Mondo Verde Gardens - Holland
I have been to quite a few Royal Gardens, Botanical Gardens and Private Gardens and generally I have to admit that they don't really make me say, "Wow, now that is beautiful."
Recently I had the opportunity to tag along with a group that was heading to the Mondo Verde Gardens near Valkenburg in Holland. It's located about 25 minutes outside of Maastricht in the southern province of Limburg.
I have to say that I was really impressed with this whole series of gardens. Mondo Verde is spread out over 25 hectares and is divided in to a series of different types of garden styles from around the world. As you progress your way through the garden you move from country to country and enjoy all the different flowers and buildings.
The primary gardens are the Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese, English, Italian and Moroccan. Additionally there are several other areas such as, "The Desert," "The Tropics," and the impressive 14 metre "Statue of Wood."
My two favourite areas were the Japanese garden which was beautifully landscaped and was an extremely relaxing environment. The other was "The Tropics" which is an indoor green house turned jungle. Lush colourful flowers flowing in every direction, exotic red birds, parrots fly through the air and ponds flow in to small rivers which dance in small waterfalls through the entire area.
Then entire garden could easily occupy and entire days, I spend about 4 hours in Mondo Verde and only left because it was getting near closing time. There is several great restaurants to visit, The Tuscan Villa being the most picturesque and beautiful. The terrace gives you a really beautiful view and is often used for weddings, social functions and business meetings.
The Alhambra is a Spanish style restaurant with an interesting architecture. But is really more like an indoor cafe with a water fountain in the centre. Finally there is the Datcha which is really more of a snack or icecream bar.
If you are bringing kids along, there is several play areas as well as an interesting rope drawn raft which will certainly peak their interest, located in the Russian Garden area.
The entire park is also made to accomodate those with physical disabilities. The paths are well maintained and I saw several people with wheelchairs have to problem navigating through the gardens. Additionally there elevators at more difficult spots such as "The Tropics."
The only criticism I have about the park is it's price. The 2007 price list is as follows:
Adults - 15 Euro
65+ - 14 Euro
Children 4-13 - 4 Euro
Family ticket - 33 Euro
Group > 20 Persons - 12 Euro per person
Parking - 3 Euro
Garden Guide and Map - 3 Euro
Personally I think that is a little extreme for the price. It really is quite beautiful, but I think that it was discourage most budget travels such as myself. Even the group rate which I was using was quite a lot to pay. Also Mondo Verde is quite a bit out of the way if you are relying on public transit for cheap travel. The closest city would be to take the train from Maastricht to Valkenburg and then see if there is a local bus or taxi from there.
If you are interested gardening or just appreciate the work and effort put in to it, I would highly recommend visiting Mondo Verde if there isn't any budget restraint.
For additional information you can find the official Mondo Verde website.
Happy Travels!
"An Expedition in one day: Mondo Verde literally leads you along the continents. Thus Mondo Verde offers you a gigantic tropics hall with many exotic birds, drumming waterfalls, smelling the sultriness of the tropics. Soon afterwards you can take a sip of typical Chianti on the top of a Tuscan hill and overlook the classic statue gardens, the famous Trevi fountain and of course the cypresses. Bellissimo!"
I have to say that I was really impressed with this whole series of gardens. Mondo Verde is spread out over 25 hectares and is divided in to a series of different types of garden styles from around the world. As you progress your way through the garden you move from country to country and enjoy all the different flowers and buildings.
The primary gardens are the Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese, English, Italian and Moroccan. Additionally there are several other areas such as, "The Desert," "The Tropics," and the impressive 14 metre "Statue of Wood."
My two favourite areas were the Japanese garden which was beautifully landscaped and was an extremely relaxing environment. The other was "The Tropics" which is an indoor green house turned jungle. Lush colourful flowers flowing in every direction, exotic red birds, parrots fly through the air and ponds flow in to small rivers which dance in small waterfalls through the entire area.
Then entire garden could easily occupy and entire days, I spend about 4 hours in Mondo Verde and only left because it was getting near closing time. There is several great restaurants to visit, The Tuscan Villa being the most picturesque and beautiful. The terrace gives you a really beautiful view and is often used for weddings, social functions and business meetings.
The Alhambra is a Spanish style restaurant with an interesting architecture. But is really more like an indoor cafe with a water fountain in the centre. Finally there is the Datcha which is really more of a snack or icecream bar.
If you are bringing kids along, there is several play areas as well as an interesting rope drawn raft which will certainly peak their interest, located in the Russian Garden area.
The entire park is also made to accomodate those with physical disabilities. The paths are well maintained and I saw several people with wheelchairs have to problem navigating through the gardens. Additionally there elevators at more difficult spots such as "The Tropics."
The only criticism I have about the park is it's price. The 2007 price list is as follows:
Adults - 15 Euro
65+ - 14 Euro
Children 4-13 - 4 Euro
Family ticket - 33 Euro
Group > 20 Persons - 12 Euro per person
Parking - 3 Euro
Garden Guide and Map - 3 Euro
Personally I think that is a little extreme for the price. It really is quite beautiful, but I think that it was discourage most budget travels such as myself. Even the group rate which I was using was quite a lot to pay. Also Mondo Verde is quite a bit out of the way if you are relying on public transit for cheap travel. The closest city would be to take the train from Maastricht to Valkenburg and then see if there is a local bus or taxi from there.
If you are interested gardening or just appreciate the work and effort put in to it, I would highly recommend visiting Mondo Verde if there isn't any budget restraint.
For additional information you can find the official Mondo Verde website.
Happy Travels!
