Our tipsters delight in the magnificent scents and vibrant hues at historic and captivating gardens spanning from Spain to Sweden
Island oasis, Ischia, Italy
La Mortella, an extraordinary garden we explored on Ischia in the Bay of Naples, is a paradise of exotic plants, established in 1958 by Argentinian Susana Walton. The hanging orchids were incredibly lush, and we were amazed by the giant lily pads. Guided by the receptionist (accompanied by a talking parrot), we reached the café, where we savored delicious food and attended a concert featuring music composed by Susana’s husband, Sir William. The gardens are open from March 30 to November 3 (entry fee €12) on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Our lasting impression is of music, cuisine, and breathtaking surroundings.
Bloom with a view, Ravello, Italy
Perched elegantly above the Amalfi Coast, south of Naples, are the Villa Cimbrone Gardens. This stunning location has been admired since at least the 11th century, and the gardens are filled with roses and hydrangeas, emitting a delightful fragrance. It’s easy to lose yourself here for a few hours, and the €10 entry fee is quite reasonable. With the backdrop of the sea far below, the gardens offer the perfect setting for photos, which is why the villa, now a luxury hotel, is a highly coveted wedding venue.
A perennial favourite near Munich
The Sichtungsgarten Weihenstephan, located in Freising (north of Munich), is a serene and exquisite garden that also functions as an educational hub for horticulturists and designers. Established in 1947 by horticultural scientist Richard Hansen, the gardens are overseen by the university. They feature trial beds showcasing exceptional plant combinations, particularly focusing on perennials (with 4,000 varieties on display). These plants are evaluated for their resilience to climate change, diseases, and pests. The garden boasts impressive collections of peonies, hydrangeas, asters, hazel, rock garden plants, and more. It’s a garden not to be missed, and I wish there were more like it in the UK. Entry is free.
Where I found peace in Paris
Last May, I had the pleasure of visiting Parc de Bagatelle, one of Paris’s four botanical gardens located in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne. It was truly a beautiful experience. The park features a charming chateau, a rose garden boasting 10,000 rose plants, and a magnificent pond adorned with water lilies. What struck me most was the peaceful ambiance, as the location is not heavily frequented by tourists, allowing for a tranquil and relaxing visit. In addition to these attractions, the park offers a 19th-century Chinese pagoda, caves, artificial waterfalls and ponds, as well as an elegant restaurant. Remarkably, the park and its chateau were created in just over two months in 1775 following a wager between Queen Marie Antoinette and her brother-in-law, Charles, Count of Artois.
Spring flowers and sea views, Sweden
The garden of Sofiero castle in Helsingborg was designed by Margaret of Connaught, crown princess of Sweden and granddaughter of Queen Victoria. In the early 20th century, she utilized her botanical knowledge and experience of English parks (having been born at Bagshot Park, Surrey) to help create a stunning garden that cascades down to the coast. The garden is renowned for its mountains of rhododendrons, which attract many visitors in the spring. Today, the castle organizes numerous events to promote gardening, including tulip days in April-May and garden days featuring lectures and exhibitions in August, when the dahlia area is particularly vibrant. From the coast, visitors can even catch a glimpse of Hamlet’s castle in Denmark.
On the tiles, Cádiz, Spain
The small park, known as the Walk of Carlos III, located beside the promenade in Cádiz, is adorned with palm trees and formal flower beds. The air is filled with the delightful scent of orange trees. At its center, a magnificent fountain, embellished with traditional blue-and-white designs, anchors a geometric layout with black-and-white tiled paths leading to courtyards. Tidy hedges enclose flower beds bursting with bird of paradise flowers and topiaries. The jacaranda trees’ purple blooms cascade down alongside orange-laden trees. The meandering roots of a banyan tree extend across a courtyard. The park, which is free to enter, resonates with the sound of waves crashing against the sea wall and the lively squawks of green parakeets.
Moorish bathhouse blooms in Palma, Mallorca
After lunch, we wandered through the back streets of Palma and unexpectedly discovered the 10th-century Arab baths, known as Banys Àrabs. A narrow, shaded entrance led us to a lush walled garden filled with geraniums and ferns spilling out of terracotta pots. Tall palms provided welcome shade, while flowers bloomed from various nooks and crannies, adding to the garden’s charm. Porticos and other remnants of the Moorish bathhouse were intertwined with the greenery, showcasing their historical significance since the 10th century. It was a delightful surprise to sit, breathe, and admire the view in this enchanting setting.
Festival of gardens, Loire Valley, France
The Chateau Chaumont hosts the annual Festival of Gardens in the Loire Valley, which serves as a highlight of a fantastic garden holiday (entry €15). This year’s theme, Jardin Source de Vie, highlights the crucial role of insects in gardens and our lives. The festival runs from April to October and is known for its quirky, original, and enjoyable displays. Nearby, there are several other gardens worth visiting, including the formal gardens of Villandry, the picturesque Prieurié St Cosme where the 16th-century poet Ronsard lived, the chateau of Amboise with installations inspired by Leonardo de Vinci (who spent his final years at nearby Clos Lucé), and the privately owned Jardin de Sasnières in a small valley with springs and waterfalls. For accommodations, I recommend staying at the Hotel Cote Loire, a 16th-century inn in Blois.
Buddhas among the buds, Portugal
Located about an hour north of Lisbon near Bombarral, Bacalhôa Buddha Eden is one of the largest oriental gardens in Europe, covering 35 hectares. It’s a surprising sight in this tranquil area of the Silver Coast, featuring formal gardens, statues, and artworks that seamlessly blend different cultures. Highlights include golden buddhas, pagodas, lakes, and an African garden with sculptures honoring the Shona people. Entry fee is €6.
Winning tip: Cacti and coastal views, Costa Brava, Spain
In the coastal town of Blanes, perched high on the cliffs yet within walking distance from the town center, lies the stunning Marimurtra Jardi Botanic, with an entry fee of €8. Established in 1924 by Carl Faust, a German businessman and nature enthusiast, Marimurtra offers breathtaking views of the Costa Brava. The gardens are a testament to Faust’s love for Catalonia and nature, with a statue of him located on the town’s promenade gazing towards his beloved creation. Filled with magnificent plants, including bamboo, cacti, and ethereal air plants clinging to trees, the gardens overlook the sea, with Catalan flags fluttering proudly on the rugged peaks. Enjoy a glass of cava at the cafe and purchase some mel de flors (flower honey) from the gift shop. You can continue your journey to Cala de Sant Francesc for a swim and the beginning of the coastal walk, Camí de Ronda, or return to Blanes for some tapas.
