Annuals, perennials or succulents? These destinations boast world-class gardens that will have your group blooming in anticipation this spring.
Keukenhof Gardens, Amsterdam
Holland is famous for its colorful fields filled with rows of tulips, with the Keukenhof Gardens outside of Amsterdam can be considered the most famous destination for viewing Dutch tulips. Learn about the 400 years of tulip cultivation in the Historic Garden or enjoy one of the various flower shows in the pavilions or the themed gardens.
Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
The annual Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, takes place from the end of February through the end of May each year. Visitors can enjoy wildlife habitats, international eats and Disney-lovers will especially like the character-themed topiaries. International exhibits include a bonsai garden, the German Alpine Container Garden and an English Tea Garden presented by Twinings of London.
Portland, Oregon
Known as “Rose City,” Portland, Oregon, plays host to the annual Rose Festival, with 2018 celebrating the 110th year of the festival. The Rose Festival includes a parade, live concerts and the highlight of the festival— the Annual Spring Rose Show featuring over 4,000 roses.
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Arizona
The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, is an unusual garden in that it is exclusively made up of succulents and other desert plants. Visitors can explore the rare beauty of the Sonoran Desert on any of the garden’s five trails with an option for either a self-guided or guided tour or with a stop at the Butterfly Garden, home to hundreds of butterflies native to the Southwest.
Hampton Court Palace, London
Hampton Court Palace has been called one of the most beautiful palaces in England since it first became a royal palace during the rule of Henry VIII, it was opened to the public under Queen Victoria. The newest feature of the palace gardens is the tudor-inspired Magic Garden, opened in 2016 by the Duchess of Cambridge. The Gardens are also host to two annual festivals, the Hampton Court Music Festival every June and the Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show each July.
www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace
Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri
Founded in 1859 the 79-acre garden is the oldest, continually operating botanical garden in the country. Daily guided tours are offered or visitors can enjoy the top attractions such as the impressive Climatron, under Henry Shaw’s country home Tower Grove House and the adjoining gardens or Linnean House, a greenhouse featuring sub-tropical trees and blooms.
