Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks
Located in the Conejo Valley, near the different but beautiful Botanical Gardens, sits a fantastic spot that showcases the unique plants and gardens found all over the world. This free attraction is a perfect place for a stroll on a date or just to clear your mind and relax in the tranquility the gardens provide. The gardens are intricate and well presented, so make sure to add it to your list when you visit the Conejo Valley. Here is all the information.
Details
- Open Tuesday through Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Last entry is 4:30 p.m.)
- Free
- Information from my visit in 2016
Upon arriving, we found free parking on the street and proceeded into the garden. I missed the tour as I pretty much just stumbled on this spot, but here are some of my favorite things I saw in the garden.
The French Garden
Right when you walk past the gates, you will see the massive cascading waterfall that greats you and welcomes you to the gardens. This area is the center of the French Gardens, which is full of vibrant colors and meticulously trimmed hedges.
This is a perfect way to get a feel for the garden as the grandeur of the space helps you to know what is in store for you as you tour the gardens themselves.
The Mission Courtyard
After walking through the French Garden, you will likely find yourself in the Mission Courtyard, which is dedicated to the ample mission history found all over California. This area provided a lot of shade and had statues devoted to famous Padres, as well as a beautiful Spanish fountain.
The Japanese Garden
After proceeding up the main path, you will find yourself in the Japanese Garden, which was probably my favorite spot in the entire area. The gardens here were exactly as you would anticipate with a fantastic Pagoda set among a Koi Pond and bamboo.
This area also had benches that you could sit in the shade in and take in the fantastic garden. I found it incredibly peaceful, and with the lack of people on a weekday, I was alone with my thoughts while in the area.
There is even a bridge that leads you into the garden, which is serene as well.
The Italian Garden
With lush grape arbors and large Cypress trees, this area of the garden is more simple when compared to some of the others. I enjoyed the subtle style and the fountain inspired by European architecture.
The Rose Garden
Lastly, the Rose Garden is a perfect way to end your time in the area. It is overflowing with color and teeming with the beautiful flower that is the staple of love worldwide.
I have never been a huge fan of roses, but it was hard not to love the way this area was presented, it was beautiful.
All in all, the Gardens of the World are a fantastic way to spend a lazy hour strolling and just admiring the work that went into making these excellent examples of botanical achievement worldwide. I would encourage you to go for a visit and really what do you have to lose since it is free? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
