5 More Gardens That Will Also Blow Your Mind
By Penny on Jun 27, 2014
Don’t waste anymore time, you only have the weekend left before the #GardenContestNiH closes and we choose a winner! For more inspiration, check out these worldwide acclaimed gardens.
Sitio Roberto Burle Marx - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (featured above - via portaldaabelhinha.com)
An esteemed designer and collector of art, Roberto Burle Marx set out to protect and showcase Brazilian flora. His architectural expertise proficiently incorporates European style-design (which he learned in his travels) in the garden’s layout, contributing to the visual appeal and controlled growth of his wide selection of plant species. Driven by his love for the native plants of Brazil he bought this 36 hectare property in 1949 to experiment with introducing different types of Brazilian native plants (which was then a revolutionary idea). “El Sitio”, as it is most commonly known became the passion of his life, some calling it an obsession. Home to more bromeliad plants than anywhere else in the world, the garden is also rich with animal and insect diversity who build homes within the leaves of these pineapple-esque plants. Marx’s opinion of a ‘garden’ was human mastery over nature; designed by and controlled by man, a mantra that can be seen throughout the gardens landscapes. For example, a large area dedicated for hosting parties, was structurally designed to showcase particular types of plant species that either grow as vines, trees or flowers. Moving further into the depths of the garden, a more private area unfolds, revealing a forested area that has almost nothing in common with the intricately designed party area, this serene sight is a peaceful sanctuary where large trees cast shade upon smaller plant species. One of the most unique aspects of this garden is that Marx combines the textures of trunks and leaves with the colours of plants in an extraordinarily imaginative way.
Parque Maria Luisa - Seville, Spain
Via panoramio.com
Located south of Seville’s historic centre, this majestic garden is intricately decorated with ceramic tiled benches, fountains, pools, statues and monuments. The park was originally created for Princess Maria Luisa d’Orleans who was a part of the Orleans, (a branch of the Royal House of France) and married King Charles II of Spain to become the Queen of Spain from 1679 to 1689. In 1893, the grounds of the San Telmo Palace were donated to the city of Seville, at which point the designs for the park were carried out by the French landscape architect, Jean-Claude Forestier. Characterized by its wide, paved walkways, boulevards, tall palm and orange tree-shaded avenues, pristine white statues and monuments and unique fountains, there are so many gorgeous aspects to this park, it’s difficult to decide on which to elaborate. A large pond with a gazebo offers Sevillians and tourists a wonderful escape from the dry, scorching heat in peak summer months between July and August where temperatures can reach 50 degrees celsius (the record for the hottest day in all of Europe)! A personal favourite, is the statues of three women who represent the various stages of love; past love, present love and future love, followed closely by the dark and fallen angel on the opposite side of the women, who lies on his back, hand outstretched in the air, beneath the shade from a centuries old weeping willow.
Villa d’Este - Tivoli, Italy
Via italia.it
Just a short distance from Rome, this is one of the few gardens in the world listed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site. The design was commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este who was given the palace as a gift for assuming the role of Governor of Tivoli. Since the governor deemed the original place of residence (a part of the Tivoli monastery of the church of Santa Maria Maggiore) unsuitable, he was given this land. Disregarding plans set out by landscape architects, d’Este set out to create this magnificent garden in a classical, Renaissance mannerist style. Epitomizing opulence in size as well as in detail, the garden also represents its maker’s sense of humour, with a fountain that sporadically splashes water on unsuspecting visitors! Since there is a long row of fountains along that wall, it’s difficult to determine which one does it, so consider yourself warned! As the UNESCO official website states, this garden is of particular importance, classifying it as one of the world heritage sites based on four points. First, it is one of the most impressive examples of 16th century culture at its apogee. Stretching over two steep slopes the garden features lavish staircases, some which are embellished by exuberant basins that release torrents of water as well as what is known as the path of Dragons and of course, the Fontana dei Draghi which is the central attraction. The second criteria is that it has a deep influence on the development of garden design throughout Europe. Thirdly, it embodies the main principles of Renaissance design and aesthetics and lastly, it is among the earliest and finest of the giardini delle meraviglie and symbolize the flowering of Renaissance culture.
Royal Botanic Gardens - Melbourne, Australia
Via ultra168.com
Just south of the Yarra River in the centre of Melbourne, these gardens attract tourists from all over the world. The 38 hectares of land combine a mix of native and exotic plants with over 10,000 species. Due to its popularity, the garden offers facilities and kiosks for visitors as well as education programs and performances in an ampitheatre on site. Expect to see breathtaking vistas, calm lakes and a great variety of fauna throughout (like rainforest flora and cacti!), with the option to take an informative tour or explore independently. There’s also a man-made volcano that was built in 1876 to store water, but lay idle for almost sixty years. Recently, Guilfoyle’s Volcano was restored as an integral part of a developing project called Working Wetlands which exhibits low-water use plants (like the ones seen in Arizona). What visitors will really love is the wildlife diversity, as the garden is also a natural sanctuary for native wildlife like black swans, eels, bell birds, cockatoos and kookaburras.
Allan Gardens Conservatory -Toronto, Canada
If you’ve been in Toronto anytime between 1910 and today, you may recognize this local botanical gem by its cast-iron and glass dome. Allan Gardens is a designated Ontario Heritage site that has a vast collection of exotic plants and flower shows for each season. With over 16,000 square feet across the six greenhouses which are accessible 365 days a year from 10 am to 5 pm, there’s no excuse to be missing out! The garden got started after George Allan donated the five-acre land to the City in 1858 and today the garden’s diversity features exotic and local fauna, such as: palms, banana trees, orchids, jasmines and gingers.
