Gardens across the world

If you’ve been on holiday this year, you will have had lots of opportunity to take in some of the different architecture from different countries. But maybe you were so enthralled by the stonework that you didn’t taking a moment to look at the greenery.

Marvel at the gardens from around the world as we take you on a virtual world trip.

United Kingdom’s love for gardens

Gardens are hugely popular in the UK, to the point where many people will pay up to £11,500 more to secure a house with a garden! For some, a garden is more valuable than an extra bedroom, meaning that even those of us who aren’t exactly green fingered love a bit of outdoor space to call our own. We pine for that perfect lawn, shed and relaxation area with a sun lounger – often on a raised area of timber decking.

Many UK gardens have a variety of different blooms, as well as the well-loved garden gnome. The most popular floral displays include tulips, rose lavender and bluebells, all of which add colour to a vibrant space.

It’s common to see a washing line, birdbath, and greenhouse too. Unfortunately, though, we normally only spend 12 hours each month in our garden due to the nation’s temperamental weather and our busy lifestyles.

Italy’s love for entertaining

Gardens in Italy focus less on the florals and more on the symmetry. You will mainly find evergreen plants that have been manicured into geometric hedges or topiaries. One thing the Italians are very fond of is covering their stone walls with foliage vines or climbing roses.

As the garden is viewed as an entertainment space, expect to see art and sculptures in Italy’s gardens. On the patio, a lemon tree that has been potted in a stone urn is one of the nation’s favourites.

The UK prefers water features like birdbaths, but Italy loves fountains and pools. Don’t be surprised to see water shoot out of hidden pipes if you’re walking along a garden path — this was a common feature in old Italy.

India’s love for flowers

Moving away from European locations, more and more cultural references grow through the world’s gardens. Like so many other locations, India is known for its cultural diversity and this is evident in their colourful gardens. Thanks to the tropical weather India encounters, its garden plants can thrive and that is why so many homes will be filled to the brim with flowering plants.

Throughout India, you will see tulsi, the Queen of Herbs. It is thought of as the holiest and most cherished of the many healing and health-giving herbs that will be found in Hindu homes. Because of its holy status, it is planted in special pots and has earned a very special place in the country’s homes.

Roses are also a common flower of choice here, as they are thought to bring happiness. With cultural references throughout horticulture, money plants are also considered a lucky plant and there will be likely spots with them if you are to observe an Indian garden.

United States’ love for growing food

America tends to have far larger gardens (or ‘yards’), than Europe. Studies have shown that Americans are now growing more food in their gardens than ever before, meaning vegetable patches are becoming increasingly popular. In 2009, the White House even planted its first vegetable since the Second World War and, by 2013, it was reported that a third of the American public were growing their own food in the backyards.

Multilevel gardens are a favourite in America. Composite decking is commonly used in spaces that are on a slope in order to provide a flat surface area to host those elusive barbecues, or to overlook your garden.  

Australia’s love for decking

Brits often dream of moving Down Under. But, how do their gardens compare? While it hugely depends on where you live — the Outback will differ immensely — we will focus on the suburban areas of Australia since more than 80% of the nation’s population lives in cities or bigger towns.

Homes in Australia would be deemed incomplete without an outside space to enjoy that sunshine. Lawns are becoming less important, with studies showing that a third of outdoor renovation projects are either reducing this space or removing it entirely. Timber decking, pergolas, terraces and verandas are springing up in their place and almost half of the projects are incorporating a barbecue area into their plans.

There’s an understandable preference for drought-resistant and native flowers in Australian gardens. For the lucky ones, an outdoor pool is a luxurious addition to the outdoor space, so you can cool down with a splash about.

South Africa’s love for the outdoors

It’s understandable that South Africans love to spend lots of time outside too. Be it their own space or elsewhere, they are known to feel at home in open space. Ideas that are often noticeable in South African gardens are increasingly becoming more noticeable across the globe.

A shaded spot in the garden is crucial in South Africa. This could include shade-loving shrubs and perennials that have a walkway passing through, which adds to the serenity. They are also very fond of the wildlife. Whether it’s inviting our flying friends in for a drink of freshwater or providing nectar-loving birds with plants that delight them, they set up features to help entice the wildlife into the garden — similarly to how we do in Britain.

Violet society garlic often flowers in South Africa’s gardens. It’s a worthy addition to herb gardens and the flowers bloom even under duress.

Gardens are unanimously considered to be important in many countries around the world. While some use it for luxury, others believe certain plants can bring good fortune on the family.

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