Some gardens are beautiful. Others are grand, meticulously designed, and expertly maintained.
But a garden with a soul? That is something else entirely.
A garden with a soul is not just a place—it is an experience.
It lingers in your memory, stirs something deep within, and moves you in a way that an ordinary garden or a walk in the woods cannot.
But what exactly gives a garden its soul?
And why should you seek one out?
More Than Just Nature
We all know that being in nature is good for the soul. It grounds us, soothes us, and reminds us that we are part of something greater. A walk in the forest can be restorative, but a garden with a soul offers something beyond mere immersion in nature—it is a carefully crafted dialogue between human creativity and the natural world.
Gardening is, at its heart, a balance between control and surrender. Some gardens impose human will upon the land, forcing plants to thrive in unnatural conditions and relying on toxic materials to sustain an artificial vision. These gardens impress, but they do not touch the soul.
In contrast, a garden with a soul respects its surroundings. It works with the land, embracing the quality of the soil, the rhythm of the seasons, and the character of the climate. It does not seek to dominate nature but rather to enhance it, creating something that feels effortless—as if the garden has always belonged.
Sissinghurst, Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicholson´s creation is almost 100 years old. As a National Trust garden it attracts thousands of visitors each year, not only for its remarkable history but mainly for its soul-
Les Colombieres, Menton, designed by Ferdinand Bac in the 1920`s and restored in the 1990´s. The tree in this photo was there when Bac built the staircase so he built the stairs around it - a nod to the spirit of place.
A Living Work of Art
A garden with a soul is more than a collection of plants. It is a masterpiece. Like a great painting or a moving piece of music, it has the power to stir emotions, to inspire, and to leave a lasting impression.
But unlike a painting, a garden is never still. It shifts with the seasons, changes with the years, and responds to the climate. A soulful garden is a paradox—timeless, yet constantly evolving.
And at the heart of it all is the gardener. A garden with a soul is not just the result of good design or favorable conditions. Its true magic comes from the person who tends it.
Fig Left: Les Jardins de Castillon, Plant-Bessin in Normandy is a personal garden created by plant lovers with a wonderful sense of harmony.
The Gardener’s Invisible Hand
The most extraordinary gardens—whether centuries old or newly created—are shaped by those who understand their spirit. These gardeners know when to guide and when to step back. They do not force nature into submission but work alongside it, coaxing beauty from the land with a light and knowing touch.
What makes these gardens remarkable is not their age but their stewardship. A soulful garden, whether historic or contemporary, has been lucky enough to have caretakers who respect its essence. They tweak and adapt, yet never lose sight of the spirit of the place. This sensitivity is what gives the garden its genius loci—its unique and powerful sense of place.
Fig Right: Villa Boccanegra Piacenza, Ventimiglia - a plantswoman´s garden created with passion and masterfully stewarded by the current owners.
Why These Gardens Matter
To visit a garden with a soul is to experience something rare: a space that speaks to the heart, not just the eyes.
Unlike manicured showpieces or fleeting floral displays, these gardens offer something deeper—a sense of harmony, belonging, and connection.
They remind us that beauty is not just about symmetry or perfection, but about emotion, about the stories woven into the landscape.
They show us that a garden is not merely planted—it is felt.
Fig Left: Rousham in Oxfordshire, created by William Ken in the 18th century still beguiles the visitor today.
A Final Thought
So, why visit a garden with a soul? Because it will stay with you. It will enrich you, inspire you, and remind you that true beauty is something we do not merely see—it is something we experience.
And long after you leave, its essence will linger, like a quiet whisper of nature and artistry intertwined.
Do you have a favourite garden with a soul?
Share with me in the comments your favorite gardens with a soul. Mine are Courances in France and Rousham in England, just to name two.
Are you ready to experience Europe's gardens with a soul?
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