Boston Flora

Tag: Keith Tomlinson

  • Sundays, February 8, 15, & 22, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Eastern – Botanical Gardens of the World, Online

    Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape as horticultural expert Keith Tomlinson leads a series of virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens in settings as varied as Singapore, the Arizona desert, and the American Midwest. In vibrant visuals he explores how each garden has taken a unique approach to design and interpretation as they all celebrate plant collections, conservation, education, and the distinctive environments and landscapes in which they bloom.

    Tomlinson has worked as a naturalist and public garden administrator for 25 years, visiting wilderness areas and botanical gardens around the world. He is the author of numerous articles on plant conservation, botanical garden travel, and environmental education.

    Session One on February 8 from 4 – 5:30 Eastern covers Gardens by the Bay in Singapore (pictured below). Among the most significant garden projects of the 21st century, Gardens by the Bay is a dazzling blend of horticulture, technology, and futuristic design. The Supertree Grove soars above the skyline, capturing solar power and channeling rainwater. Tomlinson explores how Singapore transformed its vision of a “City in a Garden” into a world-class horticultural wonder that unites sustainability, spectacle, and science.

    Session Two focuses on Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona. Nestled in the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical institution. Nearby, the renowned Desert Botanical Garden showcases iconic desert landscapes and research-driven conservation efforts. Together, these sites form a living library of adaptation, resilience, and biodiversity. Stroll virtually among towering saguaros, rare arid flora, and global drought-tolerant plantings while learning how these gardens serve as scientific resources and conservation refuges in a changing climate.

    The Final session starts the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. Established in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest continuously operating botanical garden in the United States and a cultural landmark of St. Louis, founded during its era as the “Gateway to the West.” Its landscapes span time and style—from the Victorian-era Linnean House to the futuristic Climatron geodesic dome—while its global research and conservation programs continue to shape botanical science today

    Each session is $25 for Smithsonian members, $35 for nonmembers, but there is a discount for registering for all three. Visit smithsonian.org

  • Tuesday, May 20 – Friday, May 30, 2026 – Ireland in Bloom

    Embark on a breathtaking springtime voyage through Ireland and Northern Ireland with the American Horticultural Society and tour leader Keith Tomlinson on May 20 – 30, 2026. Cruise around the Emerald Isle aboard the intimate, 72-cabin Exploris One, and discover a rich tapestry of historic gardens, sweeping coastal landscapes, and native flora at their seasonal peak. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites and charming seaside towns, while enjoying guided excursions that spotlight the region’s horticultural traditions and natural beauty. Throughout the journey, experience the warmth of Irish hospitality and the vibrant renewal that defines spring in this lush, storied land.

    Customize your journey with excursion options at select ports, including walking excursions exploring Ireland’s natural wonders.
    Delight in the natural beauty of Ireland’s celebrated gardens, from the wooded grounds of Glenveagh Castle and the grand Mount Stewart estate near Belfast to the charming Salthill Gardens in County Donegal. Conclude with a visit to Kylemore Abbey, where a stunning Victorian walled garden awaits amid the wild landscape of Connemara National Park.
    Experience the jewels of Ireland’s famed Atlantic Coast including the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the bogs and grasslands of Connemara National Park.
    Dock overnight in Belfast and Galway for opportunities to dine ashore and to enjoy the cities’ lively atmospheres and famed music scenes.
    Discover Belfast’s intriguing history including a visit to Titanic Belfast, a state-of-the-art museum on the site of the yard where the ill-fated ship was built.
    Travel along the Northern Ireland’s Antrim coast to the world heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway, the site of some 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns.

    Visit www.ahsgardening.org for a complete program brochure and registration opportunity.

  • Wednesday, March 12, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Eastern – A Natural History Road Trip: Badlands to Yellowstone, Online

    Join naturalist Keith Tomlinson on a virtual Great Western adventure from South Dakota into Wyoming and the mighty heights of Yellowstone. He highlights geology, biogeography, wildlife, conservation initiatives, native peoples, and recreational opportunities along the way.

    The Smithsonian Associates Zoom journey on March 12 begins at the colorful Badlands National Park, moves on to Mount Rushmore, and then to the grand volcanic monolith of Wyoming’s Devils Tower. Adventuring farther west, take in the remote Cloud Peak Wilderness, crown jewel of the often-overlooked Big Horn Mountains. Tomlinson concludes with a discussion of Yellowstone National Park and its extraordinary ecology balanced delicately atop one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. $25 Smithsonian Associates members, $30 nonmembers. Register at https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/badlands-to-yellowstone

  • Sundays, February 9, 16, and 23, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Eastern – Botanical Gardens: A World Tour, Online

    Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape as naturalist and botanical horticulturist Keith Tomlinson leads a series of virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens around the world including sites in Germany, the East and West Coasts of the United States, Morocco, and our nation’s capital. Vibrant visuals explore how each garden takes a unique approach to design and interpretation as they all celebrate plant collections, conservation, education, and the distinctive environments and landscapes in which they bloom.

