Sequoiahof Gardens - Vlake, NL

The Sequoiahof Gardens in Vlake, The Netherlands, are simply amazing. And considering they're the work of an ex-fishmonger, well that makes them all the more special. Owner Jos de Koeyer does all the gardening - and I do mean ALL - himself, and, for he and his wife, Sequoiahof is a definite labor of love.

Like the "Opa", or Grandpa, that every kid wishes for, Jos briefly pauses his conversation with me to lecture a fellow guest for smoking. Then he turns back to me, smiling, and tells me about his 500 trees, selectively adding stories about the art and decorative pieces that bring his garden to life.

With a sly look on his face, the gregarious gardener has Lukas peer into a nearby bucket. A moment later, he scoops up some tadpoles, pointing out their tiny legs and tales. Lukas grins, immediately taking to his new friend, and full of adoration for the nooks and crannies of Jos' gardens. The frogs, the turtles, the birds, the bridges, the flowers, the mysterious shaded paths... it's the stuff of dreams, and one man has made it his reality in a lush private garden -- The Sequoiahof.