One of the most stunning examples of Italian renaissance design, the Villa Lante gardens are the work of Cardinal Gambara, who had a modern taste for outdoor living and eating al fresco. 

The grand home of Louis XIV, the exquisite Versailles gardens represent the heights of monarchal decadence and excess. 

Wander through Yves Saint Laurent's gardens in Marrakech, combining luscious species, art deco design and a fine eye for colour and detail. Visit Jardinmarojelle for more info. 

Blooming from the sacked ruins of an ancient Medieval town, these botanical gardens are a half hour drive from the capital and among the most serene and beautiful sanctuaries in the world. Visit Ninfa's website for more info.

The Royal Botanic Gardens features 121 hectares of gardens, botanical glass houses and a beautiful orchid sanctuary, the perfect destination for a summer stroll. 

Surrounding the former summer palace of the King of Prussia, Frederik the Great, the Sanssouci grounds are splayed out in an intimate Rococo style, and were counted as a rival to the French Versailles. 

Often featuring sculpture and artwork from a variety of famous artists, Dumbarton Oaks blends stunning natural landscaping with contemporary touches of modern design. 

The Alhambra fortress boasts a fabulous water garden and is considered one of the great architectural sights of Europe, celebrating Moorish art and encapsulating Andalusian history. 

Along with one the finest collections of wild collected Japanese plants in Northern Europe, the greenhouses at Gothenburg Botanical are home to about 4,000 species, including 1,500 orchids

Hampton Court's 60-acre estate runs its beautiful grounds down to the River Thames, featuring wonderful formal gardens and species planted by the famous landscaper Capability Brown.