My latest trip took me to the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, Scotland. And what a treat! Established in 1670, the garden is both a study in historic gardening and latest landscaping. It is a large garden with about 70 acres of land. So, allow sufficient time to stroll around, sit on benches, and admire the beautiful plants. Some of the most famous sections include the Scottish Heath Garden, Rock Garden, and Herbaceous Border.
Once you take in the outside, step into the Windows on the World - a series of glasshouses that explore ten distinct climatic zones. The plants range from the economically important species - including banana and rubber - to household favorites and the world's largest collection of tender vireya rhododendron, originating from the mountains of New Guinea and Borneo.
The gardens are free (with a fee to the glasshouses) so you will come across locals reading books on benches, chatting with friends, and families having picnics on the lawns. What a better way to honor nature and us being part of it?