Ooh, I was just thinking I needed to get you some of that info about Gent and the gardens in that area. It's been a hectic week or two for me, complete with a bad cold that sent me to bed at 8:30 for several evenings.

I'll get some info posted here for you in the morning.

Ok, Ghent (as I see I should be spelling it in English) is a fun student city with a medieval past. There are lots of great botiques and cafes. The night life, due to all the students, is happening. There are breathtaking cathedrals, castles and charming midieval streets to walk down. Both the Contemporary and Fine Arts museums are worth visiting (though you have some great museums in Brussels.)

Gardens:

In Ghent you have the Hortus Mischel Thiery. This is a historical garden that borders on the museum of natural history. It is open from 9:00 - 17:15

Address:
Berouw 55
B 9000 GEnt

Just outside of Ghent, in the village Evergem, is a privat garden that looks like it is worth visiting. It is the home the family Smet and is a formal garden designed by Erik De Waele. Flowing taxus hedges lead you to a evergreen garden. Via the trope-l'oleil you reach the backyard with a borders, a rose garden and a pond.

Address:
Eelkostraat 71
B 9940 Evergrem

Telephone #:
+32 (0)93 449714

Also outside of Ghent is the Garden of Albert De Raedt in Gavere. This is a English landcape garden with a large natural pond. There are 400 sorts of rhododendrons and azaelas as well as numerous other shrubs and trees.

Address:
Gentsebaan 76
B 9890 Gavere

Telephone#:
+32 (0)93 843557

Have a wonderful trip.

Thank you so much! I'll see what I can talk everyone into :) I think we are just about over the time change now.