When we go on holiday, we often take a look at the different architecture of the country we’re visiting, right?  But maybe you were so enthralled by the stonework that you didn’t taking a moment to look at the greenery.

Here, we take you on a virtual world trip to look at some of the different types of gardens around the world!

The United Kingdom

An Englishman’s home is his castle … and he likes his garden too!  Gardens are hugely popular in the UK, to the point where many people will pay up to £11,500 more to secure a house with a garden! For some, a garden is more valuable than an extra bedroom, meaning that even those of us who aren’t exactly green fingered love a bit of outdoor space to call our own. We pine for that perfect lawn, shed and relaxation area with a sun lounger – often on a raised area of timber decking.

UK gardens are usually chock full of different blooms – and you might even spot the odd gnome, or too!  The most popular floral displays include tulips, rose lavender and bluebells, all of which add colour to a vibrant space.

Other common features of the UK garden include a washing line, birdbath, and greenhouse too. Unfortunately, though, we normally only spend 12 hours each month in our garden due to the nation’s temperamental weather and our busy lifestyles.

Italy

Italian gardens tend to have more of a focus on symmetry, rather than florals. You will mainly find evergreen plants that have been manicured into geometric hedges or topiaries. One thing the Italians are very fond of is covering their stone walls with foliage vines or climbing roses.

In Italy, the garden is seen as an entertainment space, so you’re likely to see plenty of sculptures, and the like.  On the patio, a lemon tree that has been potted in a stone urn is one of the nation’s favourites.

Rather than bird baths, you’re more likely to see features such as fountains and pools. Don’t be surprised to see water shoot out of hidden pipes if you’re walking along a garden path — this was a common feature in old Italy.

India

Like so many other locations, India is known for its cultural diversity and this is evident in their colourful gardens. Thanks to the tropical weather India encounters, its garden plants can thrive and that is why so many homes will be filled to the brim with flowering plants.

Tulsi, the Queen of Herbs, is thought of as the holiest and most cherished of the many healing and health-giving herbs that will be found in Hindu homes. Because of its holy status, it is planted in special pots and has earned a very special place in the country’s homes.

You’ll also see plenty of roses, which are considered to bring happiness. With cultural references throughout horticulture, money plants are also considered a lucky plant and there will be likely spots with them if you are to observe an Indian garden.

United States

In the USA, multilevel gardens are a favourite. Composite decking is commonly used in spaces that are on a slope in order to provide a flat surface area to host those elusive barbecues, or to overlook your garden.   

Known as ‘yards’, Americans usually have bigger gardens than their European counterparts.  Studies have shown that Americans are now growing more food in their gardens than ever before, meaning vegetable patches are becoming increasingly popular. In 2009, the White House even planted its first vegetable since the Second World War and, by 2013, it was reported that a third of the American public were growing their own food in the backyards.

Australia

Australia is a favourite destination for Brits – but, how do Aussie gardens compare? While it hugely depends on where you live — the Outback will differ immensely — we will focus on the suburban areas of Australia since more than 80% of the nation’s population lives in cities or bigger towns.

With the sun perpetually shining, the outside space is key to Australian homes.   Lawns are becoming less important, with studies showing that a third of outdoor renovation projects are either reducing this space or removing it entirely. Timber decking, pergolas, terraces and verandas are springing up in their place and almost half of the projects are incorporating a barbecue area into their plans.

Because of the constant sunshine, drought-resistant flowers are common in Australian gardens. For the lucky ones, an outdoor pool is a luxurious addition to the outdoor space, so you can cool down with a splash about.

South Africa

Be it their own space or elsewhere, South Africans are known to feel at home in open space. Ideas that are often noticeable in South African gardens are increasingly becoming more noticeable across the globe.

Shade is very important in South Africa. This could include shade-loving shrubs and perennials that have a walkway passing through, which adds to the serenity. They are also very fond of the wildlife. Whether it’s inviting our flying friends in for a drink of freshwater or providing nectar-loving birds with plants that delight them, they set up features to help entice the wildlife into the garden — similarly to how we do in Britain.

Violet society garlic is a worthy addition to herb gardens and the flowers bloom even under duress.