Garden Visits – The Vialii Wish List

Thursday, 20 February 2014

Despite all we do to make sure our gardens have year round interest, there are times on those bleak winter days when your mind wanders to those glorious days visiting gardens you love. We also love letting our mind wander to some of the gardens we have yet to explore. Here are just some of the gardens on our garden visits wish list…

Villa D’Este, Italy

Famous for its waterfalls and theatre, Villa d’Este is a wonderful example of Renaissance culture. Considering it was built in the 16th century, the feat of engineering in the gardens is quite remarkable.

Rikugien Gardens, Japan

Considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo, Rikugien was built around 1700. Rikugien literally means “six poems garden” and reproduces in miniature 88 scenes from famous poems.

Alhambra, Spain

The Alhambra dates back as far as 889AD and boasts gardens, fountains, streams, a palace and a mosque. The gardens of the Generalife consist of a long pool framed by flowerbeds, fountains, colonnades and pavilions.

The Majorelle Garden, Morocco

The Majorelle Garden is a 12 acre botanical garden and artist’s landscape garden designed by Jacques Majorelle. Since 1980 the garden has been owned by Yves Saint Laurent.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, USA

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of the crown jewels of the city’s park system, uniting two of Minnesota’s most cherished resources—its greenspace and its cultural life. The 11-acre site Directions, home to the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry, showcases more than 40 works from the Walker Art Center’s renowned collection.

Villa Lante, Italy

The Villa Lante gardens feature cascading fountains, dripping grottoes and perfect parterres. It is a wonderful example of the Mannerist phase of the Renaissance period.

Kenkrouen, Japan

Kenrokuen features various ponds, streams, waterfalls, bridges, teahouses, trees, stones and flowers and is described as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. The name Kenrokuen literally means “Garden of the Six Sublimities”, referring to spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water and broad views, which according to Chinese landscape theory are the six essential attributes that make up a perfect garden.

Lotusland, USA

Lotusland is like the Las Vegas of gardens. Completely over the top and a must-see. From the topiary animals  to the Theatre Garden this garden looks like no other!

Yuyuan Garden, China

Yuyuan Garden is a famous classical garden located in Anren Jie, Shanghai. It was finished in 1577 by a government officer of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) named Pan Yunduan. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying, and this garden was specially built for Pan’s parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age.

Levens Hall, England

Most famous for their stunning topiary gardens, Levens Hall Gardens in the Lake District have been providing pleasure for over three centuries. As well as the topiary there is a rose garden, herb garden, orchard and much more to explore.

So there are a few of the gardens on our garden visits wish list. What are yours? Or what gardens do you love that you want to share with others? Please get in touch and let us know.

Best wishes

All at Vialii