Charles L. Starr, an accomplished sales representative and business executive with more than 40 years of experience, enjoys gardening in his free time. Although the term “gardening” usually conjures up images of backyard plots of land filled with flowers, there are many gardens around the world that span acres and require a professional staff to maintain. Here is a brief list of some of the best gardens the world has to offer.
Chateau de Versailles, Versailles, France – Designed by Andre Le Notre for King Louis XIV, the garden at Versailles is widely recognized as one of the most famous gardens in the world. The Orangerie, located south of the chateau, was designed to protect orange trees from the harsh winter conditions. The garden also houses a number of fountains, which draw upon the same hydraulic mechanisms used during the 1600s.
Butchart Gardens, British Columbia – Located on Vancouver Island in Canada, the Butchart Gardens contain some of the most diverse and colorful floral displays in the world. Complete with waterfalls and multi-level walkways, the Butchart Gardens offer breathtaking views of the natural beauty of Western Canada. Taking advantage of the rainy Pacific Northwest climate, the Butchart Gardens remain open all year.
The Garden of Cosmic Speculation, Scotland – Created by Charles Jencks, the Garden of Cosmic Speculation is a natural garden adorned with sculptures inspired by mathematics and science. The garden contains a number of fascinating sculptures, representing such diverse concepts as fractals, black holes, and strands of DNA. Although the Garden of Cosmic Speculation primarily focuses on sculptures rather than horticultural displays, the interplay of the natural and the artificial makes it one of the most unique destinations on the planet.
Charles L. Starr 