INVERCARGILL, New Zealand — Most travelers think of museums, restaurants, and scenic landmarks when planning a getaway.
However, botanical gardens are often overlooked on any escapade. They offer a unique blend of beauty and tranquility, making them the perfect setting for photographers to hone their craft.
According to Merriam-Webster, botanical gardens are “a garden often with greenhouses for the culture, study, and exhibition of special plants.”
Because the garden’s blooms and natural lighting are constantly changing, no two pictures will look the same. The low-pressure environment makes it perfect for amateur and seasoned photographers to experiment with camera settings.
However, the biggest mistake is thinking that gardens are merely flowers and fauna. This isn’t the potted plant section of the local big box store; rather, they are living museums that provide a chance to commune with the birds and the bees.
Many gardens feature guided or self-guided tours, educational exhibits, and art installations. Take, for example, the Wellington Botanic Garden, nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s busy capital city.
The 62-acre botanical garden was set aside in 1844 and formalized in 1868. It features themed gardens and a diverse collection of global plants, allowing visitors to explore the world’s flora without leaving the city.
The best way to experience the garden is to take the Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn, the top station and walk back into the city center. The route passes through Bolton Street Memorial Park, formerly known as Bolton Street Cemetery, dating to 1840 and the final resting place of many Wellington pioneers.
Other destinations, such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona, combine education and entertainment. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience, giving them a unique perspective on the desert ecosystem in the process.
Covering 98 acres, the museum is part botanical garden, zoo, and natural history museum. It features more than 1,200 plant varieties and 230 animal species, along with live demonstrations that bring the desert ecosystem to life.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of a garden is the chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Walking amongst the flowers, gardens provide a chance to unwind, recharge, and contemplate.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed with traveling, whether it’s the planning or the trip itself. Too many travelers try to overfill their itineraries.
While there are many places worth exploring, gardens can help slow down a vacation, reduce stress and reflect on the travel experience. When you enjoy a botanical garden, you might soon realize it’s a highlight of any trip.
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