Chateau de Versailles, France

Location: Versailles, France

What?s cool: Biggest display of conspicuous consumption in the world

No other garden in the world can match Versailles for its beauty, with nearly every path leading to lovely sculptures and fountains, not to mention the stunning backdrop of the palace itself. To stroll the gardens at Versailles at any time of the year is, without doubt, one of the greatest free treats in the world.

Stourhead, Stourton, England

Location: Stourton, England

What?s cool: Imitation Greek and Roman ruins

Stourhead epitomises the 18th-century English garden style, which celebrated nature for itself and faithfully attempted to reproduce it, even in landscape form. The gardens and accompanying buildings are on the edge of a misshapen lake, and walking the lake path in either direction will give the visitor unforgettable views of beautiful forgeries of ruined Roman villas and Chinese pagodas ringed by towering trees.

Giardino e Rovine di Ninfa, Italy

Location: Ninfa, Italy

What?s cool: Ghost-town gardens destroyed by papal forces and later abandoned by surviving townspeople

Fragrant flowers cover the grounds of this ruined medieval town. The balmy Roman climate and abundant water make this garden one of the most beautiful ones in the world. Behind each crumbling wall, the visitor will find new surprises, as climbing hydrangeas, roses, ivy and clematis, among others, compete for space.

Garden of the Master of the Nets, Jiang Province, China

Location: Suzhou, Jiang Province, China

What?s cool: Nightly song and dance performances

Is your tao bothering you? Yin-yang out of whack? Consider a visit to the Garden of the Master of the Nets in Suzhou, China. This garden is markedly different from its European and North American counterparts. Here, the visitor sees clean, simple lines and the harmonious combination of art and landscape.

Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania

Location: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

What?s cool: Brilliant poinsettias, towering trees, and fragrant flowers

Longwood Gardens, outside of Wilmington, Delaware, is the American answer to the famous gardens of Europe. With more than 350 acres to explore, Longwood offers something for everyone, from whimsical fountains, topiaries and sunken gardens to a large conservatory, which allows flower-viewing in the coldest months of winter.