    February 9 – Frankfurt’s Palmengarten and Washington, D.C.’s United States Botanical Garden 

    Based mainly around historic conservatories, these two classic gardens are steeped in the history of their respective cities. While collections focus on tropical, desert, and Mediterranean regions, each garden is enhanced by beautiful landscaping and outdoor temperate collections. Both have a history of supporting conservation efforts for global plant diversity.

    February 16 – South Carolina’s Brookgreen Gardens and Anima Garden in Morocco

    Sculptures of all kinds inhabit gardens around the world, but these two pleasure gardens embody monumental art as a principal component of exhibition. From the Atlantic Low Country of South Carolina to the foot of Morocco’s towering Atlas Mountains, the history and setting of these gardens couldn’t be more different. Yet they share a similar engaging aesthetic theme.

    February 23 – The Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, and the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens

    It’s said that more plants of different kinds can grow in the Los Angeles Basin than almost anywhere else in the world. Combine the soothing Mediterranean climate with irrigation and horticultural wonders abound. Only a few miles apart, Huntington Gardens and the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden are very different institutions that exhibit a botanical cornucopia from around the world.

    Presenter Keith Tomlinson has worked as a naturalist and public garden administrator for 25 years, visiting wilderness areas and botanical gardens around the world. He is the author of numerous articles on plant conservation, botanical garden travel, and environmental education.

    The series cost is $60 for Smithsonian members, $75 for nonmembers, or you can sign up for any individual session. To register visit https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/series/botanical-gardens-winter2025

  • Sunday, April 27 – Saturday, May 3 – Tropical Treasures: Hawaii’s Garden Delights & Lei Day Festivities

    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.

  • Sundays, February 4 – February 18, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Eastern – Botanical Gardens: A World Tour, Online

    Join Smithsonian Associates expert presenters on three consecutive Sundays in February, online, to tour some of the world’s greatest botanical gardens. Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape as horticultural experts lead a series of virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens in settings as far-flung as Morocco, New Zealand, Israel, Belgium, and the East Coast of the United States. In vibrant visuals they explore how each garden has taken a unique approach to design and interpretation as they celebrate plant collections, conservation, education, and the distinctive environments and landscapes in which they bloom.

    February 4  Donabo Gardens of Tangier, Morocco, and the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, Israel

    Visit two Mediterranean public gardens in bustling historic cities that provide horticultural and ecological education while conserving open space in highly urbanized areas. Each garden strives to manage water in a seasonally dry environment as it develops collections of native and exotic plants. While in Tangier, make a brief visit to an extraordinary private garden rarely seen by visitors.

    Presenter Keith Tomlinson has worked as a naturalist and public garden administrator for 25 years, visiting wilderness areas and botanical gardens around the world. He is the author of numerous articles on plant conservation, botanical garden travel, and environmental education.

    February 11  The Royal Greenhouses, Laeken, Belgium, and Chanticleer Gardens, Pennsylvania

    If glasshouses can be a confection, then the Serres Royales (Royal Greenhouses) is a sumptuous dessert. Dating to the Victoria era when architecture was equally as important as a plant collection, these indoor gardens are second to none. Open to the public for only a few weeks each spring, it’s worth planning a trip to experience them. Narrow corridors flanked with flowers open into multi-story rooms encircled by exotic trees collected from around the globe. This is a world horticultural treasure of beauty, innovation, and history.

    Chanticleer has been described as one of the most romantic, imaginative, and innovative gardens in the United States. Nestled in the heart of America’s Garden Capital, this Philadelphia-area gem is brimming with intriguing plants and artistic accoutrements. The garden is relatively new, having come about in the 1990s. Survey its development over the years as well as some of the highlights of Chanticleer’s captivating, ever-changing displays.

    Presenter Karl Gercens is the conservatory manager at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, where he has been in the glasshouses for 25 years. With more than 3,000 individual gardens visited in almost 30 countries, Karl seeks inspiration from across the globe.

    February 18  Dunedin Botanic Gardens, New Zealand and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Virginia

    Known as the Wildlife Capital of New Zealand, the city of Dunedin prides itself on stunning scenery and unique biodiversity. The Dunedin Botanic Garden, New Zealand’s first, marked its 160th anniversary in 2023. With extensive plant collections, viewsheds, and beautiful walks through the native bush, the garden acts as a green sanctuary for those looking to escape the urban environment. Explore this jewel within the city and understand how it fulfills its international responsibility for conservation.

    Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in central Virginia, by contrast, is a relatively young botanical garden celebrating its 40th anniversary. Devoted to inspiring communities and enhancing relationships with the natural world, the garden is continuously growing and evolving, immersing visitors in a world of beauty with surprising vistas around every turn. Enjoy a virtual tour of the 50 acres of gardens, explore the evolving exhibitions, and find inspiration in the programmatic offerings.

    Presenter Chelsea Mahaffey is a public garden professional at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. She is an advocate for horticulture as a career and passionate about the importance of plants in our lives.

    $60 for the three session package for Smithsonian Associates members, $75 for nonmembers. Register at www.smithsonianassociates.org

  • Thursday, January 4, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Eastern – National Parks of Washington State: North Cascades, Olympic, and Mount Rainier, Online

    Journey with Smithsonian Associates to high volcanoes, ancient temperate rainforests, glaciers, and big rivers in these geographically and topographically interrelated national parks. Among the most unique public lands in the country, these parks harbor a dazzling array of habitats and recreational opportunities.

    Naturalist Keith Tomlinson discusses the region’s geologic evolution, biological diversity and unique hydrology from glaciers to the sea. His tour highlights ways to access and enjoy these extraordinary natural treasures and covers conservation priorities in all three parks. 

    Chris Williams, Interpretive Park Ranger with the National Park Service working in Olympic and North Cascades National Park, will join the program as a guest speaker. This program is presented on Zoom on January 4 from 7 – 8:30 pm Eastern. $25 for Smithsonian Associates members, $30 for nonmembers. Register at https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/national-parks-washington-state

  • Wednesday, March 8 – Friday, March 17 – The Enchanting Gardens and Allure of Morocco

    Join the American Horticultural Society March 8 – March 17, 2023 with AHS host Keith Tomlinson and Tour Leader Antonia Lloyd Owen for a journey through Morocco’s finest gardens. Highlights include visits to wonderful private gardens with refreshments hosted by the gardens’ owners. Visit The Tangier American Legation Institute for Moroccan Studies, the only National Historic Landmark on foreign soil. The Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel are the dream and passion of French horticulturist Marcel Francois, classified as a national cultural heritage site. Old Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a memory for the ages, as we make our way through the labyrinthine medina featuring the spice market, bazaars, and more. The Roman Volubilis ruins include a magnificent colonnaded shopping street, the Capitol, the Forum, and an impressive Triumphal Arch built in 217. Yves Saint Laurent’s Majorelle Garden, and Le Jardin Secret, an extraordinary garden dating back 400 years to the Saadian dynasty and loving restored by English landscape designer and author Tom Stuart-Smith, are also on the itinerary. For complete details visit www.ahsgardening.org, or call 703-768-5700, ext. 127. The updated brochure is now available.

  • Sunday, February 13, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Botanical Gardens World Tour: Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Western Australia Botanic Garden, Online

    Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape with Smithsonian Associates as horticultural experts lead a series of virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens in settings as far-flung as Shanghai, the Hudson River Valley, and Australia. In vibrant visuals they explore how each garden has taken a unique approach to design and interpretation as they all celebrate plant collections, conservation, education, and the distinctive environments and landscapes in which they bloom. On February 13, the focus will be on the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and Western Australia Botanic Garden.

    The only garden in North America to focus solely on alpine plants, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens (below) in the Colorado Rockies is the highest-altitude public garden on the continent. Compact and exquisitely landscaped, it interprets the diversity and complexity of alpine plants of the world. Superb horticulture and educational signage are hallmarks of this remarkable garden. 

    Located in the world’s most remote provincial capital, Western Australia Botanic Garden is the jewel of Perth. Set above the Swan River in Kings Park, its landscape displays a highly regionalized collection of plants. Southwestern Australia is one of the earth’s five Endemic Kingdoms for plant diversity, making this garden one of the world’s most unique living laboratories. 

    Presenter Keith Tomlinson, superintendent of the American Horticultural Society, has worked as a naturalist for 35 years and studied wilderness areas and botanical gardens around the world. His is the author of numerous technical and popular articles on the conservation of plant diversity, botanical garden travel, and environmental education.

    $25 for Smithsonian Associates members, $30 for nonmembers. You also save if you sign up for the entire series, with additional sessions on February 20 and February 27. Register HERE.

  • Keith Tomlinson Appointed Director of the American Horticultural Society

    The American Horticultural Society is excited to announce the appointment of a new Director, Keith Tomlinson, a renowned horticultural leader who was previously the Botanical Director at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna, VA. Keith brings both strategic and operational skills to our team along with extensive fundraising and outreach experience. Tomlinson replaces former Interim Executive Director J. Robert Brackman, who resigned on September 30, 2021. Tomlinson begins his tenure at a pivotal time for AHS and River Farm. With the Board’s recent rejection of the plan to sell the historic property after a year-long debate over its future, there are new opportunities for implementing a long-term strategic vision for both AHS and River Farm. Access the press release HERE.