What is it about gardens that make them such romantic places? Is it the beauty? The aromas? Perhaps it’s the small, secluded places perfect for spending a private moment? Either way, throughout history and across the world gardens have been an enduring symbol of love and romance. With Valentine’s Day so close, it’s the perfect opportunity to look at some of the most romantic gardens in the world. And perhaps when you’re next booking a trip with a special someone you could go to the one of these!
Giverny, France
This garden was owned and tended to by the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. He dedicated the garden to his beloved wife Alice, and was the inspiration for many of his most famous paintings including ‘The Water Lily Pond’. Visiting the garden is like stepping inside one of his paintings, surely the next best thing to owning one!
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, England
Two writers lived at Sissinghurst the 16th century Kent mansion, one of whom was the famous poet Vita Sackville-West. She and her husband tended to the garden and created an impossibly beautiful place to stroll around. After she died in 1962 her husband Harold left the mansion in the care of the National Trust, as he did not trust anyone else to take care of the place. The famous rose garden is still the ultimate place for romantics, but it’s best visited in full bloom of summer.
Gardens of Versailles, France
The Palace of Versaille has a long history of young ladies, princes and intrigue. The extraordinary gardens date back to the reign of Louis XIV who built the incredible central fountain and christened the place ‘Les Plaisirs de L’Île Enchantée’ or the ‘The Pleasures of the Enchanted Island’. The grounds were also the home of Marie Antoinette who famously lived a life of romance and excess, with the incredible gardens of her own separate residence a suitable reflection.
Garden of Eden, Unknown
As the story goes, the Garden of Eden was a place of ultimate paradise. And it was all going swimmingly for Eve until she was tempted to take the apple from the tree of knowledge, share it with Adam and subsequently be banished! The Garden of Eden was the place for the world’s most famous couple, maybe that’s the reason gardens have been so popular place for couples ever since!
Garden of Ninfa, Italy
This is officially known as “the most romantic garden in the world” and it’s easy to see why. Its name is inspired by ancient legends that nymphs dwelled in the trees and water, and there are ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to the same creatures. It has an unusual microclimate that means it lets all sorts of unusual plants thrive, with a mystical, humid atmosphere.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Unknown
The Hanging Gardens are one of the Seven Wonders of the World but nobody knows exactly where they are located! The unusual structure of the gardens are thought to have been built by Nebuchadnezzer II as a tribute to his wife Queen Amytis who came from a mountainous region. Considering they are believed to have been built in 600 BC the construction was an extraordinary feat of design, engineering and creation. It’s just a pity no-one can find them!
So there you have it! The most romantic gardens in the world, some of which you can actually visit! Gardens are great places to go for walks and if you can’t stretch to a visit to Italy there are plenty to choose from in the UK. Alternatively, why not make your own garden a famous place of romance? The Hanging Gardens might be a bit ambitious but artificial grass is a great way of recreating the swirling lawns of Versailles!
