If you need a bit of persuading to get out into the garden in this crisp spring weather, a new tome from Phaidon won't fail to inspire. The Gardener's Garden brings together a collection of the most outstanding gardens from across the world, lavishly displayed with 1,200 stunning images. And while you might not have swathes of land to recreate the breathtaking and opulent greenery featured in these most enviable of estates, each entry is accompanied by an informative explanation of both design and planting features should you wish to instate elements at home. Here are three of the best examples.
Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Ireland
The best way to enjoy Powerscourt Estate's expansive grounds is to take advantage of one of the regular guided walks, hosted by head gardener Alex Slazenger. Its crowning glory is the Italian Garden; designed by architect Daniel Robertson in the 1940s, it features a series of terraces – which took more than 100 labourers and 12 years to finish – linking the house to the lake, watched over by a pair of life-sized winged horses. A different feel altogether was created in the calm and tranquil Japanese Garden, laid out over 100 years ago by the 8th Viscount and Viscountess Powercourt, which in spring comes alive with blossoming azaleas and vibrant Japanese maple trees.
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The château may be one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in France, but even this grand building is overshadowed by its surroundings. The gardens of Villandry are one of the few in the country to be open all year round, allowing you to see the changing seasons reflected in its diverse plant life. Covering 25 hectares in total, it is defined by its intricate and geometric knot gardens, creating a mesmerising symmetry across the landscape.
Known as "the Russian Versailles", the park and palace at Peterhof is one of St Petersburg's most popular attractions. It's easy to see why – even the most minimalist among us can't fail to be astounded by the sheer grandeur on display, representing two centuries of changing European aristocratic fashions. Particularly noteworthy is the diversity of styles, from the Grand Cascade, modelled after one constructed for Louis XIV at the Château de Marly, to the estate's Lower Park, home to one of the world's largest systems of fountains.
The Gardener's Garden is published by Phaidon, £29.95; phaidon.com
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