It’s nearly the start of summer, and gardens across the northern hemisphere are springing to life.
Here in the UK, that means an abundance of roses in every colour of the rainbow, plus violas, peonies and more. Not much of a Monty Don yourself? Not to worry, because there are plenty of amazing gardens you can explore without having to put on gloves.
Want to take your love of flowers to the next level? From California’s Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve to Japan’s wisteria blooms, these floral spectacles are worth travelling for…
1. Jacaranda trees, Pretoria
It’s a little-known fact that the jacaranda tree is in fact a Brazilian native, but the purple-flowered tree has so completely settled in South Africa’s landscape that often it’s our first connection when we delight over the tree’s vibrant violet displays.
Jacaranda trees are said to have been introduced to Johannesburg and Pretoria by nurseryman William Nelson in the 1800s. Pretoria in particular boasts the most impressive views, perhaps of anywhere in the world. Tens of thousands of jacarandas line the streets – you’ll even hear Pretoria nicknamed ‘Jacaranda City’. The trees are rooted in local culture too; public spaces, restaurants, cafes, a shopping mall and even a radio station have chosen their names in its honour.
2. California poppies, Antelope Valley
These free-spirited wildflowers form sweeping carpets of sunshine yellow and orange across the seven miles of walking trails in the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, California. The poppy, native to California, is the official state flower, and it’s so prolific across the coastal and inland landscape that early Spanish settlers named California ‘The Land of Fire’.
