Boston Flora

Tag: Sterling Tours

  • October, 2025 – Roses and Rosè: A Portugal Garden Tour

    Sterling Tours and Pacific Horticulture invite you to join Escort, Linda McKendry and Garden Guide Amy Kupec Larue, on an enriching journey through Portugal in October, 2025. Gardens, agriculture, sustainability, and the unique world of cork conservation will take center stage. Portugal aims to be climate neutral by 2050 and to cover 80% of its electricity consumption with renewables by 2030. In 2023 the population of 10 million in Portugal ran for six consecutive days in a row on 100 % renewables. They met their needs with wind, solar and hydro energy. After our introduction to Porto, excursions will include Douro Valley, the charming town of Lousada, Braga, and Santar. Continuing to Lisbon, with visits to Setubal, Queluz, and Sintra. Focusing on cultural preservation, showcasing sustainable garden maintenance and design. Discover how cork oak forests are conserved and protected. Extending our visit to Madeira to explore Monte Palace Gardens and Quinta do Arco Rose Gardens, both exemplifying the dedication to preserving rare, flora and roses. Savor special hosted visits to private gardens and Quinta’s, sustainable prepared meals, locally produced wines, and insight into Portugal’s ecosystem. Admiring the beautiful green spaces, architecture, and all this gorgeous country has to offer, you cannot help but be mesmerized… For more details visit https://pacifichorticulture.org/tours/roses-and-rose-a-portugal-garden-tour-october-2025-with-pacific-horticulture/

  • Saturday, October 1 – Sunday, October 9 – The Splendors of Portuguese Gardens

    Saturday, October 1 – Sunday, October 9 – The Splendors of Portuguese Gardens

    This October Pacific Horticultural Society tour begins in Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will visit private homes and gardens and take in the lovely views of the Douro Valley. We will take a walking tour and attend a cooking class at the Sogrape winery. Leaving Porto, we will travel through the Douro Valley to Villa Real and the Mateus Palace and gardens. We will visit the wine region of Santar, a small village with beautiful manor houses. Our tour concludes in Lisbon, with time to explore the capital’s heritage and history. The trip, rescheduled from last year, is arranged through Sterling Tours, Ltd and complete information can be found at https://www.pacifichorticulture.org/tours/the-splendor-of-portuguese-gardens/

  • Friday, October 21 – Thursday, November 3 – Exploring Japan with Pacific Horticulture

    Experience an in-depth exploration of Japanese gardens, culture, and cuisine. Beginning in Tokyo, we venture north and west to areas off the normal Western tourist route where we can enjoy the beautiful countryside, see lovely gardens and experience exotic cuisine. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience Japanese-style accommodations and warm up in one of several onsen (hot springs) along the way. Optional extension to Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage city.

    Join Pacific Horticulture for this exploration of the must see highlights emphasizing the long history of horticultural tradition in Japan through a visit to some of the best gardens Japan has to offer while traveling through the landscape that has inspired garden designers for generations. We visit Tokyo, Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Awaji, Takamatsu, Kurashiki, Okayama, Matsue, and Osaka.

    This tour will be escorted by Greg Graves of Old Goat Farm in Graham, WA. For complete information and availability, visit https://www.pacifichorticulture.org/tours/exploring-japan-with-pacific-horticulture/

  • Saturday, April 13 – Wednesday, April 24 (optional extension to Saturday, April 27) – Springtime in Japan: Exploring Gardens and Horticultural Traditions

    Join past Pacific Horticulture Society president Greg Graves for an in-depth exploration of Japanese gardens, culture and cuisine. Beginning in Tokyo, we venture north and west to areas off the normal Western tourist route where we can enjoy the beautiful countryside, see lovely gardens and experience exotic cuisine. Guests will have the opportunity to experience a delightful cruise on Matsushima Bay and see ancient temples and bonsai masterpieces. Gardens include one of the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo, the Rikugi-en, a strolling garden of the Edo period with spectacular views, Kairakuen, considered one of Japan’s finest landscape gardens and Motsuji, called the Pure Land Garden arranged so that the temple, garden, and pond are unified as one (pictured below, photo courtesy of www.gogotohoku.jp). Optional extension to Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage city. The trip will take place April 13 – 24, with Kyoto option running until April 27.

    For complete itinerary details and information about booking this trip click https://www.sterlinggardentours.com/japan2019.

    Image result for Motsuji spring

  • Friday, June 2 – Saturday, June 10 – Southern France: Artists and Their Eden

    You’re invited to join Pacific Horticulture as we experience the remarkable beauty, gardens, and culture of Provence June 2 – 10 2017. We’ll visit scenic villages and local markets, and of course, savor the region’s cuisine. In addition to the magnificent natural beauty of this region, our tour offers a look at the work of renowned landscape artists and explores gardens, views and vistas that inspired the artwork of Renoir, Cezanne, van Gogh, Matisse, Chagall, Bonnard, Gauguin, and Picasso.

    Amy Larue, an American expat who lives in Paris and is married to a Frenchman, will be our guide for this tour. Amy has a deep understanding and enthusiasm for the French culture. She is an experienced guide, florist extraordininaire, and a judge for the prestigious Bagatelle rose garden trials. Space is limited to 24 guests and our tour will be escorted by Linda McKendry, experienced traveler, garden designer, and PHS board member. Image from www.roamingtravelers.wordpress.com.

