When I was younger I rolled my eyes at the idea of walking around a botanical garden. I easily summed up the idea that it was either a place for my grandmother to hang out, or where I could take my mother on Mother’s Day.  To me it was like a day trip to the old folk’s home.

Oh how wrong I was.

To be honest I never even officially went to a botanical garden until I was in my late twenties. I had scoffed at the idea for years. Who would want to walk around an oversized garden? A park is free; they have flowers, why would I pay for the same experience?

Well you know what?

There is a difference, and it’s awesome.

But it is an experience that could only be appreciated once the cynicism of my teens had weaned. Growing up I wasn’t the garden enthusiast I am now. We had a shady backyard that was meant more for lounging than anything else. And besides, it was my parent’s house, and hanging in the yard pulling weeds was more a punishment. Dancing and boys were somehow way more exciting. (I'm not so sure anymore...)

When I finally had my own plot of land and attempted to grow a garden I started to appreciate the workmanship of the botanical gardener.  Just thinking about the years of design work, soil preparation, germination, uncontrollable climates, weeding, and propagating was overwhelming. The dedication people need to have to grow a beautiful garden is remarkable – and I think a little underappreciated.

By the time I spent a year with my own little seeds, I understood the commitment of a true gardener. And with that, I now go to a botanical garden center without the urge to roll my eyes. (I even read the little signs that tell you the plants Latin name.)

So even if both your thumbs are black (and your mother is busy) go out and visit a botanical garden, it’s like going to see a living art gallery. And an experience you will never forget.

TOP BOTANICAL GARDENS OF THE WORLD

Suan Nong Nooch (Thailand)

The Garden of Cosmic Speculation (Scotland)

The Gardens of Versailles (France)

Butchart Gardens (Canada)

Boboli Gardens (Italy)

Rikugien Gardens (Japan)

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (Minnesota)

Keukenhof Gardens (Netherlands)

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (South Africa)

Yu Gardens (China)

Jardim Botânico de Curitiba (Brazil)