Famous Flower Gardens

Luxembourg Gardens

• The world-famous Luxembourg Gardens encompass 25 acres and are situated on Paris's left bank. The gardens feature rows and rows of flowers, statues and fountains. Children will like the fact that the gardens also have ponies, a merry-go-round and puppet shows. The gardens were built in the 17th century by the French queen Marie de Medicis. The gardens surrounded the Luxembourg Palace and are planted around a central lake where children float toy boats on the weekend. Other landmarks in the area include the Sorbonne University and the Odeon Theater.

Keukenhof Gardens

• The Keukenhof Gardens are situated in Holland in the city of Lisse and feature a huge display of tulips along with other flowers. The property has seven gardens in all, each with its own character and theme. Each garden has a framework of trees, fences, shrubs and hedges. On a property occupied by the Van Beieren family, the Keukenhof Gardens have 100 different varieties of tulips as well as daffodils and crocuses. In addition to the flower gardens, the property has 2,000 trees and numerous statues. The popularity of the gardens is reflected in the fact that they have four restaurants, each with a terrace overlooking the park.

Giverny Gardens

• Situated approximately 50 miles from Paris, the Giverny Gardens consists of two different gardens. The majority of the flowers at Giverny are found in front of the house of the famous French painter Claude Monet. Among the many varieties of flowers at this location are climbing rose and wisteria, which drapes over a Japanese-style bridge. The second garden is behind the house and features water lilies that inspired several paintings by Monet. According to the Giverny Gardens website, over half a million visitors come to the gardens each year. Tours of the gardens are available as half-day bus trips from Paris.

Longwood Gardens

• The Longwood Gardens are situated in the outskirts of Philadelphia in the town of Kennett Square. Although this 1,050-acre property in the picturesque Brandywine Valley features woodlands and meadows, it is primarily known for its large flower gardens. The property was originally purchased from William Penn in 1700 and at first was a working farm. In addition to its flowers, the property has an extensive systems of fountains and a conservatory with a pipe organ. Various events are held during the year, including a chrysanthemum Festival in November. Longwood Gardens offers a restaurant and rates for groups. Longwood Gardens has 11,000 different types of plants and flowers that can be found both indoors and out.