Gardening really took off in the past couple of years. Many young people, especially, have taken on the task of caring for different kinds of plants, a hobby that once was only associated with older adults. Despite the lack of space in their urban apartments, Millennials and Generation Z (or Zoomers) surround themselves with greenery to create their own oasis within a concrete jungle.
It’s proof that one doesn’t really need to get out of their cities to be with nature. In fact, here are famous gardens from around the world that are located smack in the middle of populous and highly-urbanized cities. These might inspire you to call the landscapers and give your yard a makeover.
Palace and Park, Versailles
You don’t need to travel to the French countryside to see some fabulous landscaping. The Palace of Versailles Garden may easily be one of the most beautiful urban gardens in all of Europe, and it’s located just outside Paris.
Since its inception, many famous gardens have sprouted up at the palace which has become a residence for French kings over time. There are so many kinds of plants there, but what makes this garden particularly special is its design. The garden is punctuated with different flowers, hedges, and water features. In fact, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of how well-preserved it is from its original construction in the 17th century.
The Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
In recent years, Singapore has been known for its skyscrapers and urban jungles that can reach as far as the eye can see. However, the country has also become a haven for green spaces and gardens, like The Gardens by the Bay.
It’s now one of Singapore’s top tourist attractions which makes sense considering how much greenery it provides amidst the concrete jungle surrounding it. It features man-made Super Trees (which are artificial structures designed to look like trees) along with other plant species to make visitors feel like they’ve left their city lives behind just for a little.
Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai
As one of the largest cities in China, it’s no surprise that there are more than a few green spaces available to locals and visitors alike. Yuyuan Garden, also called “Happiness” Garden, was once the largest and most prestigious of all of Shanghai. It was believed to be built around 400 years ago, during the Ming Dynasty.
It’s got several sections with each being characterized by plants from different regions around Asia. It also features ponds for visitors who want to take a break from all the opportunities for shopping featured here.
Oak Savannah, Chicago
It’s not just cities in Europe and Asia that have beautiful gardens for people to explore. Some of the most beautiful urban escapes can be found right on American soil, like the Oak Savannah in Chicago.
This garden features a wide array of flowers and plants with a few stands of trees thrown into the middle as well. Most visitors will find this section more relaxing because there isn’t as much activity here relative to other areas within this garden.
Central Park, New York City
New York City is home to some of the world’s most famous gardens and parks. For example, Central Park is miles-long oasis that has lots of opportunities for people to relax within it.
This park features different sections with one characterized by trees that line the perimeter from beginning to end. It also contains a lot of ponds surrounded by manicured grass where visitors can sit down and unwind. In fact, there are so many opportunities to relax within this park that it’s been used as a filming location for dozens of films.
Jardin des Tuileries, Paris
The Jardin des Tuileries is likely one of the most famous gardens in all of France thanks to its long history as well as its beauty. It’s found right in the heart of Paris, and it features several sections that are punctuated by fountains all around.
It was once part of a larger estate owned by an Italian family before becoming what you see today after Napoleon Bonaparte took control of the land during his rise to power. Although there have been some renovations since then to increase the number of plants, visitors will still feel like they’ve left their modern lives behind them while inside this urban oasis.
The world is a big place and there are many beautiful gardens to visit. Urban areas in particular have been getting greener over the years with more flowers, plants, and trees popping up all around them. If you’re looking for a break from your urban lifestyle or just want to admire some of Mother Nature’s beauty while exploring an unfamiliar city, these amazing urban escapes should be at the top of your list!
