Beautiful sprouting flowers in gardens motivate owners and patrons to spend quality time outdoors. Various historic and epic native plant gardens across the globe have drawn locals and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of nature and reflect the cultures of different people as reflected in the design and makeup of these gardens.
Historic and famous gardens often inspire people to create gardens in their residential and commercial places. Delving into the strategies and meanings of such gardens will give you more ideas on how to beautify your outdoor space. Or, if you’re a tree grower or run a retail garden center, you can gain inspiration from these sites as to what plants and flowers you should offer your clients. Here are the top 5 historic and famous gardens to consider.
1. Maplelawn Historic Garden
Maplelawn Historic Garden is an elegant walled garden found in Ottawa, Ontario. The garden is a major historic site in Canada, having been built in the early 19th century.
With a beautiful and unique oval entrance drive, the trees, plants, and shrubs in Maplelawn Historic Garden reflect some of the British historical records. It is meant to symbolize European landscape architecture ideas brought and nourished in Canada. The garden is maintained by locals, adding to its home-loved charm.
2. The Garden of Versailles
The Garden of Versailles is one of the most majestic gardens found in France. Andre Le Notre, a French landscape architect, designed the garden in the 17th century to symbolize the absolute authority of King Louis XIV.
Grand canals, fountains, waterjets, and statutes are displayed throughout the garden. The Garden of Versailles hosts millions of plants, trees, and shrubs within ints massive boundaries. Manicured lawns and a symmetry landscape also make the Garden of Versailles unique.
3. Butchart Gardens
Butchart Gardens are among the most beautiful and famous gardens in British Colombia, Canada. Having been in existence for almost a century, the Canadian government designated Butchart Gardens as a national Historic Site.
Butchart Gardens have remnants of native cement and bedding plants. The gardens have more than 900 varieties of plants from various parts of the world. Colorful flowers and greeneries make Butchart Gardens unique and a prominent tourist attraction. Other common features of Butchart Gardens include:
- A carousel
- Water fountains
- Winter Christmas lights
- Summer concerts
- Sculptures
- Wharf access
4. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is another historic garden, founded in 1910. One of the major purposes of the garden is to conserve native trees, plants, and flowers. Therefore, the beautiful plants and foresting are intentionally placed to connect people with nature, creating a desire for environmental conservation.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden educates the public about diverse world plant species. The garden also serves as a venue for many functions like weddings and parties. Other functions of Brooklyn Botanic Garden include scientific research and citizen science. Common scientific activities conducted include:
- Seed Science
- Conservation
- Taxonomy
- Horticulture
- Public education
- Restoration ecology
Brooklyn Botanic Garden has more than 12,000 species of plants including various cacti, bonsai, orchids, and roses. Three major parts of Brooklyn Botanic Garden are the Shakespeare Garden, a fragrant garden designed especially for the blind, and a wildflower garden.
5. Daisen-in Zen Garden
Daisen-in Zen is among the world’s oldest gardens, having been created in the early 16th century. This Japanese garden is quite different from other historic gardens across the globe. Daisen-in Zen garden has two major parts – one designed for allegory and the other one for meditation.
The garden has three major features: rocks, quartz, and boat-shaped stone. Rocks symbolize mountains, while a quartz stone represents a river. The boat-shaped stone symbolizes the human journey through the challenging river.
Daisen-in Zen Garden represents a sect of Buddhism aiming to boost mental wellness through meditation and mindfulness. Other mental benefits associated with the garden include:
- Stress alleviation and relaxation
- Improved concentration and focus
- Improved discipline
- Improved creativity
Visit Native Plant Gardens
These native plant gardens can motivate you to start your agroforestry or boost your retail garden center. You’ll also learn about various native plants, trees, and flower species that can boost your surrounding environment.