Once the jacaranda is bursting with colour – the true indicator that spring has officially sprung and summer is well on her way – that means it’s time to round up the best outdoor spaces in Buenos Aires for sipping and supping. Lofty terraces, blooming gardens and sweet patios – sample the wares, choose a favourite and make it your outdoor lounge this summer.

So what if the lush foliage and tropical blooms don’t exactly belong to you, there’s nothing wrong with sipping on some fruity gem of a cocktail while pretending to be the lady of the manor. Just don’t stuff shears into your purse or start de-heading flowers. Do, however, make a beeline for gorgeous urban gardens bursting with flora and fauna, the perfect antidote to forgetting you’re in the middle of the sprawling city.

How does your garden grow?
patioBest gardens for Contrary Marys include Home Hotel (Honduras 5860, Palermo), whose cool low-rise furniture, abundance of flowers and fruit trees and poolside location make it a number-one spot in Palermo Hollywood for an aperétif. Created by landscape designer Chunchuna Villafañe and gardener Clara Rivello, native plants nestle alongside an English-style garden for a lush yet wild effect. A riot of colour in summer, Home’s green oasis also holds spades in the aromas department, thanks to jasmine, lady of the night, several varieties of sage, orchids, honeysuckle, begonias, roses and hydrangeas.

Staying in the same neighbourhood, the Fierro Hotel’s (Soler 5862, Palermo) back garden is home to a lovely pristine lawn and herb garden, whose produce heads straight into the kitchen. Kick back on the large white sofa next to the palm trees or take weekend brunch on the deck: this hotel’s bar is also one of the few in the city to stock that quintessential summer beverage, Pimm’s.

Olsen’s (Gorriti 5870, Palermo) Scandinavian-style garden – with a water feature and plenty of wood – is also a great spot with sufficient shade and Nordic edge. While feelings are mixed about the brunch, it is still as popular as ever so be sure to book a table. Over in Palermo Soho, if you can wrangle your way into private members’ space The Clubhouse (corner of Costa Rica and Gurruchaga, Palermo) or are happy to fork out for membership, this is one of the most gorgeous and lush gardens in the city. With a perfect 10 of a lawn and a stunning outdoor swimming-pool to boot, this is the place to sip and dip.

Recoleta also houses a plush and beautiful garden at the Palacio Duhau (Alvear 1661, Recoleta). While you can’t dine right on this wavy lawn, you can pitch up next to it for afternoon tea at Piano Nobile or for a cocktail from The Oak Bar. The Palacio is old school glamour in the city’s swankiest neighbourhood.

For the rest of this piece, please visit Playground Buenos Aires