As we wait for travel restrictions to be lifted, we've put together a selection of inspiring, mood-lifting botanical gardens from across the UK, that you can explore virtually from your sofa.
1) Tresco Abbey Garden, The Isles of Scilly
Tresco Abbey Garden, Isles of Scilly - Photo © Emily Luxton
Travel 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall and you will find a flourishing sub-tropical garden that's home to thousands of exotic plants from around the world. The beautiful Abbey Garden on the island of Tesco was built in the 19th century around the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey and it's species originate from the world’s Mediterranean climate zones, from Brazil to New Zealand and Burma to South Africa. Visit the Tresco Island website to explore more.
2) Kew Gardens, London
Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash
Kew Gardens truly is a journey of discovery. With 50,000 living plants to be found across their 121 hectares, they arguably have one of the most comprehensive botanical collections on earth. They've also captured the seasonal changes over on their YouTube channel, making it the perfect escape to the tropics, the desert and the mountains without leaving the house!
3) Glendurgan Garden, National Trust, Cornwall
Glendurgan Garden is placed in a peaceful and exotic valley, full of diverse flora and fauna. Owned by the National Trust, it's a garden intended for play, where you'll find a Giant’s Stride, laurel maze and a beautiful sheltered beach at the bottom. Until we can visit again we are soaking up their vibrant Instagram feed for updates on the Garden's seasonal developments.
4) Sheffield Botanical Gardens, South Yorkshire
Photo by Ben Allan on Unsplash
Glass Pavilions, fountains, winding paths and informal plantings are just some of the features to explore at Sheffield Botanical Gardens. The Gardens are also a popular public park open to the public, with free entry, 364 days a year. We'll definitely be adding this one to the road trip list! Browse Instagram to get a visual feel for the place.
5) RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey, England
Photo by Matthew Pottage, curator of RHS Garden Wisley
The RHS owned Wisley Garden is packed with endless horticultural inspiration. Highlights include their stunning mixed borders, a newly-created exotic garden, blooming summer roses and 240 acres of walking grounds to explore. Thankfully for now, you can enjoy all this with your feet up on a virtual tour here.
