It’s early fall in Spain & Portugal, the grape leaves are beginning to turn stripey red, the flowers are past their prime, but everywhere I look, something marvelous is in view. In Portugal, along the Douro River, terraced vineyards cover the hills. Olive trees grow in a line marking a border from the top of the rolling hills down to the river.
An Artist’s Legacy Creates Art in A Garden
The most beautiful garden space I experienced during my recent travels was in West Dean Gardens, on the Isle of Wight. (just off the coast of southern England) It was such a stunning combination of flowers, vines, and fruits everywhere I walked. I spun around in circles trying to take it all in.
Travel Moments in Summer Gardens
Traveling is a major part of my summer this year, and exploring gardens is a big part of these adventures. It isn’t possible to write a story about each one, so I thought I would highlight some notable moments.
The Place, The House & The Gardener
Every garden has a story: where the garden is located, what the architecture of the dwelling reveals about the times and place, and who the gardener was. Visiting the Jim Thompson Garden in Bangkok, Thailand, illustrates this thoroughly.
Low Rider Roses
Imagine my delight when I walked into the Peterson Automotive Museum in downtown LA and discovered 100 roses painted on the Gypsy Rose, the iconic 1964 Chevy Impala customized Low Rider.
Flowers Have Powers
My recent trip to Asia opened my eyes to an interconnected way of living with nature. I believe I revere nature, but I have been listening to Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers, and my thoughts have been challenged. Reverance of nature is a cultural bias. Asian cultures have it embedded in all aspects of life. I was surprised to discover our Western culture has a different view of nature; we have an inherited belief in dominion over nature. (which is perhaps why one man believes it is ok to clearcut 200 million acres of national forests)
Seeking Peace– International Peace Garden
The International Peace Garden spans Canada and the United States celebrating the longest unfortified border in the world. Near the geographic center of North America, Rugby, North Dakota, the garden begins where the natural water borders of the great lakes open onto the prairie, and the prairie begins to rise to the mountains. I visited here in 2009 as the highly charged political debate engulfing our country seemed to paralyze our nation. Yes, 9/11 happened in 2001, and the Iraq war was rattling our national psyche. I longed for peace in a garden as only nature could bring. Now in 2025 as our country and the world grapple with conflicts, I try to remember conflict is part of life. Peace Gardens reminds me citizens around the globe see gardens as a path to peace.
Turtle Island–Wisdom for All
Turtle Island is a name for Earth or North America, and it is used by some American Indigenous peoples and some Indigenous rights activists. The name is based on a creation myth common to several indigenous peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands of North America.
Welcoming the New Year in a Garden
As the new year begins with strong resolve and good intentions, we often focus on healthy pursuits such as exercise, reducing stress, and maintaining a positive attitude. I propose time in a garden is a great way to keep one’s resolve for better living all year.
Singapore’s Gardens By the Bay
Gardens By the Bay in Singapore opened in 2012, and over 50 million visitors have explored the gardens since then. This year, I was one of them! For years I have seen pictures of the forest of Super trees and fantasized about walking into that space. Doing it was a dream come true, and I allowed enough time (8 am to 8 pm) to see all five key attractions – Cloud Forest Dome, Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, OCBC Skyway, and Supertree Observatory,