The Most Exquisite Gardens And Landscaping Ever!

As we kick off the Memorial Day weekend, the excitement builds – it’s often referred to as the unofficial start of summer. And with that, comes a surge in outdoor activities, basking in the warmth of the sunshine and for some, the joy of tending to their gardens, pools and meticulously manicured lawns. Of course, this idyllic scene is not accessible to everyone, as it often requires a sizeable plot of land to accommodate these luxuries.

Alas, I am in an apartment.

As a homeowner, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with gardening. In the past, I lived in a townhouse with a postage-stamp-sized yard featuring a lone tree and a small deck leading to a heavily wooded hill. Despite my best efforts, everything I planted in the ground failed to thrive. In fact, most years I relied on potted flowers to add some color to our outdoor space. While I may not have a green thumb myself, I do appreciate the beauty that a well-manicured garden can bring.

There’s something truly lovely about gazing upon a thoughtfully landscaped property. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a beautifully designed home and garden? Perhaps my lack of enthusiasm for gardening stems from being tasked with weeding as a child. Whatever the reason, I do enjoy admiring the fruits of other people’s labor.

A little story.

In the quaint town of Westchester, a peculiar sight caught my attention. A modern monstrosity, a new construction that seemed to clash with its traditional surroundings, stood out like a sore thumb. The eyesore became a regular fixture on our route to neighboring Connecticut, where we’d often visit a charming playground for our kids. Every time I passed by the offending structure, I’d let out an audible groan. ‘How could they do that?!’ I’d think to myself.

As the years went by and my children grew older, we stopped frequenting the route. But fate had other plans. A client of mine was based in that area, and I found myself back on the familiar road.

Forgotten were the memories of the hideous house. That was until the day it popped back into my consciousness. Had they finally leveled the place and started anew? The next time I drove by, I made a conscious effort to gaze upon the property.

While still not entirely to my taste, something had changed.

The once-ugly home now boasted beautiful landscaping, which somehow transformed its overall appearance into a harmonious composition. It was as if the gardens were the house’s hair and makeup, transforming it from an eyesore to a passable abode.

Today, there will be some landscaping but the focus is on exquisite gardens.

While my passion for gardening knows no bounds, I have a special fondness for gardens that strike a perfect balance between simplicity and grandeur. From meticulously manicured designs to more rustic, wildflower-filled spaces, each type of garden has its own unique charm. My personal preference tends towards gardens with an architectural flair, where symmetry and beauty harmonize in perfect unison.

But I also appreciate the whimsical essence of a classic English garden, where nature’s beauty is allowed to unfold without constraint. Of course, color plays a significant role in my love for gardening – the subtle nuances of green, white, chartreuse, and even the occasional pop of blue can evoke a sense of serenity and joy.

Ultimately, I believe that the true essence of a garden lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its ability to enhance and complement the surrounding architecture, whether it’s a home or a public space. This post will showcase a diverse range of gardens from around the world, each with its own unique character and charm. As you explore these beautiful spaces, I hope you’ll feel transported to a place of tranquility and rejuvenation, just as I do.

And with that, please enjoy 20 of the most magical, exquisite gardens and landscaping.

While I couldn’t find all the original sources for the images, I’d like to share a collection of breathtaking gardens with you. Let’s start with the tranquil spaces once belonging to renowned interior designer John Saladino. Exquisite gardens and architecturally stunning greenhouses are sure to leave you in awe. Despite my efforts to track down the original sources, the two images above didn’t yield any results.

However, I couldn’t resist sharing them as they’re too beautiful to miss – including the incredible house that accompanies them! Hidcote Manor is another must-see, with its stunning white lilacs and inviting atmosphere. Imagine the intoxicating scent of lavender wafting through the air. The Sundial Garden at Wollerton Old Hall Garden in Shropshire is a sight to behold, especially during the morning hours when Joe Wainright captured these photographs. His photography skills are truly remarkable!

For those who share my passion for beautiful gardens, I recommend exploring his website and the stunning images he has to offer. Gresgarth Hall and Gardens feature an herbaceous border designed by renowned landscape designer Arabella Lennox Boyd – a true masterpiece. Loi Thai’s exquisite white garden, photographed by Helen Norman for Southern Living Magazine, is another highlight. Who wouldn’t fall in love with those hydrangeas?

The Divine Property of Furlow Gatewood boasts some truly impressive designs, including this one that left me wondering if it was real! Marella Agnelli’s property is equally stunning, and I’m sure you’ll be impressed by the link providing more information on her story. Last but not least, let’s take a look at the gorgeous tree just outside my home – a black locust in full bloom. The scent it releases is truly intoxicating! I hope you’ve enjoyed this collection of gardens as much as I have.

Which ones were your favorites?

A couple of important notes before I sign off.

As I’m sure 99.999% of readers won’t need to concern themselves with this point, I must admit that the decision to enable comment moderation has left me disheartened. While I cherish the opportunity to engage with my audience, a small minority has made it necessary to implement measures to prevent hurtful and insulting comments from being posted. These types of remarks not only detract from the positive atmosphere I strive to maintain but also cause unnecessary emotional distress.

It’s essential to remember that everyone has their own opinions and preferences; if you don’t find my content appealing, there’s no obligation to continue reading. The blog remains an elective choice, and I appreciate your understanding in this matter.

***A final reminder***

As the deadline approaches, a crucial reminder: Monday at 11:59:59PM marks the expiration of the exclusive opportunity to purchase the paint collection alongside the laurel’s rolodex at a discounted rate. This limited-time offer is reserved for those who wish to combine their purchases. When placing your order, you will be prompted to take advantage of this discount. No code is required; simply indicate your interest in purchasing both items simultaneously.

For our valued customers who already own a laurel’s rolodex, please note that the special discount code for repeat buyers will also expire on Monday at 11:59:59PM. If you’re interested in acquiring the paint collection but no longer have access to this code, kindly reach out and I’ll be happy to provide it. I’m deeply grateful to each of you for being a part of this community. I hope that my blog has brought as much joy and inspiration to your life as it has to mine.

As we head into the holiday weekend, I wish you a safe, relaxing, and rejuvenating break. And don’t forget: more garden delights are on the way! I’ll be sharing petite and city gardens, as well as container gardening ideas in the near future.