Author: csDevTeam

The sprawling Kew Gardens of southwest London contain the world’s largest collection of living plants that attract about 1.35 million visitors per year, making the gardens one of England’s most visited tourist destinations. The gardens have been on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 2003, and they include more than 30,000 different plant species throughout the unique property.

Garden History

Though the gardens were not opened until 1759, their layout is highly influenced by the presence of royal residences established in the area around 1299. Collections in the garden were relatively unorganized until 1771 when the first director was appointed. The gardens became a national botanical garden in 1840, and this designation has allowed Kew Gardens to grow and continue development with plant houses that allow non-native plant species to thrive in the gardens.

Distinguishing Features

In addition to the largest collection of living plants in the world, Kew contains one of the largest compost heaps in Europe. A treetop walkway is one of the newest additions to the gardens, offering a view 59 feet above the ground in the canopy of the trees. Sackler Crossing connects the gardens to other natural areas with an inspiring minimalist modern design.

Plant Houses

Several plant houses facilitate the growth of diverse plant species. These include the Alpine House, Nash Conservatory, Palm House, and Princess of Wales Conservatory. Ornamental buildings also line the property with the notable Chinese-inspired Great Pagoda, which dates back to 1762. Kew Palace, the smallest of the British royal places, stands on the grounds with the Queen’s Garden in the back, which only features plants that would have been in England in the 17^th century.

For the design inspiration that will let you create an iconic garden or outdoor living space at home, call Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421. Our custom residential landscape design and installation can boost the value of your home and give you a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy in your Tucson residence.

This article is part of our collection of The Most Spectacular Gardens in the World!

Water features add appealing contrast to the desert beauty of Tucson. These popular landscape design features are sought after not only for their looks but for the relaxing sounds and atmosphere, they create as well. Installing a water feature in your yard is an easy way to instantly transform the appearance of your landscape design, adding personality, style, and diversity.

Ponds

Incorporating a pool or pond into your landscaping is a great way to enhance your yard without disrupting the organic look of your property. A freeform pond creates a natural space where you can keep fish, plant a garden, or simply add seating for a relaxing space to calm your mind. If you like the sound of running water, a small fountain or waterfall can add ambiance while improving water circulation for ease of maintenance.

Fountains

Fountains are a popular southwestern landscaping feature that add movement and life to your landscape design. A fountain can take center stage as the focal point of your yard, or add a subtle touch when tucked away into a niche or beside a gardening area. Fountains are available in a wide variety of designs, from modern to classical, and maybe freestanding or incorporated as part of a patio enclosure to add style and improve the feeling of privacy in your outdoor space.

Canals

A canal that houses flowing water can create the perfect complement to a heavily-hardscaped southwestern-style yard. Canals can transport water throughout your yard, softening its overall design while adhering to the more structured feel of your hardscaping. To soften the look of your yard further, consider adding a bridge or waterfall for a touch of classical, garden-like luxury just outside your desert home.

Santa Rita Landscaping can help you design, create, and install the perfect water feature as part of your Tucson landscape design. We offer residential and commercial construction and landscaping services to enhance the look and value of your property. Please visit our website or call (520) 623-0421 to discover the benefits of working with us on your next landscaping project.

The Keukenhof, or “kitchen garden”, is often regarded as the Garden of Europe. It is the second largest flower garden in the world after Dubai Miracle Garden, and it features about 7 million bulbs, which are planted annually in the 32 hectare park. In the iconic style of the Netherlands where the Keukenhof is located, the garden showcases a variety of tulips, which are best viewed in mid-April when the flowers are in full bloom. The garden was established in 1949 on 15^th century hunting grounds in an effort to exhibit flowers where European growers could showcase their hybrids.

Unique Garden Styles

There are actually several small gardens in the Keukenhof, each showcasing different garden styles and features. The English landscape garden includes many unexpected see-through points along winding paths. In the historical garden, visitors can see older varieties of tulips preserved through this area. The nature garden pairs beautiful flowers with the serene sounds of a water garden featuring shrubs and perennials. Finally, there is a Japanese garden that brings elements of eastern design to the European landscape. Many visitors come to the Keukenhof expecting to see long fields of tulips, but the tulip fields surrounding the gardens are privately owned areas not included in the grounds.

Open Seasons

Keukenhof’s gardens are situated around Castle Keukenhof, which is a year-round facility showcasing many festivals and musical performances. The gardens, however, are only open from March through May when tulips are in bloom.

To bring the serenity of nature to your space with modern landscaping solutions, call Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421. We can help design and install your residential or commercial landscape in Tucson using innovative solutions fit for the desert environment.

This article is part of our collection of The Most Spectacular Gardens in the World!

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is a unique botanical garden in Cape Town, South Africa showcasing five of the six distinctive biomes in the region—including savanna, fynbos, and karoo. When the garden was founded in 1913, it became the only botanical garden with the ethos of preserving the nation’s flora, though others have since followed this model. While the park was not founded until the early 20^th century, sections of it date back to 1660 when a hedge of wild almond and brambles was planted as a natural protective barrier for the Dutch colony. Some of the hedges still exist within Kirstenbosch as a Provincial Heritage Site.

Garden History

The land where Kirstenbosch now lies has passed through many hands, and it was bequeathed to the nation in 1902 by Cecil Rhodes. The founder of Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Henry Harold Pearson, was the first director of the garden, taking the position without pay. When he died in 1916, he was buried within the grounds.

Indigenous Plant Cultivation

Kirstenbosch is famous for its exclusive cultivation of indigenous plant life, which gained recent international recognition in 2008 at the Chelsea Flower Show with an exhibit entitled The Heat Is On featuring a quiver tree. Overall, the botanical garden has won 29 gold medals in 33 appearances at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Stone Sculpture Exhibits

In addition to the natural plant life of South Africa, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden features regular exhibits of Zimbabwean stone sculptures from artists associated with the Chapungu Sculpture Park.

While you discover your inspiration for your home landscaping through some of the world’s most famous gardens, Santa Rita Landscaping can provide you with the technical expertise and residential landscaping services you need to bring your vision to life. To contact us for landscaping services in Tucson, call (520) 623-0421.

This article is part of our collection of The Most Spectacular Gardens in the World!