Beautiful weather, seasonally themed events, and one-of-a-kind plant exhibits are only a few reasons why summer is the perfect time to visit a botanical garden. Whether you’re interested in seeing rare flowers, relaxing in a gorgeous green space, or finding ideas for your own summer garden (may we recommend heat-resistant foliage or planted perennials ?), you’ll find what you’re looking for at these celebrated botanical gardens around the world. From the thousands of rose species featured at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to the cacti collections of Arizona’s Desert Botanical Garden to the impressively preserved gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny, France, these breathtaking displays of horticulture will inspire even the most amateur of gardeners.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York
This diverse botanical retreat in Brooklyn features a variety of plant attractions that aim to connect people to the world of horticulture. Don’t miss the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden—one of the oldest and most frequented Japanese-inspired gardens outside of Japan—and the thousands of rose species on display in the Cranford Rose Garden. bbgrg
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas
A 66-acre haven for thriving ferns and azaleas, the Dallas Arboretum also has one of the best views of the downtown skyline. Opened in 1984, this city landmark boasts 19 gardens that provide a vibrant oasis for visitors and locals alike. dallasarboretumrg
Gardens of the Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France
Steeped in history and splendor, the sprawling gardens of Versailles, one of the world’s most recognized landmarks, are the former stomping grounds of King Louis XVI and his queen, Marie Antoinette. In 1661 Louis XVI appointed André Le Nôtre to design the gardens, which took over 40 years to complete and include an orangerie and abundance of ornate fountains. chateauversailler
Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago
Known for its extraordinary bonsai collection, this 385-acre living museum features 26 gardens located in four habitats, including woods, prairies, and lakes and shores. The master plan for the garden, established in 1890, was designed by lead architects John O. Simonds and Geoffrey Rausch. chicagobotanicrg
Claude Monet Foundation, Giverny, France
Founded by a nonprofit organization committed to the preservation of the house and gardens of Claude Monet, the impressive flower and water garden in Giverny attracts over 500,000 visitors a year, all eager to see the greenery that inspired the great artist. fondation-moneom
New York Botanical Garden, New York
Founded in 1891, this 250-acre botanical oasis in the Bronx supports over one million plants that thrive in a variety of climates, from the tropics to the desert. With over 50 different gardens, this National Historic Landmark receives more than one million visitors per year. nybgrg
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town
Established to conserve South Africa’s indigenous plants, this extraordinary display of vegetation from the savanna, the karoo, and other growing regions, is framed against the grand backdrop of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. Sugarbushes, pincushions, and heaths are some of the plants that make up the more than 7,000 species in this epic garden. sanbirg
Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis
Now a National Historic Landmark, this botanical retreat was founded in 1859 and is the nation’s oldest operating botanical garden. More than 79 acres of thriving greenery surround the park’s renowned attractions, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, founder Henry Shaw’s original estate home, and a vast display of rare orchids. missouribotanicalgardenrg
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, Rio de Janeiro
Housing over 8,000 exotic plant species, this tranquil garden was founded by Prince Regent Dom João back in 1808. Highlights include a row of palm trees planted when the garden first opened, and more than 600 species of orchids. jbrj.gov.br
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Chonburi Province, Thailand
Largely a collection of tropical florals, this botanical park features daily cultural shows, themed gardens—among them, a 17th-century-inspired French garden and a European Renaissance garden—and multiple nurseries. Officials at the 600-acre park recommend renting a bicycle in order to successfully explore the grounds. nongnoochtropicalgardenom
Royal Botanic Gardens, London
Infused with over 250 years of history, this garden offers 300-plus acres of budding landscape, including treetop walkways and greenhouses. One of two national bases for research into botanical studies, the attraction is as educational as it is breathtaking. kerg
Singapore Botanic Garden, Singapore
Playing a crucial role in Singapore’s early agricultural development, this 150-year-old botanical benchmark represents an influential piece of the nation’s horticulture history. From orchid displays to vibrant fantasy gardens, the attractions will appeal to experienced gardeners and new plant lovers alike. sbgrg.sg
Butchart Gardens, British Columbia
Drawing more than one million visitors each year, this 55-acre display of manicured lawns and budding flowers was founded by Robert Pim Butchart and his wife, Jenni, who turned their exhausted limestone deposits into what was the beginning of the site’s Sunken Garden. Lighting displays created each summer and winter are popular attractions. butchartgardenom
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
Located in Phoenix’s Papago Park, this 140-acre botanical garden features over 50,000 plants, including cacti, agave, and other desert-adapted foliage. Focused on preserving and protecting Arizona’s natural desert beauty, the garden has been showcasing the state’s unique vegetation for more than 70 years. dbgrg
Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Over 1,075 acres of woodlands, meadows, and gardens make up the gorgeous grounds of this Kennett Square landmark. A yearly showcase of the garden’s five designated seasons includes exhibits such as “Orchid Extravaganza” and “A Longwood Christmas.” longwoodgardenrg
