There are two rose gardens on Mainau with an impressive collection of over 20,000 roses and 1,200 varieties of the Queen of Flowers –whose scent, beauty and elegance is a seductive sensual pleasure. Whether in the Italian Rose Garden- to the south side of the castle or along one of the most beautiful promenades on the island – the Wild and Bush Rose Promenade along the southern shore on the island enjoy these magnificent gardens. (No. 33 and 16 on the map of the island)

The fountain arena and Mediterranean terraces make the perfect setting for Mediterranean plants. During the warmer seasons of the year, many tropical plants line the path to the fountain arena bringing a touch of Mediterranean flair to the extensive garden and magnificently planted terraces with a unique view across Lake Constance. Starting with bird of paradise- bananas (Strelitzia Nicolai) and the trumpet flower (Campsis grandiflora) a climbing shrub which produces bright orangey-red flowers in July. Palms, agaves, bougainvilleas, edible chestnuts (Castanea sativa) cypresses and many other tropical plants add to the Mediterranean feeling. The view of the baroque flower beds in the gardens on the southern slopes is magnificent from here. A wonderful exemplar of an evergreen oak (Quercus x turneri, Pseudoturneri) stands right next to it. (No.35 and 36 on the map of the island)

Built in the style of Renaissance gardens from precious Southern Swiss granite; the cascade is lined by pillar-shaped conifers and an ocean of flowers. In spring and summer, the picture of flowers up the staircase is unrivalled and in autumn the wonderful colours of the trees make a charming contrast. Oceans of flowers beautify the rigid architectural lines of the water cascade. It’s a wonderful sight for visitors. A unique collection of fuchsias thrive in the shade of an impressive copper beech in summer.  (No. 37 on the map of the island)

There’s a good selection of well-labelled medicinal and kitchen herbs in the herb garden. Read about the traditional healing properties of herbs and the uses of kitchen herbs. A garden full of healthiness, Mainau’s herb garden is laid out in the shape of a huge spiral.  The numerous medicinal herbs are planted according to their different uses. Here you’ll find plants which are known to sooth and heal various ailments and also many kitchen herbs which add flavor to our food.  The fragrant delicate beds form a ribbon around the granite stone pergola covered in climbing plants accentuating the southern flair of the herb garden.  (No.11 on the map of the island)

The valuable Arboretum makes Mainau a unique park experience at all times of the year.  Take a stroll, linger, or read about things in the park. Welcome to our huge mammoth trees, Atlas and Lebanese cypresses sequoias and tulip trees to mention just a few of the more well-known ones. Grand Duke Friedrich I established the Arboretum. He was a lover of rare trees from around the world. The first exotic trees arrived on Mainau in 1853. Since then the collection has been added to and lovingly tended. Today there are more than 500 different species of deciduous and conifer trees on Mainau. (No. 25 on the map of the island)

The butterfly garden around the Butterfly House is an Eldorado for butterfly lovers.  The 500 square metre area of specially selected flowering and nectar providing plants serves as place for butterflies to lay their eggs, as food for the caterpillars and provides nectar for the butterflies.  A fascinating spectacle!  The scent garden, situated on the slopes, displays more than 150 different scented plants and is an absolute delight for the senses. Both gardens provide lots of inspiration for your own garden. These gardens are mainly planted with flowering and nectar providing plants. They come from the family of composite flowers (Compositae) and labiates (Labiatae) and provide a place for butterflies to lay their eggs and as a source of food for the caterpillars. Specially selected bushes and wild herbs have been planted to provide nectar for butterflies. The scent garden is full of scented flowerers, evening scented flowerers and scented leaved plants whose essential oils are released  as scent if touched.: a very sensual experience. The scented plants are arranged by planting needs, shape and colour of the flowers.  The approx. 15 year old pine trees (Pinus pinea) which were planted in 1996 deserve a mention. They are rarely found north of the Alps.  (No. 19 on the map of the island)

The Garden for Everyone was created at the suggestion of Countess Sonja Bernadotte for the occasion of Count Lennart’s 80th birthday in May 1989.  Both young and old can enjoy this still very unique garden in Germany
(No. 21 on the map of the island)