Lonely Planet The Joy of Exploring Gardens

Discover 60 of the world's most spectacular gardens plus 120 travel ideas to ignite a love of outdoor spaces. Featuring the history of every botanical gem, beautiful photography and trip planning tips, this uplifting book explores the restorative effects of flora and fauna, and the joy to be experienced from each of the inspiring gardens inside it.

Walk spellbinding nature trails at the Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona, US; wander the stone paths of Japan's infamous Kenroku-en Garden; or steal away to a subtropical retreat just off the coast from Glengarriff, Ireland. In-depth garden profiles, Q&As with experts, and personal accounts from writers who have experienced the magic of each destination accompany the mesmerising gardens inside this book, so that you can learn just why each idyllic sanctuary is so joyful.

Inside you'll find 60 in-depth profiles of gardens illustrated with beautiful photography; a Q&A section where you can read the insights and thoughts from an expert closely linked to the garden; and first-hand accounts from writers who have visited each outdoor space. There are 120 extra must-visit garden destinations from all over the world, at-a-glance reasons to go that offer a glimpse into what you can expect to find in each garden from water features to rainforest walks; city views to upcycled sculptures. The book includes accessibility awareness with an overview of path and ground conditions and the availability of accessible toilets and other amenities for visitors with disabilities and mobility issues, plus in-the-know tips to help you get there including local transport, when to go, what to take with you, must-do activities, and experiences not to be missed.

Covering global garden destinations across Africa & the Middle East, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, and featuring a foreword by author, naturalist, and ecophilosopher Lyanda Lynn Haupt, this is the ultimate gift book for the horticulturist in your life or a wonderful treat to inspire your next joyful garden adventure to a paradisiacal wonder or secret botanical gem.