Image Source: Wikipedia
Like Audrey in the musical Little Shop of Horrors, there are plenty of people who also dream of ‘somewhere that’s green’. Although many of her expectations reflect the 1950s mindset, modern audiences can nonetheless appreciate Audrey’s desire to be in a more naturalistic setting. While the lady was apparently thinking in terms of a suburban yard, there is no reason why modern travelers shouldn’t do precisely that by visiting a botanic garden on their city vacations. With spring rapidly approaching, flowers will soon be in bloom and these spots will make excellent additions to any travel plans that one might have. Throughout the world there are many noteworthy gardens but the list below contains some of our especial favorites.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Butchart Gardens. This expanse located in Central Saanich, British Columbia is reclaimed quarry that remains in the hands of its original owners. It is currently home to over 700 species plant life. Easily accessed by public transport, the garden is at its best from about March to October, though horticultural enthusiasts may still find it worth a look in the winter months. The gardens are currently open between 9 am and 3:30 pm on a daily basis. Adult admission varies over the course of the year with tickets being around $18 in the winter and about $30 during the summer months. Incredibly affordable tickets ($2 or $3) are available for guests under 12 years of age, but those under 17 will also receive a slight discount.
Image Source: Wikipedia
Kew Gardens. Home to 50,000 plant specimens spread out over 326 acres, this British botanic garden is nothing if not enormous in scope. This garden is more properly known as the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew as it was created in 1879 by a member of the royal family. It is located just outside the main part of London and can be reached using various forms of public transportation. Visitors will definitely want to bring along sturdy walking shoes, bottled water, and possibly some snacks. Those fortunate enough to be traveling to England during the month of January should definitely take advantage of the discounted tickets ($17.32) that are being offered to visitors at this time as prices are generally $10 higher. However, children under the age 16 receive complimentary entry to the gardens when accompanied by adults.
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Versailles Grounds. The Sun King lavished a lot of attention on his private residence at Versailles and the grounds are no exception. His granddaughter-in-law, the infamous Marie Antoinette, even added her own touch with a small, idealized country village on the same estate. However, the site is more elegant than rustic in nature. Fountains, statues, and ornamental lakes compliment the well-tended shrubberies and flowerbeds. The garden is currently open from 8 am to 6 pm on a daily basis, but it will remain open until 8:30 pm after April 1st. Admission to the grounds is typically free but on days when the fountains are activated (weekends, holidays) entrance to those areas costs about $11.25. Versailles is only a short train ride from Paris.
What is your favorite botanical garden? Have you been to any of these? Tell us about it in the comments section.
Sources: National Geographic; The Telegraph; Top Dreamer; Condé Nast Traveler; Trip Advisor; Wikipedia; Butchart Gardens; Kew Gardens; Versailles
