Linda is an extraordinary individual whose passion for gardens has taken her on an international journey. With a passion for plants and an insatiable wanderlust, Linda became a Traveling Gardener, embarking on a journey visiting hundreds of gardens worldwide. Sharing her travels through breathtaking visuals and insight, her enthusiasm and excitement for discovery captivate audiences.
Wandering, Wondering, Noticing: Linda’s adventures as a Traveling Gardener have given her a unique perspective on the world. She cherishes the stories behind each garden, appreciates the significance of its location and architecture, and marvels at the land’s beauty. To Linda, gardens are not just places of tranquility; they are gateways to understanding the world we inhabit.
A World of Gardens Explored: Linda’s interest has led her to venture far and wide, exploring nearly 1000 gardens in 42 countries. Wandering the enchanting terrains of Brazil’s Roberto Burle Marx Garden to the hidden gems of New Zealand, she immersed herself in 107 captivating gardens during a remarkable road trip. Linda embraces the beauty of gardens in all their diversity.
Conquering Garden Capitals, Linda visited 30 gardens within a 30-mile radius of America’s Garden Capitol, Philadelphia. She traveled to Virginia during its annual Historic Garden Week. As she continued to wander, wonder, and notice all that gardens offered, Linda’s newfound understanding of Virginia’s Civil War garden history enriched her perspective on the enduring power of gardens as witnesses to the trials and triumphs of humanity.
Other remarkable journeys include the Netherlands, Australia, and France.
The Floriade International Festival in the Netherlands is a true spectacle, and Linda couldn’t resist attending this once-in-a-decade event not once but twice. She journeyed to the annual Australian Floriade event, soaking in the wonder of these remarkable floral exhibitions.
Linda strolled the gardens of Versailles on a perfect summer’s evening, with the sun setting on the Grand Canal. This remarkable memory is just one of the countless treasured experiences that have shaped her perspective on the world and deepened her love for the art of gardening.
Gardens: The Ultimate Travel Destinations: Linda firmly believes gardens are the most enchanting travel destinations. They offer a captivating blend of culture, history, and nature, creating a harmonious experience for all who visit. Her fascinating speaking engagements and insightful writings inspire others to share in her joy, inspiring them to embark on their outdoor adventures. Linda’s profound love for gardens has blossomed into a remarkable tale she continues to share with passion and enthusiasm. So, come, be enchanted, and join Linda on an unforgettable journey through the world of gardens!
The Early Years:
A lifelong lover of flowers, one of her earliest memories is of daffodils lining the small stone path to her grandmother’s door. Linda Larson grew up on a farm in central Indiana and not only pulled weeds out of the peonies each summer
but the nightshade out of her father’s soybean fields. After graduating from Indiana State University with a Master’s degree in Communication, she made her home in Mesa, AZ, teaching public speaking at Mesa College.
She couldn’t keep her hands out of the dirt, and today, she has an extensive home garden with fruit trees and over 100 container plantings. Over the 40 years she has been an Arizona resident, this garden has been included in several municipal & speciality gardening tours. She was inspired to explore public gardens whenever possible by hosting tours and touring others’ gardens.
Nearing retirement from teaching, she fulfilled the requirements of becoming a Master Gardner and began her encore career – encouraging audiences to discover the beauty and enjoyment of public gardens at home and in their travels. A columnist for multiple gardening newsletters, her column, “Traveling Gardener,” reflects her passion for combining two of her favorite pastimes – travel and gardening – but also highlights the restorative properties for young and old alike when spending time in nature.
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Hi, Linda! In reading about you and thinking about your all-too-brief time at Indiana State, I was reminded of Marianne Moore’s observation that poetry offer the reader “imaginary gardens with real toads in them.” (Or dragons, eh?) Incidentally, Truman Capote was once asked what he was afraid of. He reportedly said, “Real gardens with imaginary toads in them.”
So glad you came to ISU.
Love,
Sherry
Ah, yes!
Wud love to see your pics of chelsea flower show from this year. I went in 2019. Such a lovely experience.