Shalimar Gardens in Srinagar

The Shalimar Gardens of Srinagar are located near Dal Lake, India.
These gardens were laid out in 1616 by Emperor Jahangir, while he was founding the city of Srinagar. They were a gift for his wife, Nur Jahan.

They cover nearly twenty acres, and feature fountains, shaded trees, and gorgeous flowers that are in bloom during the spring and fall months.
If you happen to visit the gardens any time from May to October, be sure to stick around for the sound and light show that's put on every evening.  It's simply spectacular!

Butchart Gardens

The Butchart Gardens, located near Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on Vancouver Island, contains 55 acres of simply gorgeous floral gardens.

In 1907, garden designer, Isaburo Kishida, came to Victoria to build a tea garden for Esquimalt Gorge Park.  A prominent citizen of the area, Jennie Butchart, saw the garden and commissioned Kishida to create Japanese gardens for her estate.  In 1909, the suken garden was created, followed by a rose garden and Italian garden.  





Ownership of the gardens remains within the Butchart family, but they are open to the public. The gardens are open every day from 9AM to 4 PM, except for Christmas, where the gardens open at 1:00 PM.  Admission prices range from $3.00 for children, to $29.00 for adults, depending on the season you visit.

Before I go, I'd like to let you all know that I'm doing a giveaway of my upcoming book, Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China. The publisher has three extra review copies, and we thought it would be fun to give you a chance to win one. This is open to US residents only. If you are interested, please say so in the comments below. The winners will be selected on Monday, June 18th. If you are selected, I will contact you for your email address, which I will give to the publisher. The book will come directly from the publisher. Good luck!

Villa Lante Garden

 Villa Lante Garden, located in Bagnaia, Italy, is a formal Italian garden that covers about fifty acres.  It was designed for Cardinal Gambara in 1568 who lived there in the Villa.  It's a tribute to the lavish lifestyle for those high ranking officials in the Catholic Church at that time. 

Water from nearby Monte Cimino flows down to the fountains of the villa.  From there, it flows down a series of terraces until it reaches the central pool of the regal garden.  It's really a sight to see!

 As you wander through the garden, you will sees statues, grottos, box hedges, and of course, a lot of fountains.
 The garden is open everyday except Monday.  Hours are 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM in the winter, and 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM in the summer.  Admission is 2 euros.