Autumn transforms the world’s great gardens into glowing landscapes of crimson, amber, purple and gold. Across the globe, gardens burst into this breathtaking symphony of colour that can transform landscapes into living works of art. From maple-lined paths in Japan to historic gardens in England, crisp air and falling leaves create enchanting scenes that celebrate nature’s most vibrant albeit fleeting seasonal display.
Kew Gardens, United Kingdom
Among the finest places to experience this seasonal spectacle is Kew Gardens in London where the great classics – maple, oak and liquidambar – are found along the Broad Walk and within the much-loved Arboretum that is home to over 11,000 trees. Each autumn, visitors can take in breathtaking seasonal landscapes beside tranquil lakes, winding pathways, and historic glasshouses all replete with autumn charm.
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Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Japan
The seasonal spectacle in Japan rivals even the famous cherry blossoms in spring. The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo offers a different mood in autumn where carefully placed Japanese maples create brilliant reflections on the calm ponds. Kyoto’s Tenryu-ji gardens are equally memorable in late autumn, when fiery leaves frame the temple views and ‘borrowed’ scenery from the surrounding mountains. It is considered one of Japan’s most exquisite traditional gardens but if you are in Kyoto don’t miss out on the equally spectacular Kiyomizu-dera and Tōfuku-ji temple gardens.
Arnold Arboretum & Longwood Gardens, United States
Nothing screams autumn more than the north-east region of the USA. Think Massachusetts, New York, Maine and Pennsylvania where autumn colour is plentiful wherever you happen to drive or visit. The Arnold Arboretum in Boston, MA is famous for its dramatic displays of maple, oak and ginkgo, while Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA melds sweeping seasonal colours across meadows, woodlands and ornamental plantings.
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Butchart Gardens, Canada
On the west coast of Canada, the world-renowned Butchart Gardens features a stunning array of maples in red, russet, bronze and gold. The Japanese Garden at Butchart is particularly special when on the hunt for autumn colour around the world. Timed correctly, you may even be able to take in the amazing displays of chrysanthemums at the same time of the year.
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Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, Australia
Back home in Australia, we have our own spectacular autumn gardens with one standout being the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens Mount Tomah. Its extensive maple collection embedded into the surrounding landscape offers up some stunning autumn foliage and makes for a peaceful walk in the crisp mountain air. So too does the nearby Mount Wilson Gardens whose landscape becomes a living work of art as the cool climate trees paint the Blue Mountains in a multitude of reds, yellows and oranges.
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