Investigating the controversial phenomenon
The Brits love their gardens. In fact, gardening is a rather popular activity in the country. Some popular flowers include roses, lady's mantles, lavender, and geraniums.
Traditional cottage gardens are really beautiful. In addition to flowers, British garden owners also grow their own food, including apples, pears, and strawberries, to name a few.
The number of Americans growing their own produce has grown over the last few years.
Sources: (Business Insider) (Family Handyman)
See also: How to grow your garden without soil
Lawns, both in front and backyards, are popular across the US, but ever since colonial times, people have been growing their own food at home too.
Colombia is one of the world's leading flower producers, with roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums being among the country's major exports.
Today, these suburban plots of land (and houses) are more of a luxury rather than a means to survive, but they continue to exist and provide an escape from city life.
In Russia, it's all about the dacha. These are small plots of land which date back to Imperial times. The Tsar would allot land for people to grow food in.
Koi ponds are popular in Japanese gardens. These fish are seen as a sign of good fortune and perseverance.
Sweden's allotment gardens were first used to produce vegetables after World War II.
Japanese gardens can be really magical places. There is an emphasis on nicely landscaped shrubs, plants, and flowers, as well as stone placement. Water is usually also a feature.
Swedes like their koloni. These are allotment gardens usually with wooden cottages. This is the place to grow vegetables and flowers.
Aussie gardens can be quite different, but local flora is preferred. In Australia, you'll find many gardens with native plants such as yucca.
Moroccan gardens are often found in riads. These traditional houses have a courtyard in the center, which is usually adorned with plants and oftentimes, a fountain.
Chinese gardens usually combine a few different elements, including plants, stones, and water.
Many Mexican gardens are rooted in colonial architecture and feature patios, ceramic tiles, and warm tones.
Mexican gardens are all about local plants, including agave, cactus, yucca, dahlias, and so on.
Moroccan gardens mix Moorish, Islamic, and French influences. Beautiful tiles, archways, and plants make these spaces quite special.
French gardens often feature earthy tones, evergreen shrubs, trees, and flowering plants such as viburnum and hydrangea.
French gardens, especially those found in the countryside, are gorgeous. Stucco walls, stone features, and plenty of flowers are usually found both at the front and back of houses.
These are also known as trial gardens. Different plant varieties are trialed for long periods of time to ascertain the best species to grow.
The Sichtungsgarten, or "viewing garden," became popular in countries such as Germany and the Netherlands after World War II.
Colorful accents in doors, windows, and furniture add to the beauty of Greek gardens. Olive trees, citrus trees, and flowers such as bougainvillea, are very popular.
"In addition, much attention is paid to wildflowers and the existing biodiversity," points out garden photographer and author Maayke de Ridder.
Dutch gardens are all about flowers. From tulips to roses, anemones, crocuses, and everything in between, locals pride themselves on their flowery gardens.
Greek gardens are all about white walls, local plants, and lots of flowers. Terracotta pots are very popular because clay retains moisture, so in a warm climate, that's very important.
Local flowers include the azalea, peony, chrysanthemum, and sweet osmanthus, among others.
Naturally, people grow lots of flowers in their gardens too. A popular example is the cattleya trianae, also known as the Christmas orchid or Flor de Mayo.
Having access to outside space where one can plant flowers or grow food is truly amazing. For those who do own a garden, the possibilities are endless when it comes to both landscaping and utility.
The species planted, the colors and materials used, and landscaping in general change depending on where you are in the world. Gardens are different around the globe and all have their own distinctive features. Click through this gallery to see some examples.
What typical gardens look like around the world
How gardens look in different countries
TRAVEL Landscaping
Having access to outside space where one can plant flowers or grow food is truly amazing. For those who do own a garden, the possibilities are endless when it comes to both landscaping and utility.
The species planted, the colors and materials used, and landscaping in general change depending on where you are in the world. Gardens are different around the globe and all have their own distinctive features. Click through this gallery to see some examples.