It might be winter here, but the rest of the world is in bloom!

We love a good aspirational garden tour.

Whether its browsing through your local nursery, exploring Pinterest or sitting down with a cup of tea and your favourite Garden Glossy, nothing is more fun than seeing the fruits of some other gardener’s labour.

South Africa has some amazing home gardens, as well as botanical gardens and designated flower and fynbos viewing spots…but during the winter, there is magic outside our borders as well

Take a feather out of the swallow’s wing and head north for garden glory this winter.

Our favourite European gardens are all about structure, formal lines and colourful blooms.

Netherlands

The Obvious one is Keukenhof in the Netherlands. It is arguably one of the most beautiful flowering gardens in the world with deep beds of bulb-flowers growing in geometric colourways. The gardens are planted in such a way that there are no bald spots, and throughout the spring and summer there is a seemingly endless growth of flowers. The flowers bloom times follow on each other and are meticulously tended daily to ensure that any blooms that are less than pristine get removed before they can become an eyesore for visiting guests.

France

If you head over the border to the south of France, Le Jardin de Marqueyssac in the Dordogne region is something completely different. A formal, Mediterranean garden consisting of sculpted topiaries and hedges, interspersed with stone paths and hilltop terraces, this is a tranquil retreat and wonderfully suited to families traveling with children. The vast grounds, stunning views across the surrounding area from the many terraces and interesting bird- and wildlife make these gardens an outdoor adventure.

UK

Hopping over the English channel you should head straight to Kew Gardens in Londen. The largest and by far one of the best kept Botanical gardens in the world, Kew is a unique experience offering everything from plants native to the British Isles to exotic imports from all over the world. With tree-top walkways, art galleries and interactive features such as The Hive, this is a trip to spoil the whole family.

If you have the time and funds to head over the Atlantic from here, we suggest you go a little south.

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Georgia, USA is one of the cities best kept secrets. With all the southern charm of flowering magnolias and crepe myrtle trees, these gardens, with their secret walkways, massive orchid house and hidden water features are a wonderful reprieve from the stifling heat of a southern Summer and the bustle of a city like Atlanta. The gardens are once again super kid-friendly and regularly host art exhibitions, treasure hunts and interactive programs and shows.

Now go even more south: Colombia.

If you still haven’t had your fill of other country’s gardens, we suggest you make a final stop in Colombia. Yes. Colombia, South America. Medellin to be specific. (Yes, the Medellin of Pablo Escobar’s notorious “Medellin Cartel”.) Ignore the bad reputation that this city has because of those horrible drug lords, and rather explore its wonderful botanical garden. With a Casa de las Mariposas, (butterfly house) and one of the largest collections of epiphytes in the world as well as education programs promoting the conservation of the fragile southern American continent’s biodiversity, it is well worth a visit.

This is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime garden that should be on your bucket list.

If you need more inspiration, or motivation to buy that plane ticket, look no further:

Best Botanical Gardens in the World

The Most Beautiful Gardens in the World

Buy the ticket, pack your walking shoes and go see the world’s best gardens while the rest of us deal with a dreary SA winter.