We're worried. In the United States, for example, 43% of adults felt more anxious in 2024 than they did the previous year, up from 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022.
To soothe themselves, people curl up with a good book, go out for a run, or hang out with friends. But do you know there’s a place where you can do all of that—and then some?
We collected a list of gorgeous famous gardens from around the world, reminding us that sometimes the simplest way to recharge is to slow down, breathe, and let nature work its magic.
#1 Royal Botanic Gardens - Kew, London, UK

An expansive collection of over 50,000 plants, the Royal Botanical Gardens has become one of the most biodiverse spaces around the globe. Back in 1759, it was Princess Augusta, mother of King George III, who started it as a 9-acre project. Today, it stretches over 300 acres, and its diverse plants are a paradise for green lovers. From sprawling gardens to enchanting greenhouses, it also includes an Arboretum, a living library of plants, a Palm House, a recreated rainforest, and a Temperate House, which is the world’s largest surviving Victorian glasshouse.
32points
#2 Butchart Gardens - British Columbia, Canada

The story of this garden started in 1904, when Jennie Butchart decided to transform an abandoned limestone quarry into an iconic Sunken Garden, which became an integral part of Canadian gardening history. Today, it dramatically stretches over 55 acres and features more than 900 bedding plant varieties. Spring, summer, autumn, or winter, every season comes alive with vivid hues as the plants and flowers adapt to the changes. The floral displays throughout the landscape are worth a visit as they easily take your breath away.
31points
#3 Claude Monet’s Garden - Giverny, France

They say that inspiration comes from nature; no wonder Claude Monet created such exquisite art, when his house and gardens are so dreamy. Many believe that these gardens are just like the French Impressionist's paintings, "brightly colored patches that are messy but balanced." His pink stucco cottage features two gardens: the Clos Normand and a Japanese-inspired water garden. Fruit and ornamental trees showcase a marriage between different flowers, while asymmetries and curves add a quirky twist to this beauty.
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27points
#4 Mauritius National Botanical Garden - Pamplemousses, Mauritius

The world-famous Mauritius National Botanical Garden was started in 1735 as a mere vegetable plot by the French Governor of Mauritius, François Mahé de Labourdonnais. However, after decades of history, it stands as a magnificent wonderland today with its astonishing variety of palms. Huge water lilies also steal the show as their leaves take the shape of classic tea-trays. With an abundant birdlife, it comes alive with their songs, and it's considered the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere.
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26points
#5 Las Pozas - Xilitla, Mexico

A surrealist garden that makes you feel like you are in a dream, of course, we are talking about the Sculpture Garden of Edward James, or "Las Pozas". He started creating it in 1944, and today, it houses whimsical structures that are cocooned within lush vegetation. Inspired by the surrealist movement, he created structures that resemble staircases, houses, cathedrals, and they look incomplete, almost as if that was his intention. As you stroll through this architectural maze, you are engulfed by the forest canopy, and it feels like nature is giving you a tight hug.
26points
#6 Powerscourt Estate - Enniskerry, Ireland

Although this estate has existed since 1300, it was not until 1730 that the construction of a magnificent mansion was started on it. Landscaped gardens were laid out on it in the 1740s and were redesigned in the 19th century. From huge terraces to decorative lakes or secret hollows, it feels like straight out of a fairytale. With 200 types of trees and shrubs, its breathtaking Japanese gardens and the Pepperpot Tower, all add to its charm as it snugly sits with the Great Sugarloaf Mountain as its backdrop.
24points
#7 Gardens Of Villandry - Villandry, France

France is the land of love; of course, it hosts some of the most romantic gardens in the world, including the ornamental gardens of the Château de Villandry. Sweeping terraces create a unique and stunning landscape of floral and vegetable gardens that look absolutely splendid from the top. It also contains exotic species that were all inspired by none other than Jean-Jacques Rousseau. People believe that Joachim Carvallo is the actual creator of the gardens after he acquired them in 1906. These marvelous creations are said to be his greatest work, and strolling through them is as close to bliss as anyone can get.
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23points
#8 Jardin Majorelle - Marrakech, Morocco

French landscape painter, Jacques Majorelle, gave birth to this peaceful oasis that has become a major attraction in Morocco. To keep Majorelle's vision alive, French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé bought the property in 1980, and there's a perfect symbiosis of nature and art. The garden proudly shows off plants from 5 continents, with 300 exotic plant species. However, nothing steals the show like Majorelle's ravishing blue Art Deco studio that beautifully merges with the lush green gardens.
22points
#9 Keukenhof - Lisse, Netherlands

With a history that dates back to the 15th century, it was not until 1949 that this spring park was born. It has been 76 years since the spring-flowering bulbs have lit up the 79 acres on which it lavishly sprawls. As you take a stroll through the world's largest flower garden, over 7 million flower bulbs bloom up at you. Everywhere your eyes wander, all you see are mesmerizing tulips of every vibrant color that you can imagine, happily dancing along with other flowers as well. It's not just a vibrant experience, but an absolute treat for the eyes.
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21points
#10 Aswan Botanical Garden - Aswan, Egypt

Lord Horatio Kitchener is the mastermind behind the Aswana Botanical Garden, as he was gifted this island while he served as commander of the Egyptian army in the 1890s. Majestic trees accompanied by hundreds of species of flora feature on the 16 acres of the garden, along with exotic plants imported from the Far East, India, and parts of Africa by Kitchener himself. Besides, it's also a haven for birdwatchers as winged wonders like the Egyptian Goose, Osprey, Spur-winged Plover, Gull-billed Tern, and White-winged Tern can be spotted here.
20points
#11 Pukekura Park - New Plymouth, New Zealand

