Mother Nature paints a beautiful tapestry in the likeness of flowers with public gardens the best places to showcase her art. With such floral splendor blooming worldwide, have you ever wondered which garden might be the prettiest? Titan Travel, a worldwide tour company carried out a mammoth survey to figure out the most beautiful garden in the world, and a smaller than expected contender came out tops. The Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, California, a clear winner was decided among top reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor. Let’s see which gardens made it to the top three of the world’s most beautiful gardens.
#1 The Ruth Bancroft Garden: A Spiky Wonderland
Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek turned out Tripadvisor’s highest rated garden with 62 percent 5-star reviews. This amazing floral wonderland isn’t your typical rose garden bursting with fragrant blooms. It focuses on a different kind of beauty – the spiky and unexpected world of succulents. With over 2,000 species of cacti, succulents, trees, and shrubs spread over 3.5 acres, the Ruth Bancroft Garden offers a fascinating look at these drought-tolerant plants. The garden hosts such species from all over the world including Mexico, Chile, South Africa, Australia, and, California. Imagine a landscape filled with unexpected shapes, surprising textures, and a dazzling array of colors.
History of Ruth Bancroft Garden
Ruth Bancroft, a pioneer in xeriscaping, began the garden in the 1950s on her family’s walnut orchard, transforming it into a living museum of desert plants. Highlights include towering golden barrel cacti, vibrant aloes that bloom in fiery reds and oranges during winter, and rare specimens like the fan-shaped Madagascar palm. The garden’s artistic layout, blending architectural plants with natural rock features, creates a dynamic and serene environment that demonstrates the stunning beauty of water-wise gardening.
#2 The Limahuli Garden and Preserve in Kauai, Hawaii
Coming in second place, the Limahuli Garden and Preserve on Kauai’s north shore is a tropical paradise. Nestled on the lush north shore of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, the Limahuli Garden and Preserve is a tropical paradise that celebrates native Hawaiian culture and biodiversity. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Makana Mountain and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this garden is a sanctuary for native plants, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Its unique layout mimics ancient Hawaiian agricultural terraces, featuring crops like taro (kalo) and breadfruit (ʻulu) that sustained native Hawaiian communities for centuries.
A Beautiful Immersive Experience
Visitors can explore rare and endangered plant species such as the alula (Brighamia insignis), a succulent endemic to the cliffs of Kauaʻi, and learn about the critical conservation efforts underway to restore native ecosystems. With its rich cultural significance and breathtaking natural beauty, Limahuli offers an immersive experience that connects visitors to the heart of Hawaiian traditions and the importance of preserving the island’s delicate ecology.
#3 Pukekura Park in New Plymouth, New Zealand
Pukekura Park, located in New Plymouth, New Zealand, is a stunning 128-acre botanical garden and recreational haven that blends natural beauty with meticulously landscaped areas. One of its most unique features is the Fernery and Display Houses, which house an incredible variety of ferns, orchids, and tropical plants within a series of underground caverns and glasshouses. The park’s centerpiece is a tranquil lake adorned with a picturesque red footbridge and surrounded by lush greenery.
A Magical Wonderland at Night
Pukekura Park is also famous for its enchanting Festival of Lights, where the garden transforms into a magical wonderland with vibrant light displays and live performances during the summer. Visitors are captivated by its harmonious blend of native and exotic flora, its charming Tea House on the lake, and its serene walking trails that showcase New Zealand’s rich botanical heritage.
These are just a few of the many exquisite gardens waiting to be discovered around the world. So, the next time you’re planning a trip, consider incorporating a visit to a botanical garden into your itinerary. You might just be surprised by the beauty and wonder that awaits!
