We are sure to visit every botanical garden we can when travelling. While I do enjoy a lovely garden, Louise is “obsessed.” The Accès Montréal card is offered to residents of the island of Montréal, and as members, we get free access to the Montreal Botanical Garden. Needless to say, we visit it quite often, and I am very happy to see it made the list of the world's best botanical gardens.
TIP: the Montreal Botanical Gardens’ winter path is open daily from 7:30 am to 5 pm from December to May for everyone. Access is free to the site, and no reservations are required.
I wanted to research and develop a list of some of the best botanical gardens in the world based on their historical significance, size, diversity of plant collections, and overall beauty.
These 15 best botanical gardens have earned their reputation through their commitment to horticultural excellence, conservation efforts, and providing visitors with an immersive and educational experience. Please note that this list is subjective, and many other exceptional botanical gardens exist worldwide.
Here are my 15 renowned best botanical gardens.
I was amazed to discover that I have been to nine of them. (See *) Each garden's website provides detailed information about visiting hours, admission fees, events, and additional features to help you plan your visit accordingly:
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- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (London, England)*: One of the most renowned botanical gardens globally, Kew Gardens is home to an extensive collection of plants worldwide. It features iconic glasshouses like the Palm House and the Temperate House. Website: www.kew.org
- Singapore Botanic Gardens (Singapore): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a lush oasis in the city's heart. It showcases various tropical plants and is famous for its National Orchid Garden. Website: www.sbg.org.sg
- Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): Established in 1808, this historic garden houses a rich collection of Brazilian and international plant species. It boasts a stunning avenue of royal palms. Website: www.jbrj.gov.br
Brooklyn Botanic Garden (New York, USA)*: Situated in the heart of Brooklyn, this botanical garden features diverse plant collections, including the renowned Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. It hosts the annual Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival. Website: www.bbg.org- New York Botanical Garden (New York, USA)*: With its vast 250-acre campus, the New York Botanical Garden is a premier botanical attraction. It is home to the iconic Haupt Conservatory and hosts various exhibitions and events. Website: www.nybg.org
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (Cape Town, South Africa): Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch showcases the unique flora of South Africa. It offers stunning vistas, a tree canopy walkway, and diverse gardens. Website: www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (Edinburgh, Scotland)*: This historic garden features breathtaking landscapes, the iconic Victorian Palm House, and a remarkable rock garden. It showcases diverse plant collections from around the world. Website: www.rbge.org.uk
- Missouri Botanical Garden (Missouri, USA): With its stunning Climatron geodesic dome, Japanese Garden, and Chinese Garden, this botanical garden is a must-visit. It is also known for its extensive plant research and conservation efforts. Website: www.missouribotanicalgarden.org
- Huntington Botanical Gardens (California, USA): Located near Los Angeles, the Huntington boasts many plants across its themed gardens. Highlights include the Desert Garden, Japanese Garden, and Chinese Garden. Website: www.huntington.org
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney (Sydney, Australia)*: Situated on the harbour, this garden offers beautiful views, thematic gardens, and the Calyx exhibition space. It hosts vibrant events and showcases the rich flora of Australia. Website: www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au- Villa d'Este (Tivoli, Italy): Although primarily a historical garden, Villa d'Este is renowned for its magnificent fountains, water features, and meticulously designed Renaissance-era landscapes. Website: www.villadestetivoli.info
- Montreal Botanical Garden (Montreal, Canada)*: Known for its vast plant collections, thematic gardens, and stunning Chinese Garden, which is one of the largest outside of China. It also has extensive plant collections and educational programs. Website: www.espacepourlavie.ca/en/botanical-garden
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne (Melbourne, Australia)*: With stunning gardens like the Queen Victoria Garden and the Australian Garden, this botanical gem showcases a diverse range of flora. It offers a blend of horticulture, art, and sustainability. Website: www.rbg.vic.gov.au
- Botanischer Garten Berlin (Berlin, Germany)*: The Botanischer Garten Berlin is renowned for its vast plant collections, including a large tropical greenhouse, a cactus pavilion, and a magnificent rhododendron grove. Website: www.bgbm.org/en
- Butchart Gardens (British Columbia, Canada)*: Once a limestone quarry, Butchart Gardens is now a world-famous garden featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, stunning floral displays, and evening illuminations. Website: www.butchartgardens.com
Brooklyn Botanic Garden (New York, USA)*: Situated in the heart of Brooklyn, this botanical garden features diverse plant collections, including the renowned Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. It hosts the annual Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival. Website: 
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney (Sydney, Australia)*: Situated on the harbour, this garden offers beautiful views, thematic gardens, and the Calyx exhibition space. It hosts vibrant events and showcases the rich flora of Australia. Website: 
It offers a blend of horticulture, art, and sustainability. Website: 
Several criteria contribute to becoming one of the best botanical gardens.
These criteria collectively contribute to the quality and reputation of a botanical garden. Each garden may have its unique strengths and focus areas. Still, the overall goal is to provide an enriching and educational experience while promoting conservation and appreciation of the plant world. Here are some key factors I considered when assessing the quality of the world's best botanical gardens as listed above:
- Diversity of Plant Collections: A good botanical garden should have many plant species and varieties, including native plants, rare and endangered species, and plants from different regions. The collection should represent diverse plant families, ensuring a comprehensive display of botanical diversity.
- Educational Value: Botanical gardens play a crucial role in education and research. They should provide informative signage, interpretive displays, and educational programs that offer visitors opportunities to learn about plants, ecosystems, and conservation. They may also host workshops, lectures, and demonstrations to engage visitors of all ages.
- Conservation Efforts: Botanical gardens often participate in conservation initiatives, such as seed banking, rare plant propagation, and habitat restoration. A good botanical garden actively contributes to plant conservation efforts, both locally and globally.
- Landscaping and Design: The layout and design of a botanical garden should be visually appealing, showcasing a harmonious blend of landscapes, gardens, and architectural features. Thoughtful design elements, such as themed gardens, water features, and paths, enhance the visitor experience.
- Research and Science: A reputable botanical garden conducts scientific research, contributing to plant taxonomy, ecology, and horticulture. They may collaborate with universities, botanists, and other institutions to advance botanical knowledge and conservation practices.
- Historical and Cultural Significance: Some botanical gardens have historical or cultural significance, reflecting the heritage and traditions of a region. Preserving and showcasing this heritage adds depth and interest to the visitor experience.
- Conservation of Biodiversity: A good botanical garden prioritizes biodiversity conservation by maintaining living collections, preserving threatened species, and engaging in sustainable practices. They may also participate in initiatives to protect natural habitats and promote sustainable gardening.
- Visitor Amenities and Accessibility: A botanical garden should provide facilities such as visitor centers, restrooms, cafes, and gift shops to enhance the visitor experience. It should also ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair ramps, accessible paths, and appropriate signage.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Botanical gardens often collaborate with other organizations, such as universities, research institutions, and conservation groups. These collaborations can lead to knowledge exchange, joint projects, and a broader impact on plant conservation efforts.
- Community Engagement: A good botanical garden actively engages with the local community, offering educational programs, hosting events, and collaborating with schools and community organizations. It should be a hub for fostering appreciation and understanding of plants and nature.
More information on two of the world's best botanical gardens:
