At
Vialii we just love visiting gardens, parks and open spaces, whether
they are local to where we live or in far flung places when we get a
minute to go on holiday. Many people would think it was a busman's
holiday but gardens are different. There is nothing better than
wandering aimlessly through a well designed and cared for garden. We
love the excitement at finding the unexpected or seeing something for
the first time. And of course there are always lovely new ideas which
spark thoughts of how they could be included in our own or clients'
gardens. There are so many to choose from and the list will continue to
expand over the years, but here are some of our favourites so far...
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Garden of Cosmic Speculation, nr
Dumfries
The Garden of Cosmic Speculation, the garden
belonging to its
designer Charles Jencks is a firm favourite of ours. Nestled just
outside Dumfries and only open one day a year, you need to make a bit
of an effort to see this one. But, boy, is it worth it! From the
infamous Jencks landforms to woodland walkways and sculptures at every
turn, there is never a dull moment in this garden. The garden is
inspired by mathematics and science and beholds features such as the
Blackhole and the DNA garden. Entry
money goes to the Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres which were set up in
memory of Charles' late wife, Maggie Keswick Jencks.
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Nitobe Memorial Garden, Vancouver
The
Nitobe Memorial Garden is tucked away in a corner of the University of
British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. It is considered one of the best
Japanese gardens in North America and in the Top 5 best Japaense
gardens outwith Japan. The serenity you feel as soon as you step out of
the busy campus into the garden is stunning. There is a rare authentic
Tea Garden set in the gardens and a ceremonial tea house. The garden is
designed to take you on a journey through childhood with the associated
decisions to make as you go about which way to turn or not being able
to see what is round the corner. The planting, the water, the stones
and features are all perfect. A must see if you are in
Vancouver.
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Giardini di Boboli,
Florence
The
gardens of Boboli are situated behind the Pitti Palace in Florence and
are large parklands filled with sculptures from 16th to the 18th
centuries. The gardens are perfect to wander through on a sunny Tuscan
afternoon and you will find antiquities at every corner from Roman
statues and water features to grottoes and temples. We particularly
loved the juxta position with the modern head sculpture pictured here.
If
you are a fan of perfect flower beds this isn't the garden for you. But
if you love wandering through gardens away from the hustle and bustle
and discovering something new at each turn, set aside an afternoon and
enjoy.
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The Eden Project, Cornwall
Set aside a full day and prepare to
have your mind blown away by this feat of engineering and display of
forward thinking. At every turn you learn something new and the team at
the Eden Project or constantly working on new projects, pushing
boundaries and educating the public in a fun and genuine way.
The fact that this used to be an old clay pit is amazing.
Many people think Eden is just a couple of domed greenhouses, and
whilst the Biomes are fantastically out of this world, there is so much
more to the attraction. There are different themed gardens outside,
fantastic sculptures, an impressive interpretion centre and so much to
learn at every turn, even for the most learned of gardeners. Oh and
lovely cafes too! Read more about Eden & other gardens in Cornwall in our Blog.
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Logan Botanic Gardens, nr
Stranraer
Tucked away beside the Solway Firth in the
South West of Scotland, Logan Botanic Gardens enjoys being
situated in the Gulf Stream, thus allowing for exotic plants to
flourish. From its mighty tree ferns to a gunnera bog, Logan can
showcase plants you wouldn't normally expect to see in Scotland. We
particularly loved the serenity of the Water Garden. Kids will love to
explore through the gunnera jungle or if you are a fan of plants, enjoy
meandering around the Walled Garden which is a blaze of colour from
Spring through Autumn and is a real celebration of the world of plants.
Or if grasses are your thing, the Rock Gulley showcases
grasses from around the world.
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Central
Park, New York
Any
time we are in New York, we always set aside some time to hang out in
Central Park. No matter what time of year you visit New York, Central
Park is always worth a visit. In the summer, it's a great place to
relax and people watch. There are always lots of locals jogging,
in-line skating or walking their dogs and often a film crew filming the
latest blockbuster. But its the sense of peace you feel as soon as you
walk into the park, despite being surrounded by skyscrapers and the
busiest shopping streets in the world. From the wide boulevards to the
winding woodlands walkways, the large lakes to the striking water
features there is loads to see. And of course, you can't miss the
ice-skating in Winter!
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Drummond
Castle Gardens, nr Crieff
These
gardens are just a stones throw away from our home yet we only
discovered them in recent years. The public can't access the Castle,
but who would want to with such amazing gardens to explore? The gardens
are a perfect example of formal gardens in the style of the 17th
Century Scottish Renaissance. They were recreated in Victorian times
and then renewed again in the 20th century. The symmetry is stunning,
the topiary first class and there are some fine examples of statues
throughout the garden. If you like your gardens well kept, you are
unlikely to find a finer specimen. The reveal as you arrive at the top
of the steps at the entrance to the garden will simply take your breath
away.
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Butchart
Gardens, nr Victoria
Another
favourite from our honeymoon in Canada, Butchart, like Eden is a feat
of engineering and vision. Part of the garden is an old limestone
quarry, which Jenny Butchart set about transforming the area in the
early 20th century into the famous sunken garden (see right). The
plants are perfection and the use of different heights, colours,
textures and form is stunning. Throughout you will find sculpture and
water features to keep you enthralled, Italian and Japanese gardens are
lovely and if you are lucky enough to visit in the summer be sure to
stay on after dark to see the garden take on a different dimension!
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would love to hear recommendations from you of gardens to visit that we
haven't covered here and hear about your own discoveries and
delights. |
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