How to Plan a Garden Holiday

10 Tips to help you plan the bloom-filled vacation of your dreams

Are you a passionate gardener or lover of nature, art, and tranquility? Do you also love to travel? A garden holiday could be the perfect getaway for you!

Garden tourism is growing rapidly, and it’s little wonder. With the increase of technology in our lives and the loss of connection with nature, our souls yearn for time out…

Autumn colours at Butchart Gardens, Victoria, Canada

Time to be inspired.

Time to slow down to the pace of nature.

Time to absorb the life-giving energy of green spaces.

Time to put ourselves in the way of beauty (hat tip: “Wild”)

Gardens also frequently provide a necessary respite from crowded tourism destinations.

They can be the primary focus of a vacation, or an added attraction at a destination. According to the Garden Tourism Alliance, more than one third of visitors to the UK want to visit a garden. That’s more than want to visit castles, museums or historic places!

No matter where in the world you travel, you can generally find a garden that’s open to visitors. There are the iconic gardens like Monet’s Garden or Butchart Gardens that are destinations themselves, and they are definitely worth a visit. But its often the smaller, lesser known gardens that will stay with you long after you return home. There is nothing as exciting as stumbling across a beautiful garden that has hardly any other visitors – its like you’ve been let in on a delicious secret.

So if you’d love to explore the world’s gardens, read on for tips on how to plan your dream garden holiday.

Gardens at Heian Shrine, Kyoto, Japan

1. Researching Gardens and Destinations

The first step in planning your garden-focused vacation is obviously going to be research. The official tourism sites of most destinations will include local gardens that welcome visitors. Additionally, nearly all major cities have botanical gardens that are usually free to visit.

Places to source information include:

• Official tourism websites – if you’re planning an international trip, start with the national tourism office and work your way down to regional and local tourism offices as you narrow down the places you’d like to visit

• TripAdvisor

• National Trust (UK)

• Local garden clubs

• Online garden and travel communities

• Facebook groups

• Guide books

• Garden associations

• Garden magazines

• Reviews on Google Maps

• Pinterest - this is a great tool for researching and collecting travel ideas

Don’t be afraid to reach out to gardeners in the place you plan to visit (you can generally find them in Facebook garden groups) - if there’s one thing I’ve found to be true it’s that gardeners LOVE to share their knowledge - whether that’s gardening tips or local gardens to visit.

Once you’ve collected a list of possible gardens to visit, you can do a deeper dive by visiting individual garden websites.

2. Consider the Best Time to Visit

Timing is everything when it comes to gardens. While some gardens are beautiful year-round, many will be famous for displays in a particular season. Some are best seen in spring when flowers are in full bloom, while others may be most stunning wearing their autumn foliage.

Cherry blossoms in bloom

Be sure to check the seasonal highlights of your chosen destinations to ensure you visit at the optimal time for what you really want to see. Japan, for example, has two seasons that are incredibly beautiful for visiting gardens – sakura (or cherry blossom season) and autumn when the Japanese maples explode into colour. They are quite different experiences so you really need to determine what speaks to you the most.

Keep in mind that in very famous gardens summer is usually peak season. These gardens can get extremely crowded, which may not be the vibe you’re looking for. Additionally, if gardens are famous for a particular season (e.g. Keukenhof for tulips) you can expect to be sharing the garden with masses of other people. If you are visiting a very well-known garden in peak season, consider getting there early in the day (as soon as the garden opens) to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Also keep in mind major garden events such as the Chelsea Flower Show which may also be of interest. Local tourism offices will also have information on smaller local gardens shows which may be worth a visit if you’re in the area.

3. Combine Gardens with Local Attractions

While the main focus of your trip is on gardens, many garden destinations are located near other cultural or historical attractions. So its worth planning your itinerary to combine visits to gardens with local museums, art galleries, and architecture. For example, if you’re visiting Monet’s Garden, you’ll also want to stop in to the Museum of Impressionism in Giverny.

In many countries, gardens form part of a heritage attraction – think English and European estate gardens or Japanese temple gardens for example.

The lily pond at Monet’s Garden

4. Choose Garden-Themed Accommodations

Enhance your garden experience by booking accommodations that emphasize nature. Look for bed-and-breakfasts, inns or hotels surrounded by lush landscapes or those with beautiful private gardens. Staying in a hotel or inn that is surrounded by a beautiful garden adds to the overall atmosphere of your getaway, and can be the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring.

The best way to find these great accommodation options is to do a search online for the country you plan to visit. For example, searching for “garden themed accommodation in Britain” reveals a treasure trove of articles offering “best of” lists. Guaranteed to inspire you!

5. Pack for Comfort and Exploration

When touring gardens, you’ll want to dress comfortably. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking on various terrains, from garden paths to nature trails. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun while exploring. The old adage of dressing in layers applies. And if you’re in a place where there are four seasons in a day (I’m looking at you Vancouver Island...) be sure to have a rain jacket handy.

6. Take a Guided Tour for Expert Insights

Many larger gardens offer guided tours that provide in-depth knowledge about the plants, landscaping techniques, and history behind the garden. Joining a tour allows you to learn from local experts which is particularly helpful if you are gardener. Locals can help you with plant information which will prove useful once you return home to your own garden. Some gardens also offer seasonal events and workshops, so be sure to check individual garden websites for special programming.

7. Seek out Less Well-Known Gardens

While famous gardens like Kew, Versailles and Monet’s Garden are on many travellers' radars, don’t overlook the smaller, less well-known gardens. In my experience these are the gardens that are often discovered by accident and can offer some of the most memorable experiences.

For me, one of the best things about visiting gardens is the ability to unwind and truly enjoy their quiet beauty. That can be really difficult to do if you’re surrounded by crowds of people! In my experience, these smaller, hidden gems usually offer a more intimate and peaceful experience. They’re also the sort of gardens where you’re likely to run into the passionate gardeners who keep them looking their best. And more often than not, they’re happy to share their knowledge with you. The best way to find these gardens is to get in touch with local tourism authorities, or join local Facebook groups.

8. Consider Going Solo

Not everyone is as passionate about gardens as we are. I know....shocking right? If you happen to be with a travelling companion who is not as enthusiastic as you about seeing yet another garden, consider going your separate ways for the day. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you have to rush through a garden because your companion is bored. There’s no rule that says travelling companions need to do everything together! It also gives you the freedom to “talk plants” with people you may meet in a garden.

9. Support Sustainable Gardens

Sustainability is one of the buzz words of the tourism world right now. Travellers are becoming increasingly aware of their environmental footprint. Many gardens are dedicated to conservation, native plant species, and sustainable gardening methods. Supporting these gardens means you’re contributing to the preservation of valuable ecosystems, while also enjoying the beauty they cultivate.

10. Learn About Local Gardening Traditions

Gardens are often a reflection of a region’s culture and history. When planning your garden travels, it’s worth getting to know a little about the local gardening traditions of your chosen destination. From the garden room designs of England to the zen gardens of Japan, understanding the cultural and historic significance of a garden can really deepen your experience.

Happy garden trails....

A holiday that includes visiting a selection of gardens offers a chance to recharge, connect with nature, and discover the beauty of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. By researching your destinations, planning carefully for the right time of year, and seeking out guided tours or hidden garden gems, you can create an unforgettable journey that nourishes both your love for nature and your creative gardening spirit. You’re sure to return home filled with inspiration for your own garden or art.