as one of the world’s best botanical gardens. Matthew Coe is Online Marketing Manager for Wanderforth. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.