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Gardens of the World

The Smithsonian is renowned for its many important themed gardens, such as the Haupt Garden parterre adjacent to the Smithsonian Castle. Horticulture is an important area of art, science, and research at the Smithsonian.

Monet's gardens at Giverny, north of Paris, served as inspiration for many of his Impressionist masterpieces.

The gardens of Louis XIV's Versailles outside Paris feature exceptional French formal gardens.

The hilltop village of Eze features both a magnificent view of the French Riviera and an amazing botanical garden of succulents.

Lavender fields in Provence are in bloom during the height of the summer, creating a beautiful panorama.

The chateau of Chenonceau in the Loire Valley of France is a Renaissance masterpiece that spans the River Cher and also features formal gardens.

Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands features millions of spring blossoms amid an idyllic landscape of tranquil ponds, gently flowing streams, and winding, tree-shaded paths. Credit: Steve Greye

More spring blossoms at Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands.

Tulip fields in bloom in the Netherlands are a wondrous sight.

Situated on Lake Maggiore and featuring a baroque villa and exquisite gardens, Isola Bella is considered a highlight of Italy's Lake District.

The Temple of Segesta in western Sicily is situated amid a landscape of wildflowers during the spring.

The gardens of the Generalife are part of the World Heritage site of the Alhambra in Spain.

The gardens of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, are said to be the epitome of Moorish design.

The lush gardens found at Tresco Abbey Garden on the Isle of Scilly, England, are said to be comparable to London's Kew Gardens.

Bodnant Garden, located in northern Wales, is a fine example of 19th-century Victorian landscape artistry.

Formal gardens enhance the Bildengalerie Palace at Sanssouci in Potsdam, outside Berlin.

The gardens at Vienna's Schonbrunn Palace, summer residence of the Habsburgs and a World Heritage site, reflect a formal parterre.

An aerial view of Peterhof, outside St. Petersburg, shows just a small section of the expansive gardens that surround the palace.

The magnificent fountains of Peterhof are an important aspect of the gardens.

The gardens at Nijo Castle in Kyoto reflect a serene aesthetic.

Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa is one of Japan's most beautiful gardens.

Ryoan-ji Garden in Kyoto is an exquisite example of a meditative Zen garden.

Australia's Royal Botanic Gardens are situated in Sydney, not far from the Opera House.

Kirstenbosch Gardens, outside Cape Town, was established as a center for the study and preservation of indigenous flora of southern Africa.

Artistic design, culture, and science are all reflected in the ideal garden. We hope you'll enjoy strolling through some of the world's most recognized gardens on this virtual tour. The gardens depicted here, both formal and natural landscapes, are found among the highlights of select Smithsonian Journeys tours and cruises, which garden lovers may want to keep in mind for the future.