5 Can’t Miss Gardens in the EU

Gardeners do not need to stay at home and admire the handiwork of their own green thumb. Rather, the opportunities to see truly sublime displays of flowers, orchards, and other garden features abound in Europe. The castles and country homes of the European Union offer many grand and breathtaking gardens for visitors to enjoy. Here are a few of the best.

Alhambra, Spain

This “red fortress” in Granada, Spain is a breathtaking display of Islamic architecture. The Alhambra was built in the 10^th century as a home for the Muslim rulers in Spain. The palace was designed with central courtyards between each building, with gardenlife and handsome pools. The park outside the walls of this UNESCO World Heritage site are equally enjoyable to visit; here grows wildflowers, elm trees, roses, and more.

Garden in Alhambra, Spain by Sharon Mollerus

The Alnwick Garden, England, UK

The garden belonging to Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England will be loved by the stodgiest of grandmothers and their dirt-loving grandsons. The Alnwick Garden manages this diverse appeal through its different themed gardens. A rose garden, an ornamental garden, and a cherry orchard are just a few of the more traditional and absolutely gorgeous stops. Non-traditionalists will love the enormous tree house and the poison garden, which features plants like opium poppy.

Alnwick Garden, England, UK by Graeme

Monet’s Garden, France

Lovers of art flock alongside garden adorers to see Monet’s Garden. Located in Giverny, France, the home and garden once owned by Claude Monet are now a museum open to the public. While he was no horticulturist, Monet created these gardens exactly how he wanted them to look – and they are quite beautiful. His gardens are the focus of many of his most famous paintings and the locations are still recognizable today.

Monet’s Garden, France by Amanda Slater

Drummond Garden, Scotland, UK

In a country famous for its green space, the Drummond Castle Gardens do not disappoint. The courtyard of Drummond Castle looks down upon one of the finest formal gardens in the country. The space flows into the natural countryside and has an extensive display of topiary, fountains, trees, and flowers. There is also an interesting kitchen garden and greenhouse.

Drummond Castle and Gardens, Scotland, UK by Roy Douglas

Nyphemburg Palace Park, Munich, Germany

The gardens of Nyphemburg Palace are referred to as the Park – and for good reason. This massive expanse of green space has the basic features of a Baroque garden style and, for that reason, still resembles a stereotypical castle garden from the 18^th century. The Grand Parterre is the key feature of the Park and is divided with a long, wide path through its center. Looking down this axis, visitors are surrounded by regularly positioned stone statues and perfectly cultivated grass.

Gardens of Nymphenburg Palace, Germany by Florian Adler

Terry Carter writes about gardening and landscaping for Grandview Landscaping and Masonry.

Tags: alhambra spain, alnwick garden, breathtaking gardens, castle in northumberland, central courtyards, cherry orchard, claude monet, drummond castle gardens, famous paintings, gardenlife, giverny france, islamic architecture, muslim rulers, northumberland england, opium poppy, poison garden, stodgiest, unesco world heritage, unesco world heritage site, world heritage site

Category: Gardens, Travel Tips