Why Travel with Me? Your words, Not Mine

Every so often, I sit down to reflect on what I do—and why I do it. Organizing garden tours is, yes, about logistics and planning (spreadsheets and timetables, anyone?), but at heart, it’s about creating meaningful, memorable experiences. And nothing brings that home more than hearing from the travellers themselves.

Recently, I asked two simple questions in a post-tour survey:

-  What inspired you to travel with me?

-  And what stayed with you most after the trip?

Your answers reminded me why I love doing this—and why these journeys matter. If you’ve been wondering whether one of my tours might be right for you, perhaps this will help you decide.

Over and over, I heard two things: the lure of the destination and the trust you place in me.

Some travelers had long dreamed of visiting Portugal or seeing the tulips in bloom in the Netherlands. For others, it was the unique appeal of private gardens—those tucked-away spaces rarely open to the public, where owners greet you with muddy boots and stories.

• “The prospect of seeing private gardens with a tour guide and owner/gardener was the hook.”
• That’s one of the things I most enjoy arranging—those quiet, personal visits where a garden feels more like a whispered secret than a tourist site.
• Many of you came because a friend recommended me (thank you, Jill and Louisa), or because you’d traveled with me before and wanted more.
• “My last trip with you in Como was so great, I decided to go on this one too.”
• Others said it was hearing me speak at a talk or event that sparked the idea—proving once again that garden dreams have deep roots and just need the right nudge to blossom. 

Here’s where the answers got truly moving.

Some of you spoke of the serenity and inspiration you found:

• “How serene so many of the gardens were.”
• “Just feeling inspired when I return home, which is one of the reasons I travel.”

Others reflected on the stories behind the gardens—their fragility, their history, and the very human effort it takes to keep them alive for the next generation.

• “How important gardens are to well-being... and how challenging it can be for the next generation to support and maintain these beautiful places.”
• “How important gardens are to well-being... and how challenging it can be for the next generation to support and maintain these beautiful places.”

• “Everything was so well organized with so much fun involved. Lasting impressions were the special lunches and dinners at family villas.”

  And yes, someone fell in love with camellias. (You're in good company.)

When I plan these tours, I aim for more than a travel itinerary. I aim to create a space for connection—to gardens, to culture, and to one another. I want you to go home not just with beautiful photos, but with fresh ideas, renewed inspiration, and a heart a little fuller than when you left.

If that sounds like the kind of travel you’re craving, I hope you’ll consider joining me next time. Whether it’s tulips in spring, roses in June, or something completely new, there's always another garden waiting—and another story to tell.

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