Embark on a breathtaking journey to the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai and Oahu with American Horticultural Society and host Keith Tomlinson. From ancient lava flows and craggy volcanic peaks to emerald river valleys and fluted sea cliffs, the Hawaiian Islands are an awe-inspiring horticultural and geological wonderland. Natural wonders on Kauai and Oahu include lush greenery, thundering waterfalls, deserts, rain forests, volcanoes, golden beaches, and more. Discover a wide range of natural habitats and a fascinating diversity of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and possibly humpback whales that migrate to Hawaiian waters for the winter. On relaxed hikes, search for elusive forest birds, sea birds, spectacular geologic formations, and eye-catching endemic plants. Spring is a time of celebration worldwide, and Hawaii distinguishes itself in unique and culturally rich ways on Lei Day. Experience a festive parade and Lei Day festival at Kapiolani Park in Honolulu, featuring a lei making competition, crafts on display, and hula performances. AHS Host Keith Tomlinson will provide insights from his time as a student at the University of Hawaii and work in the Botany Department at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. An optional post-trip extension on the Big Island is also available. Email travel@ahsgardening.org to express interest and pre-register. Join an optional post-trip extension on the Big Island, including exploration of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, and coffee and garden tours on the Kona coast.
Embark on an enchanting spring cruise along picturesque Dutch waterways aboard the privately chartered river barge, Magnifique IV. Amidst blooming season, visit public and private gardens on expert-guided tours and observe innovative horticultural techniques inspired by Wageningen University’s Foodvalley. While highlighting Holland’s botanical wonders, the journey also showcases world-class art museums that house masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. This cruise promises a harmonious and fascinating exploration of natural beauty and human artistry. Additionally, there will be the opportunity to participate in an optional post-trip extension in Amsterdam, featuring private access to historic homes and gardens along the Vecht River.
This American Horticultural Society spring trip on April 15 – 24 with host Katie Tukey, with an optional Amsterdam Extension. The Magnifique IV took to European waters in 2020, after it completed a full conversion from a barge to passenger vessel by master shipbuilder Walter van Berkum. Accommodating no more than 36 passengers plus crew, the vessel is designed to create a welcoming relaxed atmosphere on board. The upper deck features a spacious salon with A/C, bar, and lounge.
An inspirational guide to understanding plants and gardens, the book and American Horticultural Society virtual talk on Friday, June 14 are based on Bloom’s experience in creating his own spectacular six-acre garden, Foggy Bottom. From an empty meadow in 1966, this renowned horticulturist’s lifetime creation demonstrates stunning combinations and seasonal interest. Learn how to masterfully use perennials, grasses, and shrubs, as well as the background of how this project inspired Bloom’s signature Give Away Gardens.
From expanding the family nursery business to include new ranges of plants, to designing countless gardens throughout the UK and the US, Adrian Bloom has cultivated a gardening culture for the past sixty years. He has appeared as a television presenter with Anglia TV (1973), BBC Gardener’s World (1993-96), and WGBH in the US on The Victory Garden, (1996- 2001). Bloom has written more than 10 books, including Conifers for your Garden(1972), A Year Round Garden (1978), Blooms of Bressingham Garden Plants(with Alan Bloom 1992), Winter Garden Glory (1993), Summer Garden Glory (1996), Gardening with Conifers(2001), Bloom’s Best Perennials and Grasses(2010), and Foggy Bottom: A Garden to Share (2023). Bloom has also received numerous awards, including the Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH) by the RHS (1985), the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Garden Media Guild (2015), the George Robert White award by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society (2001), and 26 gold medals for the Bressingham Gardens exhibits at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Free your garden and design for independence! Join renowned landscape designer Edwina von Gal and Toshi Yano, Director of Perfect Earth Project, as they discuss their new vision of nature-based gardening. In this May 22 American Horticultural Society webinar, Edwina and Toshi will show how the approaches that drive contemporary horticultural aesthetics and methods often do not prioritize the health of plants, people, and the planet. Instead, they will offer a holistic approach to land care that’s based in the science of plant-wildlife relationships, soil microbiology, and water and biomass management. Edwina and Toshi will show how this new approach, based on what they call “PRFCTPractices”, is being implemented in landscapes as diverse as home gardens, public parks, colleges, corporate campuses, and cemeteries, and how you can incorporate them into your own practice.
A leading voice in sustainable gardening and landscape design, Edwina von Gal founded the Perfect Earth Project in 2013 to promote nature-based, toxic-free land care for the health of people, their pets, and the planet. As principal of her eponymous landscape design firm, Edwina created landscapes with a focus on simplicity, sustainability, and beauty for private and public clients around the world. Her work has been published widely, including in The New York Times, Vogue, and Architectural Digest, and her book Fresh Cuts won the Quill and Trowel award for garden writing in 1998. In 2023, she was named a legend and trailblazer in Wallpaper’s Guide to Creatives in America. She has served on boards and committees for a number of horticultural organizations; she is currently on the board of What Is Missing, Maya Lin’s multifaceted media artwork about the loss of biodiversity, and is an honorary trustee of Native Plant Trust. In 2022, she received the Long House Visionary Award from Long House Reserve. Her other awards include the New York School of Interior Design’s Green Design Award, the Isamu Noguchi Award, and Guild Hall’s Academy of the Arts Lifetime Achievement Award for the Visual Arts.
