Should Garden Tours Include More Than Just Gardens?

There’s something magical about a garden tour: the quiet anticipation as you approach a hidden gate, the heady perfume of old roses, and the thrill of meeting a passionate gardener eager to share their masterpiece. These moments are the essence of why I do what I do – crafting bespoke journeys into the world of gardens, where every day is a treasure trove of beauty and inspiration.

But the question arises: should a garden tour focus solely on gardens, or is there merit in branching out?

For garden lovers, a garden tour is about learning – a chance to immerse oneself completely in the world of design, horticulture, and natural beauty. Wandering through private gardens, studying the layout of historic landscapes, and delving into the stories behind the creation of these green havens offers a deeply fulfilling experience.

There’s an undeniable purity in this approach. A day spent exploring nothing but gardens feels akin to an artist spending hours in a gallery or a foodie savoring a tasting menu – it’s about complete immersion in a shared passion.

Yet even the most ardent garden lovers might, after days of exploring beds and borders, yearn for a touch of variety.

Just as a garden’s charm often lies in its interplay of textures and colors, a tour can be enriched by a mix of activities. While gardens are the heart of what I do, I’ve discovered that adding complementary experiences can enhance the journey.

Imagine this: after a morning exploring the stunning gardens of a historic château in Normandy, you visit the nearby D-Day landing sites, where the landscape tells stories of courage and sacrifice that shaped history. 

Or perhaps, after wandering through the largest flower market in the world in Aalsmeer, you dive into a floral workshop, learning to craft your own arrangement using the freshest blooms straight from the source. 

In Italy, after a day spent in an elegant Renaissance garden, you might find yourself in a bustling kitchen, learning to create regional dishes with fresh, garden-grown herbs.

Or in Portugal, tasting the wine of the vineyard surrounding the garden you just visited.

These moments weave layers of culture, history, and creativity into the fabric of the tour, offering a richer and more immersive experience.

The key, I think, is balance – weaving in activities that complement the gardens without overshadowing them. These additional moments should feel like natural extensions of the tour, not distractions. They should deepen the experience, offering new ways to engage with the themes of beauty, craftsmanship, and the natural world.

Of course, every group is different. Some may prefer an itinerary bursting with activities, while others might crave more time in the gardens.  I always ask participants for their preferences – after all, a bespoke tour is about tailoring the experience to suit each group’s passions.

Ultimately, whether focused solely on gardens or enriched with complementary activities, a well-planned tour should feel like the pages of a beloved book unfolding. Each chapter – every garden, every moment – adds depth, color, and texture to the whole.

And for those of us who love gardens, the journey will always be about more than just the plants. It’s about connecting with beauty, with nature, and with others who share our passion. 

Would you prefer a tour dedicated entirely to gardens, or does the idea of adding a creative workshop or a cultural visit appeal to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts – after all, the joy of creating these tours is that they are as unique as the gardens we visit.

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