For those who can’t wait, flowers are already in bloom

About 340 different herbs are planted at Herb Island.

*As winter fades away, the wind doesn’t seem as chilly and the days are growing longer. Yet in most parts of the country, the beautiful spring flowers are still at least one month from full bloom.

For those who simply cannot wait, the JoongAng Ilbo did some research and chose four arboretums and botanical gardens where visitors can feast their eyes on beds of flowers even before spring takes hold.

Seemania

At Herb Island in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, visitors can sense spring not with their eyes but with their noses.

Of the 340 types planted, there are common herbs such as rosemary and peppermint as well more unusual ones like heliotrope, with its deep chocolate fragrance, rose geranium and lemon balm.

Though once just a humble greenhouse in 1998, the site has grown to over 430,000 square meters (106.25 acres) complete with a museum, restaurant, aromatherapy center and even accommodations.

During a recent visit to Herb Island, the greenhouse was filled with the scent of purple rosemary flowers that were planted throughout. It usually takes four years for rosemary to bloom fully.

“When it’s getting dark, the fragrance of jasmine fills the whole space,” said Lim Ok, 51, an owner of Herb Island.

Jasmine blooms at night, and its fragrance is known to be helpful when seducing a love interest, she added.

In addition, a festival is currently underway at Herb Island. As the sun sets, lights go up across the entire garden. The special event runs through April 30.

Operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission costs 6,000 won for adults and 4,000 won for children.

For more information, visit http://www.herbisland.co.kr or call 1644-1997.

By Na Won-jeong [so@joongang.co.kr]