Spring has well and truly arrived in Rome and with it, the trees and flowers have exploded into life. It’s hard to imagine that just eight weeks ago the city was covered with snow.

We’ve been taking advantage of these warm, sunny days to visit some wonderful gardens just outside Rome. The Gardens of Ninfa, developed on the ruins of a medieval city, are a Natural Monument of Italy, and have been described – by the New York Times no less – as one of the most beautiful and romantic gardens in the world.

About an hour north, in the town of Tivoli, the Villa d’Este’s 16th century terraced garden features an extensive system of fountains and waterfalls. The water was supplied via an aquaduct tunnelled through the hill beneath the town.

And just outside Tivoli is the archaeological site of the Villa Adriana. Built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian around 125 AD, the huge estate included temples, gardens, theatres and baths. It was a pleasure palace to rival any other and testament to the grandeur and excess of the Empire.