Toshi Yano is the Director of Perfect Earth Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, engaging, and inspiring individuals, land care professionals, and decision makers to adopt the toxic-free, nature-based, and climate-responsible land care practices necessary for a healthier, more sustainable—and more beautiful—environment for all. He is a Director At Large at the American Public Gardens Association (APGA), where he chairs the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility Committee; a co-founder of BIPOC Hort, an advocacy group for people of color working in designed landscapes; and the Landscape and Garden Advisor at Wethersfield Estate & Garden, where he previously worked as Director of Horticulture. While at Wethersfield, he spearheaded the process that placed the site on the National Register of Historic Places, and won the New York State Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation and The Garden Conservancy’s Jean and John Greene Prize for Excellence in the Field of American Gardening.
Embark with the American Horticultural Society on a captivating journey to Bermuda, a remote island paradise steeped in rich history and natural beauty. Uncover the island’s impressive natural and cultural wonders and immerse yourself in behind-the-scenes tours, curator-led explorations of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, and visits to St. Peter’s Church and St. George’s. This special AHS program marks the perfect start to your 2024 holiday season: a standout moment is the rare opportunity to partake in Bermuda’s signature winter holiday event, the “Christmas Walkabout” in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. George’s, adorned with festive decorations and historic houses open to the public. With an expert guide Naomi Mermin leading you through Bermuda’s gardens and nature reserves, this unforgettable adventure awaits you in December 2024. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary journey to one of the world’s most captivating destinations. Reserve your place here: https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/travel-study/2024-travel-study-programs/bermuda2024/
Trip Highlights:
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. George’s with a guided tour arranged by the Bermuda National Trust, providing insights into the island’s preservation efforts through its 60 historic properties and open-space areas.
Delight in the rare opportunity to partake in Bermuda’s signature winter holiday event, the “Christmas Walkabout.” Experience St. George’s transformed into a festive wonderland with lavish decorations, candlelit streets, live performances, and the chance to explore numerous historic houses open to the public.
Explore Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, a verdant, 64-acre conservation area, on a guided walk. Spittal Pond was declared a Wetland of International Importance in 1999 due to the high concentration of different habitats within a small area.
Learn about the island’s rich history and cultural heritage with behind-the-scenes tours of Bermuda’s finest museums and institutions. Experience a curator-led exploration of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art and a special visit to the iconic St. Peter’s Church.
At Cooper’s Island, learn about the culling of invasive plants and replanting of native and endemic plants at this 77-acre nature reserve.
Enjoy entrée into elegant private homes and gardens that showcase Bermuda’s unique blend of British formality and relaxed island ambiance.
At the Bermuda Natural History Museum, learn about the island’s unique geological history and diversity of habitats and see the museum’s 140,000-gallon North Rock Exhibit that showcases live corals and 200 species of fish, including large predatory fish.
Embark on a private sunset cocktail cruise to Hamilton, crossing Bermuda’s “Great Sound.”
Relax in style at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort which sits on a lush tropical estate featuring dramatic caves along the water’s edge in Bailey’s Bay.
This American Horticultural Society virtual workshop on April 26 at 2 pm Eastern will explore the value of garden spaces as catalysts for community-building and growth, as well as ways to build garden community through programs and events. Kelly Fernandez will offer reflections on her 15-year tenure as the Herb Gardener at The Huntington Library and share models for garden programs, events, and volunteer trainings, emphasizing the significance of cultivating an entry point and a deep connection with the natural world to nurture a strong sense of community. The reflections will be followed by guided workshop time for participants to brainstorm ways to build community in their own gardening efforts. $15 for AHS members, $20 for nonmembers. Register at ahsgardening.org
Kelly Fernandez is the Head Gardener of the Herb and Shakespeare Gardens at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Her journey in gardening began in 2008 and has blossomed into a lifelong dedication to learning about the interconnection between plants and the human experience. With a diverse set of credentials, including a Horticultural Therapy certification (2015) and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (2021), Fernandez strives to share her love for gardening and believes in the beneficial aspects of fostering a sense of well-being through connecting to the natural world.
The urgency to halt the progression of climate change requires much more than the implementation of scientific knowledge—it requires a revolution across the fields of education, culture, and the arts. In The Nature-Study Idea, Liberty Hyde Bailey (1858-1954), the “father of modern horticulture” and Progressive-Era educational reformer, articulated a similar need to reimagine education in light of socio-ecological crises at the dawn of the twentieth century. It all centered around the need to foster opportunities for curiosity and firsthand contact with the everyday landscape—whether in the woods and fields or in the garden, around the neighborhood, and on the farm. This April 17 talkfrom 7 – 8 Eastern will explore Bailey’s insights, how they emerged, and what they mean for us 120 years later as we mark the publication of the first modern, authoritative edition of the classic text and the launch of The Liberty Hyde Bailey Library from Cornell University Press. AHS members $10, nonmembers $15. Register HERE.
