10 Best Virtually Yours Beautiful Garden Tours

When Joni Mitchell, sang “…we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden,” little did she know visiting gardens would become one of those missed pleasures during a pandemic. Virtual garden tours are now available for your favorite gardens.

Why Virtual Garden Viewing?

There are many reasons why people may enjoy a virtual garden tour, even though it will never replace the being there in person.

It is an amazing opportunity for those who have a disability, or mobility issues which may prevent them from enjoying the gardens in person. Distance and transportation are also considerations, especially for elders in the society.

In these fluctuating economic times, cost for families can be prohibitive. By virtually viewing a garden the whole family can enjoy the experience and younger members can learn about the beauty of nature and importance of gardens for well-being.

Using Technology to View Gardens

While most of our activities were curtailed during those challenging times, we discovered that if it was impossible to get to nature, we could bring nature into our spaces via a digital experience. The technology has never been better and captures views as if we are there.

Now, outdoor spaces are more appreciated that ever, which also means they may be more crowded, with long line ups. It may also means at least in my area, booking months in advance to ensure parking.

As I have already said, technology will never take the place of being there in person, but it is a great tool to experience and prepare for the in person experience.

Gardens Around the World

Luckily, many of the most beautiful gardens around the world have upped their virtual presence to really showcase what they have to offer via amazing videos. If you can’t get to the gardens, then bring the gardens to you.

You may not be able to smell the roses, but you can enjoy the calming restorative benefits of formal landscapes and interesting plant collections from the comfort of your living room.

You may also want to add a future visit to your bucket list. So get some garden therapy via virtual gardens until you can get out there in person.

1. Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, England

History: Although it has founded in 1840 as the National Botanical Garden,  its origins go back to the Exotic Garden at Kew Park.  It is a personal favourite for its beauty and research.

Features: Home to 1,500 plants from around the world, Kew Gardens is set on 21 hectares (acres) in the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, England. It houses the World’s Largest Victorian glasshouse, and is a UNESCO world heritage site. View

2. Royal Gardens of Versailles – Jardin du Chateau de Versailles, France

History: Thousands of visitors have walked through the amazing Palace of Versailles, where money, and the ambition of the Sun King, Louis XIV, knew no limits during the start of its construction in 1661.

Features: As visitors look through the central window in the famous Hall of Mirrors, they are gifted an amazing perspective of the garden. There is also an Orangery, Groves, fabulous Fountains, Parterres and Paths. View 

3. Toronto Botanical Gardens, Toronto, Canada

History: This garden was once the Toronto Civic Garden Center, and its main building was designed my Raymond Moriyama. It sits on four acres, divided into 17 themed smaller gardens. It is a non-profit horticultural and educational organisation.

Features: Woodland walk and Bird habitat. Two Green Roofs, one on the Horticulture Centre. Kitchen and Herb Garden. Wildflower meadow. View

4. Hawaii Tropical Botanic Garden, Hawaii, U.S.

History: Previously owned by Dan J. Lutkenhouse, until he sold it to a non profit trust in 1984.

Features: This garden is also a nature preserve and sanctuary. Palm rainforest. View of the Pacific ocean. Over 2,000 species of plants. Waterfalls. View

 5. Monet’s Garden, Giverny, Normandy, France

History: The flowers leap off the canvas of this garden, and no wonder, this was the inspiration for a founder of French impressionist painting, Claude Monet, (1840-1926). Monet moved there in 1883, and 10 years later bought a property across the road to create another garden.

Features: Flower garden – Close Normand. Japanese Style Water garden. You decide if art imitates life, or life imitates art as you are guided through restored the gardens. The colours and forms are maintained to remain faithful to the paintings which hang in galleries around the world. View

6.  Trauttmansdorff Castle, South Merano , Italy

History: Count Trauttmansdorff added gardens during a major restoration in 1850. The Medieval Castle has been transformed into a Tourism Museum. The current gardens date back to 2001, when the botanical gardens were opened to the public.

Features: This 12 hectare landscaped garden is in the vista of a scenic castle. There are four themed gardens: The Water and Terraced Gardens, The Sun Gardens, Forests of the World and Landscapes of South Tyrol. Distinguished for a terraced Olive grove, a fabulous Flower wall, and a Bamboo forest. View

7. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, South Africa

History: Its origins trace back to the Dutch East India company’s expansion into South Africa in 1652. It was finally bequeathed to the government in 1913, by the last private owner, statesman, Cecil Rhodes.

Features: Unlike any other garden, this verdant landscape just bursts with the wow factor of Cape Town’s Table mountain as a backdrop. Kirstenbosch gardens are the largest in South Africa, and has been declared a UNESCO heritage site. Kirstenbosch is renowned for its Erica Species and Protea. It also features a walkway along a tree canopy and Hiking Trails. View

 8. Keukenhof Gardens, Amsterdam, Netherlands

History: In its early days, the grounds of Keukenhof were used to supply garden produce and game for the nearby castle. The foundations of the grounds and parks were completed in an English style. It has been a public garden since 1050 when bulb growers and flowers exporters used its 32 hectares to encourage export by exhibiting their blooms.

Features: It is reputed to be the world’s largest flower garden. Each year 7 million flower bulbs are planted. They include: tulips, lilies, and hyacinths There is a 19th Century Windmill, and a giant flower bulb mosaic. View

 9. Babylonstoren, South Africa

History: One of the oldest Cape Dutch Farms. Named after the Tower of Babel

Features: A diverse Fruit and vegetable garden. A historic apple orchard. Lavender fields and an essential oil distillery. View

10.  Saõ Paulo Botanical Garden, Saõ Paulo, Brazil

History: Created in 1829 by Brazilian Botanist, Fredrico Carlo Hoehne. Located in the 164.45 hectare  State park – Parque Estadual Fontes do Ipiranga.

Features: A glasshouse preserve for native Amazonian trees. It  preserves an example of last the remaining Atlantic Rainforest. Garden lakes. Sculptures. A garden of Senses – a collection of herbs to touch and taste. View

Final Thoughts…

Many of these gardens regularly update their presence online, so keep checking for new virtual additions. Maybe you know someone who would enjoy these gardens but needs assistance with the technology. Perhaps the local garden club could gain inspiration, and discuss the various gardens. Whatever the choice, make the most of the absolutely beautiful virtual garden tours.