Gardens to visit

Now that spring is here and the days are longer it is a good time to get out and about and enjoy the outdoors. Visiting a garden is an ideal way of doing this. There are plenty to choose from. Here is a selection.
The Eden Project in Cornwall opened in March 2001. An old China clay pit was turned into a plants paradise. You can discover how important plants are to us and they even have a jungle for you to explore. It also has fun holiday activities.
www.edenproject.com
Alnwick garden in Northumberland has a labyrinth and tree houses. If it gets to hot there are jets of water to keep you cool. This is very much an interactive garden that helps you put your senses to good use.
www.alnwickgarden.com
The Living Rain forest in Berkshire lets you find out what a tropical jungle is like they even have a dwarf crocodile. It also holds family events.
www.livingrainforest.org
Hestercombe in Somerset is a garden designed by Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll. So if you want to know what gardens were like in the Edwardian era here is your chance to find out.
www.hestercombe.com
Centre for Alternative Technology in Powys has an interesting fun element a cliff railway. Because it's alternative technology it is water powered. Here you can find out how to be more eco.
www.cat.org.uk
The Giants Causeway in Bushmills Northern Ireland is a natural volcanic place. It was discovered in 1693 and people wondered if it had been made by man, was natural or whether a giant had caused it. But in 1771 it was discovered it was due to a volcanic feat.
www.giantscausewayofficialguide.com
Heligan in Cornwall was restored in the 1990's after it had been left for far too long to become over grown. It too has a jungle it also has a wildlife project. Bat and barn owl evenings are also held at a particular time of year.
www.heligan.com
Wisley in Woking surrey is part of the Royal Horticultural Society it has events throughout the year. It also has a new glasshouse.
www.rhs.org.uk
The Chelsea Physic Garden in London is to do with healing plants that can be used in medicine. This botanic garden in England is the second oldest in the country. They will be having fun family activities during the summer holidays.
www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk
The American Museum in Bath here they have managed to recreate George Washington's garden. So this contains a fair bit of history inside and out. In April you could have made an Edwardian peg doll. However the boys would may have preferred to make a titanic paper boat. You can design a patchwork quilt on the 29th May 2008 and in July there is a puppet show staring Herb a vegetarian dragon.
www.americanmuseum.org

There is also Kew Gardens were you can visit Climbers and creepers.
www.kew.org
So why not try one of these or see what's on near you. There are botanical gardens are everywhere.

© Children's Web Magazine 2008