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.
Category: Garden Articles
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.
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,
A Flower Pot Connection
I have 142 flower pots in my garden, several were made in Vietnam. I purchased them at my local nursery, less than 3 miles from my garden.
I’ve just returned from traveling in Asia, and one of the places I visited was Vietnam. My awareness of Vietnam began in the late 60s. I had a pre-teen crush on our assistant county extension agent, who was in charge of the 4-H programs. To my great dismay, I discovered he was leaving his position to go to Vietnam to help with agricultural projects there. He even studied the Vietnamese language for a year before he went.
Walk with me in Vancouver, BC, Canada
The last week of July, it was 116 degrees (47 Celcius) in my Arizona garden. Luckily, I escaped to Vancouver, Canada, for a few days to enjoy pleasant summer days and temperatures in the low 80s (26 ).