About Me

Wandering through gardens. . . .

 

Fascinated by Flowers, Butchart Gardens, Victoria, CA  

For over a decade, I have traveled in 40 countries, all 50 US states and visited over 980 gardens.  I advocate for the importance of public green space and the value of nature in our lives. Whether your travels take you to the south of France or the south of Florence, AZ, there are spectacular gardens to visit everywhere.  Highlighting the travel opportunities of visiting distinctive landscapes filled with art and architecture, the sense of place and the human benefit of time spent in nature, 

I offer programs for all audiences.  Part travelogue, part inspiration, and motivation, the Traveling Gardner program is an invigorating prescription for anyone intrigued by nature, travel, and the environment to consider the revitalizing quality of garden visits. Garden clubs, community groups, and other audiences leave inspired to add these often overlooked treasures to their itineraries.

With a passion for plants and an insatiable wanderlust, Linda became a Traveling Gardener, embarking on an incredible journey visiting hundreds of gardens around the world. Sharing her travels through breathtaking visuals and insight, her enthusiasm and excitement of discovery captivates 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 40 countries. From the enchanting terrains of Brazil’s Roberto Burle Marx Garden to the hidden gems of New Zealand, where she immersed herself in 107 captivating gardens during a remarkable road trip, Linda embraced 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 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 captivating speaking engagements and insightful writings invite others to share in her joy, inspiring them to embark on their own horticultural 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 a remarkable 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 Audio/Visual 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 has an extensive home garden with fruit trees and over 100 container plantings, which has been included in several municipal gardening tours over the 40 years she has been an Arizona resident. By hosting tours and touring others’ gardens, she was inspired to explore public gardens whenever possible.

Nearing retirement from teaching, she fulfilled the requirements of becoming a Master Gardner an 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.

Linda Larson

“A Traveling Gardener 
    wandering, wondering, noticing. . .
Master Gardener
Gardening in Mesa, AZ
Faculty Emeritus, Communication
Mesa Community College,

 

Contact: Linda

2 thoughts on “About Me”

  1. 12/29/19
    Dear Linda,
    I just had to take a moment to write and say how incredible your Traveling Gardener articles are….the photography exquisite! The commentary so fresh and thoughtful. I want to visit every one of these garden areas, though your work makes me feel like I am really there. Thank you for sharing your love of gardens in such a beautiful, heartfelt way.

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