If you’re planning a garden-focussed holiday during 2018-2022, here are some exciting world events to include in your itinerary, in China, Taiwan, Australia and The Netherlands: Continue reading “World Horticultural Expos for 2018-2022”
Tag: Netherlands
Amsterdam’s secret: an enchanted forest and gardens
For a lifelong cyclist Amsterdam is heaven – once you get your bearings that is. That skew-whiff grid of canals is totally bamboozling at first. The initial 24 hours completely did my head in. Utterly lost. Embarrassing for someone who prides himself on being able to find his way around. Since then however, the cycling has been sublime.
Continue reading “Amsterdam’s secret: an enchanted forest and gardens”
Canal Open Gardens (Tuinen Dagen)
More than 25 Amsterdam garden owners will open their canal gardens to the public. When the gardens were designed, in the 17th century, their purpose was to be useful. When the inhabitants grew richer, ornamental gardens became a status symbol. These days however, a return to utility is apparent in the canal gardens. It seems to be a trend to grow fruit, herbs and vegetables again.
Open Garden Days gives special attention to this trend, by creating a tour past these gardens as well as the beautiful ornamental gardens and exquisite garden houses. All gardens can be reached on foot or by bike
Real, or not? Dubai, Chelsea & Aalsmeer
Some things you see when you’re travelling are amusing or thought provoking, and it’s nice to have a blog like this to share them. I’m very lucky to lead a garden tour to Europe each year, taking in the Chelsea Flower Show and visiting great and small gardens in different countries. On a loose theme of “Is it real or not?” here are some quirky items from my recent trip.
Floriade 2012, Venlo, The Netherlands
Having heard so much about Floriade in the Netherlands, I was keen to experience this world famous European garden event held every ten years and looking forward to two days soaking up the atmosphere in Venlo, a magnet for horticulturists and gardeners alike. Admittedly, I was anticipating a flower-fest of grand proportions with a strong eco influence and so arriving late May in cool, wet conditions, I found the landscape was a little drab at first view.