Plants truly are life, and when they are carefully selected and curated in well-maintained lush botanical gardens, plants become the beating heart of the areas they inhabit. If you love to witness the beauty of nature in all its colors, diversity, and shapes, you simply must see at least one of these botanical gardens in your lifetime.
1. Jardim Botânico in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Snuggled under the famous, almighty Christ the Redeemer statue, this botanical garden is home to more than 6,500 different species of plants. Founded by King John VI of Portugal in 1808, the garden was initially intended to acclimate different spices from the West Indies like nutmeg and cinnamon before importing them to Europe.
2. Singapore Botanic Garden in Singapore
For over 158 years, the Singapore Botanic Garden has graced the edge of the busy Orchard Road. It is the only tropical garden in the world that has been listed as a UNESCO heritage site. If you love orchids, this park will enchant you with more than 20,000 species of orchids among other plants.
3. Nongnooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Thailand
Inspired by the beauty of the world and its rich flora, this botanical garden has a beguiling mix of both Thai and European-style parks. Here, you will find a Dinosaur Valley, French and European gardens, a flower valley, and an orchid garden, among other breathtaking sights. The park was open to the public in 1980.
4. Montreal Botanical Garden in Canada
It wouldn’t be a lie to claim this park is the go-to garden oasis at the heart of the famous Canadian city. Known for its art installations that help visitors get closer to nature through different, often human-size installations and plant arrangements. Don’t forget to check the Japanese and Chinese gardens while you’re there.
5. Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Cape Town, South Africa
Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and among the very few gardens to cultivate only indigenous plants, this botanical park is a feast to the eye and a must-visit destination for every plant lover. It was founded in 1913, and to mark its first centennial, they built the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway, which has been a focal site in the park since. The walkway is a curved bridge made from timber and steel that resembles a snake skeleton, and it overlooks the Arboretum’s treetops.