On a precipice 100 metres from the Vogel cable car station in Slovenia’s Triglav National Park is a large wooden heart, strategically placed to capture views of the Julian Alps and the snowcapped Mount Triglav, standing at 2864 metres. Etched into the base of the heart is the resort’s motto: Kot v pravljici, “Like a fairy tale”, a phrase that seems so apt in this soft, dappled light under a brooding spring sky. The wooden heart viewpoint at Mount Vogel.
Credit: Alamy Our tour group, however, has largely ignored this majestic view; their eyes are instead fixed firmly downwards, enthusing over pops of yellow, purple and white lining the gravel trail. Here in the Slovenian alps, it’s wildflower season, and for this group of 20-odd Australian and New Zealand gardeners, that’s something to tickle their fancy. I’m on a Botanica World Discoveries tour of the Italian Lakes, Slovenia and the Croatian Islands, exploring formal gardens and arboretums, as well as places of incomparable natural beauty where the artistry of Mother Nature is inspiration for travellers with a green thumb.
Founded in 2000 by Judy Vanrenen and now part of the APT stable, Botanica visits the world’s best public and private gardens, with the horticultural theme adding another dimension to destinations already rich in culture and history. Each trip is accompanied by a botanical guide to impart their knowledge and passion for plants, while the groups of less than 30 are bonded by a common love of n.