Floral designer Hikari Yokoyama, founder of London’s Naum Flower studio, highlights six exceptional gardens around the globe that redefine our connection to nature and challenge traditional approaches to gardening.
Yokoyama, whose work combines ethical floral sourcing with artistic design, believes that gardens should encourage biodiversity, contemplation, and harmonious coexistence between humans and the environment. “We need gardens that foster plurality, diversity, and abundance—spaces that invite discovery and possibility,” she said.
Born in Japan and raised in Chicago, Yokoyama transitioned into floral design following a career spanning technology, luxury, and the arts. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a personal reassessment, inspiring her to cultivate a patch of land in Oxfordshire to nurture biodiversity and ethical growing practices. Her studios, Naum Flower and Naum House, emphasize sustainable sourcing and community connection.
Yokoyama’s selections highlight gardens that move beyond the traditional extractive model of landscaping, representing visionary spaces where nature and human creativity converge.
Buddha Garden, Auroville, India
Located within an intentional spiritual community, Buddha Garden offers organic farming workshops and volunteer opportunities. Once heavily depleted by chemical use, the soil has been restored through decades of dedicated care. Visitors can immerse themselves in the garden’s rich red earth and diverse plantings while engaging with an international community of volunteers. Accommodation nearby requires advance booking.
Salmon Creek Farm, Northern California, USA
A former 1970s commune nestled among towering redwoods, Salmon Creek Farm has evolved into a vibrant artist collective and creative retreat under architect and artist Fritz Haeg. The site blends natural beauty with a dynamic cultural environment.
Hacienda de San Antonio, Colima, Mexico
This remote coffee plantation, situated in the foothills of the Colima volcano, has been transformed into an organic ranch and luxury retreat. The estate’s formal gardens feature a geometric design that follows natural waterways, emphasizing the landscape’s topography and the vital role of water. Visitors experience impeccable service in a setting described as one of the world’s most beautiful homes.
Inhotim, Brumadinho, Brazil
Spanning 345 acres, Inhotim is a unique art park where over 700 artworks interact with carefully curated gardens and natural landscapes. Artists collaborate on site-specific installations, integrating their works with the surrounding environment. Adriana Varejão’s gallery stands out for its immersive design and deep connection to the park’s founder. A new resort, Clara Arte, has recently opened on the grounds.
Knepp Estate, Sussex, England
Owned by conservationist Charlie Burrell and his wife Isabella Tree, Knepp Estate exemplifies rewilding on a historic 3,500-acre family farm. After conventional farming proved unprofitable, the couple shifted focus to regenerative land management aimed at restoring native biodiversity. The estate includes a rewilded Victorian walled garden and a market garden supplying the Wilding Kitchen restaurant. Visitors can stay in rustic tents or treehouses on the property.
Tokachi Millennium Forest, Hokkaido, Japan
Designed by renowned landscape architect Dan Pearson, this forest garden embodies the Japanese satoyama tradition—a millennia-old practice of living in harmony with nature despite challenging climatic conditions. The garden balances ecological restoration with aesthetic design. Visitors are encouraged to stay at the nearby Seijyakubow ryokan, known for its onsen hot springs and tranquil setting.
Through these diverse gardens, Yokoyama envisions a future where gardens serve as sites of ethical stewardship, cultural exchange, and ecological renewal.
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