April showers bring May flowers

It’s that time of year again – when the flowers burst through winter’s lingering shadow and stretch toward the sun. For many, spring marks an exciting return to the garden. These first few months – March, April, and May – are prime time for planting, setting the stage for the rich harvests of autumn as summer’s warmth aids in their growth. Throughout history, gardens have served as muses for artistic expression. From the intense creativity of Impressionists to the vivid landscapes of literature, gardens have inspired creators for centuries. Today, they continue to flourish in countless forms – formal, wild, ornamental and practical. Their beauty and sustainability thrive across the world, each one telling a unique story. Gardens are more than just scenic – they’re integral to many of our journeys, enriching the experience in destinations around the globe, including:

Tucked into the pastoral hills of northern France lies the village of Giverny – and the former home of Claude Monet. A founder of Impressionism, Monet lived here from 1883 until his death in 1926. More than just a painter, Monet was a devoted gardener, once saying, “All my money has gone into my garden.”

His estate is divided into two strikingly distinct sections: the formal Clos Normand, a vibrant flower garden bursting with color, and the tranquil water garden, known for its Japanese bridge and serene water lilies. These gardens were more than a personal passion – they were Monet’s muse. Masterpieces such as Water Lilies and the Japanese Bridge, Le Jardin en fleurs, and Les Arceaux fleuris all found their genesis here.

Next, we journey east to Japan, yet not for the iconic cherry blossoms, but for an experience just as breathtaking: the Adachi Museum of Art and its extraordinary gardens. Founded by Adachi Zenko, who believed “a Japanese garden is thought of as a living canvas,” the museum brings that philosophy to life across 165,000 square meters of meticulously curated landscape. Here, five distinct styles, Dry Landscape, White Gravel, Pine, Moss, and Pond, come together in perfect harmony, offering a serene, immersive experience in every season. These gardens are not only a masterpiece of Japanese aesthetics, but a true highlight of any journey through Japan.