Russia, with its northern climate and brutal winters, is not a place that would typically be thought of when one considers gardens around the world. The inhospitable temperatures prohibit the planting of tropical or sub-tropical botanical specimens. However, summer gardens of annuals have long been used to adorn the palaces of Russia, especially around St Petersburg.

The gardens at Peterhof, summer palace of Peter the Great, beautifully complement the palace, along with its many and elaborate fountains.

Peterhof Gardens

The Catherine Palace, another incredible residence just outside of St Petersburg, is treated basically the same way, with gorgeous summer landscape gardens to accentuate the beauty of the place.

Catherine Palace & Gardens