Four great gardens to visit on your travels

Best time to visit:

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

The fully restored Temperate House was reopened last year, revealing 10,000 breathtaking plants, making this magnificent structure the true jewel in Kew’s crown – an architectural wonder and horticulturists’ haven.

This year Kew opens its new Children’s Garden on May 18. Covering 10,000 square metres, it’s the size of nearly 40 tennis courts and designed around the elements plants need to survive: Earth, air, sun and water.

Best time to visit: Any time – if it rains you can shelter in the glasshouses.

KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDEN,

Anyone lucky enough to get to Cape Town shouldn’t miss a trip to these stunning botanical gardens on the lower eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The 36-hectare nature reserve supports fynbos (shrub and

Best time to visit:

QUINTA DA REGALEIRA,

Among the highlights of

Portugal are the gardens of the decorative 20th century mansion of Quinta da Regaleira, a world heritage site near Sintra.

Best time to visit:

January (summer), when the agapanthus are in bloom, May to October when the Protea Garden is in flower, or September and October when wild flowers bring a riot of colour to the gardens.Tulips at KeukenhofThere is a great collection of turrets, mysterious hidden tunnels, wells, towers, statues and ponds, as well as exotic plants and flowers.Spring, early summer and early autumn.