Top 10 Western gardens

5. Market by Jean-Georges, Vancouver, B.C.
 Dinner in the sky

Go for a … meal at the buzzy new restaurant (Jean-Georges in New York City earned three Michelin stars), set in the Shangri-La, a luxe hotel in British Columbia’s tallest (61-story) building.

You’ll fall for the … view from Market’s terrace. Peer down at a Mondrian-inspired pattern of red, blue, and black plants carpeting a nearby rooftop. The terrace’s bamboo grove is a peaceful place to soak in the scene. $$$; 1128 W. Georgia St.; 604/689-1120. –Jim McCausland

6. Kahanu Garden, Hana, Maui, HI
 Tropical temple

Go for the … black lava rock and awesome views of the jagged coastline from this garden along Maui’s famous road to Hana.

You’ll fall for the … Pi‘ilanihale heiau, built out of lava rock in the late 13th century. One of the largest Hawaiian temples, it’s as big as two football fields. Near its base, get a quick history lesson at the Canoe Garden, where you can see plants the first Hawaiians brought to the islands by canoe, including Niu (coconut), Ko (sugarcane), Kalo (taro), and Ki (ti leaves). Closed Sun; $10; 650 ‘Ula‘ino Rd.; 808/248-8912. –Kathleen Brenzel

7. San Diego Zoo, San Diego
 A walk on the wild (animal) side

Go for the … chance to see endangered African monkeys cavorting in the Monkey Trails and Forest Tales exhibit.

You’ll fall for the … layers of rain forest you discover as you descend from a walkway high in the canopy through the deep green leaves of a huge ficus that was painstakingly transported to this spot from its old zoo location ― at the breakneck pace of 91 inches a day. Closer to the forest floor, you’ll find bamboos, mango trees, papayas, and a dozen kinds of bananas. But the monkeys’ favorite snack is the bright pink flower of the Hong Kong orchid tree. $35; in Balboa Park, 2920 Zoo Dr.; 619/231-1515. –N.S.

8. Cornerstone Gardens, Sonoma, CA
 Wine country whimsy

Go for the … good browsing in design shops and a boutique-wine collective.

You’ll fall for the … whole concept of gardens as art. Check out the quirky work of top landscape architects in this nine-acre complex, including a “flying” picket fence that soars 5 feet above the ground, a tree encrusted in sky blue Christmas balls, and an orchard of plastic daisy pinwheels. These eye-poppingly unconventional landscapes make you really think. Free; 23570 State 121; 707/933-3010. –Katie Arnold

9. Denver Botanical Gardens at Chatfield, Littleton, CO
 Green family adventure

Go for the … 10-foot sea scorpion and 9-foot slugs among the awesome giant prehistoric models in Jurassic Gardens: Evolution and Extinction, opening April 17.

You’ll fall for the … birds that twitter along the banks of the creek in this nature preserve. The kids will go nuts for a 19th-century working farm that has chickens and sheep, plus the rough-hewn wooden treehouse in the new Deer Creek Discovery Children’s Area. $5 per vehicle; 8500 Deer Creek Canyon Rd.; 303/973-3705. –Lora J. Finnegan

10. Red Butte Garden and Arboretum, Salt Lake City
 Outdoor ed

Go for the … hiking trails, walking paths, and primo picnic sites in Red Butte Canyon, which in summer swirls with butterflies and hummingbirds.

You’ll fall for the … classes on herbs and native plants. Talk about an education; these workshops are offered by the University of Utah. And take in the carpets of 96 types of daffodils, blooming through late April. $6; at the University of Utah, 300 Wakara Way; 801/581-4747. –L.J.F.

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