08. July 2025
When planning garden tours to Portugal, there’s a place I nearly always include in our itinerary. It’s not the biggest name on the list, but it’s one of the most memorable. Tucked away in the sun-warmed hills of Azeitão, the Palácio da Bacalhôa is a treasure trove of history, horticulture, and a touch of the unexpected—including a poignant American connection. So why do I love bringing guests here? Let me tell you.
10. June 2025
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?
04. April 2025
Kate is the heart and soul of her garden club’s Visiting Gardens committee. It’s an incredibly active club—one that does it all. From hosting flower arranging workshops for both kids and seniors to spearheading local beautification projects and diving deep into conservation efforts, this group is passionate about making a difference. Their day trips to visit nearby gardens are always a hit, and even their multi-day domestic excursion to the Brandywine Valley was a roaring success. But...
11. March 2025
Some gardens are beautiful. Others are grand, meticulously designed, and expertly maintained. But a garden with a soul? That is something else entirely. A garden with a soul is not just a place—it is an experience. It lingers in your memory, stirs something deep within, and moves you in a way that an ordinary garden or a walk in the woods cannot. But what exactly gives a garden its soul? And why should you seek one out?
11. February 2025
To escape the winter grey of Northern Europe, a few days in Menton is a tonic for both body and soul. The sunlight, the mild temperatures, the proximity to Italy with its effortless art de vivre – all conspire to make a visit here restorative and memorable.
10. January 2025
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?
09. December 2024
In the northern Cotswolds, just a stone’s throw apart, lie two extraordinary gardens: Kiftsgate Court and Hidcote Manor Garden. Both are must-sees for any garden enthusiast exploring the region. While they share proximity and 20th-century origins—Hidcote dating back to 1907 and Kiftsgate to 1920—their distinct styles and stories offer a rich contrast that makes visiting both an unforgettable experience.
12. November 2024
While my garden tours focus primarily on the experience of visiting private gardens with the owners and head gardeners, sometimes there are famous historic gardens that are must-sees. No garden tour of the region would be complete without visiting them. I am weary of historic gardens. Sometimes, I find, their soul has been lost. Careful maintenance cannot mask the fact that the proportions are off because the trees, the hedges or the shrubs have grown too tall for the space. Or, on the...
10. September 2024
The Monastery of São Martinho de Tibães near Braga, Portugal, offers a deep reflection on why humans cultivate land. But is it a garden? Founded in the 11th century, it became the Benedictine order's center and showcases Baroque and Rococo art. While the grounds are overgrown, the spiritual atmosphere remains. Visitors can explore its meditative landscape, connecting with nature and contemplating the existential meaning of gardening.
13. August 2024
The big day of departure is approaching and it’s time to get that suitcase out and start packing. You’re not sure where to start or what to pack. Here are ten tips to help you along. In my experience, there are two kinds of travelers: the minimalists and the maximalists. The minimalists take only what’s strictly necessary, confident that they’ll be OK in every situation, making do with what they’ve packed. The maximalists prepare for every eventuality and take more than they will ever...