With its unique collection of trees and shrubs, the Pukekura Park is probably the Eden of New Plymouth city. It stretches over 128 acres, which were previously swamp land until the garden was conceived in 1876. From rhododendrons to azaleas or begonias to fuchsias, its fernery and display houses are the talk of the town. Along with fountains, waterfalls, playgrounds, and a historic band rotunda, it also features an entertainment venue where numerous events take place. The Festival of Lights is one of its main attractions as the holiday season lures in tons of visitors.
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19points
#12 Jardim Botânico Do Rio De Janeiro - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

The Jardim Botânico is almost like an invitation to fall in love with nature, all thanks to its beautiful green surroundings. Rubber, cocoa, and abricó-de-macaco trees, accompanied by many other varieties unique to Brazil, can be found living here. A greenhouse brimming with orchids, bromeliads, and other blooms, along with extraordinary sculptures by famous artists, is one of the most popular features. As you stroll through this oasis, you can easily spot the Christ, the Redeemer statue. Majestic palm trees cocoon the charming central fountain, which was brought here in 1905 after being designed in London.
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19points
#13 Mount Lofty Botanical Gardens - Adelaide Hills, Australia

A hill garden that is home to the world's cool-climate plants, Mount Lofty is nothing short of dazzling. Its walking trails are especially famous as they can be light and breezy, but also tough and challenging for those who are up for it. As you stroll through, themed sculptures will take your breath away, while kangaroos, koalas, and kookaburras can also be spotted living about in the European and Asian garden settings. The gorgeous colors in the fall attract city dwellers who are looking for a peaceful yet vibrant experience at the same time.
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18points
#14 Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Unwinding has never been so peaceful as at the heritage-listed Royal Botanic Gardens in Victoria. From ornamental lakes, lush walkways, or just a cultural exploration, this space has a secret tucked in every green nook. Over 3000 cacti and succulents, a serene Fern Gully with meditative spaces, or a volcano, this garden offers some of the most unique features that you must discover when you visit Australia. With more than 8500 species of trees and plants, this is the ultimate haven to spend your time in tranquility.
18points
#15 Nongnooch Tropical Garden - Pattaya, Thailand

In 1954, Pisit and Nongnooch Tansacha purchased 600 acres of land for a fruit plantation of mangoes, oranges, and coconuts. However, they were taken in by the beauty of gardens during their travels, and decided to turn this into one, and opened it to the public in 1980. Today, with over 670 native plant species, it has become one of the major attractions, apart from the sandy beaches of Pattaya. It also has other unique aspects that lure visitors, like a miniature replica of Stonehenge, an ant tower, Thai cultural shows, a car museum, a fishing pond, and elephant shows. No wonder almost 5000 people visit this wonderland every day.
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17points
#16 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden - Cape Town, South Africa

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a gigantic space of green land, spread over 1300 acres, that cozily nestles on the slope of Table Mountain. It's said to have been born in 1903, and today, it generously houses over 7000 plant species, many of which are so unique that they are only found in this region. With the glorious mountain in the backdrop, its winding canopy walkway creates a world of its own. Apart from the lush green cover, it also features various artworks and sculptures, including a bust of Nelson Mandela, who visited Kirstenbosch in 1996.
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17points
#17 Longwood Gardens - Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA

1100 acres of horticultural splendor is what Longwood Gardens is all about. With its roots in 1906, today, it showcases over 10,000 species and varieties of plants. The indoor and outdoor gardens also feature intricate fountain systems, mesmerizing botanical displays, architectural grandeur, charming lakes, lovely meadows, and winding woodlands. It is also famous for its educational programs, and currently, several new attractions are also under construction.
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17points
#18 The Singapore Botanic Gardens - Singapore

An incredible botanical garden located in the heart of Singapore was started in 1822 as an experimental garden by Sir Stamford Raffles. With over 150 years of history, it has become quite a sensation and has even been granted the honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features stunning gardens like orchid, ginger, heritage, sundial, and many others that are surrounded by picturesque walkways and romantic waterbodies. Vibrant blooms also steal the show, while monitor lizards sneak around the 60 acres of greenery.
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16points
#19 Kenroku-en Garden - Kanazawa, Japan

A garden so mesmerizing that it became one of the three most beautiful gardens of Japan. The Maeda clan started its construction in the 17th century, but it took 200 years until it was finally complete. After it was opened to the public in 1871, its trees and lovely flowers, such as plum and cherry blossoms or azaleas and irises, started attracting visitors from all over the globe.
There's a deep meaning behind its name, "Kenroku-en", which translates to "Garden of the six sublimities". Basically, it's about the six important attributes of the garden: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and broad views. It also features a stunning pond and an island where lore says a powerful hermit lived, which just adds to the intrigue of the garden.
There's a deep meaning behind its name, "Kenroku-en", which translates to "Garden of the six sublimities". Basically, it's about the six important attributes of the garden: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and broad views. It also features a stunning pond and an island where lore says a powerful hermit lived, which just adds to the intrigue of the garden.
16points
#20 The Master-Of-Nets - Suzhou, China

The historic gardens of China have an eternal charm, and this garden is living proof. Master of the Nets Garden was originally built during the Song Dynasty in 1140, and restored in 1765. It portrays the perfect marriage between art and nature, and how they intertwine and coexist to create a magical and quaint green space. It boasts verandas, pavilions, ponds, and walkways, while the inner garden consists of a marvelous courtyard grown with beautiful herbaceous peonies. Not only is it recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Astor Court in New York also has a replica of one section of this charming garden.
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16points




