The U.K. might not be known for having the world’s best weather, but the rainfall and mild temperatures certainly provide exquisite conditions for plants to thrive. Perhaps this is why the Brits are such keen gardeners and enjoy spending the sunny days of summer in their gardens and parks.

If you’re planning a visit to the U.K. or are simply looking for a little inspiration, here are five U.K. gardens that are sure to take your breath away. Once you’ve had a look, think about how you can apply the ideas to spruce up your own outdoor space with new plants or features.

“With so many wondrous U.K. gardens to draw

inspiration from, find your inner gardener

and give your own plot some love this

spring and summer.”

1. Kew Gardens, London

Kew Gardens, the name commonly given to the Royal Botanic Gardens in the Kew suburb of London, is home to England’s most outstanding garden and the world’s largest collection of living plants. The green space not only features an array of dazzling flowers and plant-life, but also has spectacular glass-houses, a treetop walkway, a Pagoda, and a number of other buildings and monuments scattered throughout its lush grounds.

2. Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Located in the heart of one of Scotland’s most picturesque cities, the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh was originally founded in 1670 as a physic garden to grow medicinal plants. Today it is open to the public and features a number of notable collections, including alpine plants, a Chinese hillside, a rock garden and an 18^thcentury glass house. While exploring, visitors can stand and admire panoramic views of the city skyline.

3. Stourhead Estate, Wiltshire

Stourhead Estate is probably best known for being a filming location for acclaimed movies like Pride and Prejudice (2005) and Barry Lyndon (1975). The gardens at Stourhead were designed by Henry Hoare II, who was inspired by painters such as Claude Lorrain to create a landscape that evoked mythological tales, like Aeneas’ descent into the underworld in Virgil’sThe Aeneid. The garden features architecturally significant structures including a stone bridge, Pantheon and Temple of Apollo.

4. Helmsley Walled Garden, North Yorkshire

At the foot of the North Yorkshire Moors sits Helmsley Castle, and its 250-year-old walled garden, which is commonly considered one of the finest in England. Set on five acres that feature a mixture of both sprawling and highly manicured areas, the gardens at Helmsley are certain to impress both studied horticulturalists and amateur gardeners alike.

5. Threave Garden and Estate, Dumfries and Galloway

In the southwest of Scotland lies a much-loved local attraction: Threave Estate. This beautiful site nourishes a series of refined gardens created over the years by the National Trust for Scotland’s School of Heritage Gardening. The walled gardens and glass houses include a range of native and exotic plants, as well as vegetables, trees, and more.

With so many wondrous U.K. gardens to draw inspiration from, find your inner gardener and give your own plot some love this spring and summer.

Images by Mike Lawrence and Sam Saunders used under Creative Commons license.

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