John Linstrom is the Mellon Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow in Climate Humanities and Social Justice at the Climate Museum in New York City and series editor of The Liberty Hyde Bailey Library for Cornell University Press. His editions of Bailey’s work include The Nature-Study Idea and Related Writings(Cornell UP, 2023), The Liberty Hyde Bailey Gardener’s Companion (coedited; Cornell UP, 2019), and the centennial edition of The Holy Earth(Counterpoint, 2015). John is also a poet, and his debut poetry collection is To Leave for Our Own Country (Black Lawrence, 2024). He holds a PhD in English and American Literature from New York University and an MFA in Creative Writing and Environment from Iowa State University, and he is the former director of the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum in South Haven, Michigan. He currently lives with his wife and daughter in Queens, New York.
Embark with the American Horticultural Society on a captivating journey to Bermuda, a remote island paradise steeped in rich history and natural beauty. Uncover the island’s impressive natural and cultural wonders and immerse yourself in behind-the-scenes tours, curator-led explorations of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, and visits to St. Peter’s Church and St. George’s. This special AHS program marks the perfect start to your 2024 holiday season: a standout moment is the rare opportunity to partake in Bermuda’s signature winter holiday event, the “Christmas Walkabout” in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of St. George’s, adorned with festive decorations and historic houses open to the public. With an expert guide leading you through Bermuda’s gardens and nature reserves, this unforgettable adventure awaits you in December 2024. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary journey to one of the world’s most captivating destinations. The dates are December 3 – 8, and your AHS host is Naomi Mermin. Complete itinerary and registration information may be found at https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/travel-study/2024-travel-study-programs/bermuda2024/
Embark on a unique American Horticultural Society journey to Portland and the Willamette Valley on August 19 – 23, celebrating magnificent gardens, sustainable farming, and farm-to-table traditions. Discover the distinctive beauty of the Portland Japanese Garden, Lan Su Chinese Garden, and Oregon Garden. Learn about holistic land management at a Willamette Valley farm and enjoy a tasting and tour at a picturesque winery. Timed with the Swan Island Dahlia Festival, witness thousands of dahlias in peak bloom. Engage with local experts, including farmers, chefs, and a winemaker. Throughout, enjoy meals at hand-picked restaurants committed to sustainability and locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Reserve your place now. Click here for program brochure and registration details.
Trip Highlights:
– Explore the lush beauty of Portland and the Willamette Valley with AHS Hosts Holly and Osamu Shimizu.
– Visit the renowned Portland Japanese Garden, the tranquil Lan Su Chinese Garden, and the fascinating Oregon Garden.
– Discover sustainable farming practices at a pasture-based farm in the Willamette Valley, showcasing holistic land management and the farm-to-table movement.
– Savor the fruits of the region’s vineyards with a tasting and tour at a picturesque winery in the Willamette Valley.
– At the Swan Island Dahlia Festival, enjoy a spectacular display of thousands of dahlias in peak bloom.
– Interact with knowledgeable local experts, including farmers, farm-to-table chefs, a winemaker, and the owner of one of Portland’s top nurseries, gaining insights into the area’s agriculture and horticulture.
– Indulge in delectable meals at restaurants known for their commitment to sustainable practices and use of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Much has been written about gardening for human senses, but how do plants and animals perceive the world around them? What do we miss when we landscape for human visual appeal but neglect the sensory experiences of our wild neighbors? Noise, light, and odor pollution can have many unintended consequences. Conventional gardening practices often interfere with animals’ and plants’ abilities to interact with their environment in ways we can scarcely imagine. Through science, heart, and our powers of observation, we can learn to mitigate these disruptions and create sensory refuges in an increasingly noisy world.
Nancy Lawson will speak on Wednesday, April 3 from 7 – 8 pm Eastern online with the American Horticultural Society. $10 AHS members, $15 nonmembers. Register at ahsgardening.org
Nancy Lawson is the author of The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife and Wildscape: Trilling Chipmunks, Beckoning Blooms, Salty Butterflies, and other Sensory Wonders of Nature. A nature writer, habitat consultant, popular speaker, and founder of The Humane Gardener, LLC, she pioneers creative wildlife-friendly landscaping methods. Certified as a Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional and master naturalist, Lawson co-chairs Howard County Bee City in Maryland and co-launched a community science project, Monarch Rx, after discovering a little-known butterfly behavior in her own garden. Her work has been featured in Science Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Oprah magazine, Entomology Today, and Ecological Entomology. Her new book, Wildscape, is a finalist for the 2024 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books.