    Registration for this tour is now open. For complete itinerary details and information about booking this trip click http://www.sterlingtoursltd.com/France2017.html 

  • Sunday, May 21 – Friday, May 26 – Gardens of Portland and Salem

    Join Pacific Horticulture Society in the Rose City of Portland, Oregon. Mike Darcy, host of Portland’s longest-running radio show, “In the Garden with Mike Darcy,” has arranged for exclusive access to some of the best private gardens in Portland and Salem. We will also visit the world-famous Portland Japanese Garden as well as the Lan Su Chinese Garden. Our headquarters is the Inn at Northrup Station, a charming all-suite boutique hotel conveniently located on the Portland Streetcar line, surrounded by the eclectic restaurants, cafes and boutiques of Northwest Portland. For complete itinerary details visit http://www.sterlingtoursltd.com/Portland2017.html. The tour is currently sold out but WAITING LIST is available.

  • Saturday, April 15 – Saturday, April 29, 2017 – Japan

    Travel with the Pacific Horticulture Society north and west of Tokyo on this in-depth 2017 tour of Japan to visit some of its most beautiful and less traveled countryside including World Heritage sites, designated National Treasures, a variety of temples large and small, historic shrines, and varied Japanese gardens. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in Japanese style accommodations, relax in an onsen (hot springs) if you like, and dine on the very best of Japanese cuisine.

    The summer palace complex, shrines, and mausoleum of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu who first united all of Japan is a beloved treasure for all Japanese who strive to visit it once in their lifetime. Situated the pine forests of Nikkan hour north of Tokyo, it features dozens of buildings, and includes the famous three monkey sculpture: hear-no-evil, speak-no-evil, and see-no evil. Along the way you’ll visit the village of Omiya, famous for its bonsai nurseries and museum. Your trip continues through Kairakun and then north to Sendai where one of Japan’s famous five-story pagodas is located at the Rinnoji Temple and garden.

    Another highlight is a visit to Matsushima Bay, with its 250 pine-covered islands, considered by many one of the top three scenic sites in Japan. You’ll tour the bay by boat where every view offers a spectacular view. Hiraizumi is home to Choson-ji, one of Japan’s most significant temple complexes, housing the golden Amida Hall, Japan’s first designated National Treasure. From there you visit Tono, the birthplace of some of Japan’s oldest and most fascinating folklore legends.

    Next you head south and then west. Yamadera boasts one of the most impressive displays of cherry blossoms along the river and through town (always subject to the yearly weather pattern). Its temple complex was founded over 1,000 years with temple halls spread throughout rich pine forests.

    You’ll visit Nigata famous for its sake, seafood, and hot springs—and several famous gardens. You’ll stay in Tsukioka Onsen, pictured below, one of the area’s most famous hot spring resorts renowned for its mineral enriched waters that promote “eternal youth, longevity, and beauty.”

    From Nigata you’ll enjoy a fast ride on the bullet train back to Tokyo for your return trip home or join us for a Kyoto extension. In Kyoto you’ll visit its most famous temples, pavilions, and palaces and experience cultural experiences such as the Japanese Tea Ceremony and a multi-course dinner with a private Geisha meeting and performance (subject to confirmation).

    Greg Graves, former PHS board member will escort this tour. Note: Our 2016 Japan tours have sold out quickly; if interested click http://www.sterlingtoursltd.com/Japan2017.html to read a detailed itinerary and discuss your interest with our Tour Company partner, Sterling Tours, Ltd.

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  • Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 18 – Great English Gardens & the Hampton Court Flower Show

    England is famous for its gardens. The Pacific Horticulture itinerary includes vast stunning landscapes of Capability Brown, the extraordinary designs of Tim Smit and John Brookes, as well as exquisite, small cottage gardens where you can chat with the owners. You’ll visit Sissinghurst Castle, Wisley, Great Dixter, Denmans, Heligans, Hever Castle, Hampton Court Palace — where you’ll take in the spectacular Hampton Court Flower Show featuring creative display gardens and horticultural exhibits — Hestercombe, and more.

    Greg Graves, PHS board member will escort this tour, taking place Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 18. The tour is under development at this time; contact Sterling Tours to be notified of a full itinerary once it is completed.  See more at: http://www.pacifichorticulture.org/tours/great-english-gardens-the-hampton-court-flower-show/#sthash.KEcGyayJ.dpuf

    http://www.specialgrouptours.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/5902542806_5750d4f752_b-800x533.jpg

  • Wednesday, July 10 – Sunday, July 21 – Gardens of Scotland

    Scotland boasts a wide variety of stunning parks and gardens in the cities, countryside, and castle grounds, and you’ll visit the most famous of them plus private gardens and homes not open to the public.

    Gardens to be visited include Crarae, Arduine, Attadle, Inverewe, Pitmedden, and the Royal Botanic Garden. The castles and palaces with their accompanying gardens you’ll tour are Cawdor (of MacBeth fame), Crathes Castle and garden (pictured above), Edzell Castle and garden, and Mary, Queen of Scotts’ favorite county place, the Falkland Palace and gardens. You’ll also visit picture-perfect fishing villages and cottage gardens and have time to explore the Georgian City of Edinburgh.

    The tour includes not only breakfasts, but ten dinners in the several hotels with their breathtaking views loch Lochs, highlands and more.

    This mid-summer tour, July 10 – 21,  is escorted by Pacific Horticulture Society board member Pat Wipf. For more information, contact Sterling Tours. Reach them by phone at 800-976-9497 or access the full itinerary at the Sterling Tours website, http://www.sterlingtoursltd.com/Scotland2013.html.  $3,425 per person, double ocupancy, $415 single supplement.

  • Monday, May 20 – Sunday, May 26 – Gardens of the Philadelphia Region

    The greater Philadelphia area boasts some of the most outstanding gardens in the United States of America. It includes estate gardens founded on fabulous wealth, a historic garden pre-dating American Independence, exceptional nurseries, and delightful private gardens. Destinations include:

    Mt. Cuba, dedicated to the study, conservation and appreciation of plants native to the Appalachian Piedmont Region
    Henry Francis du Pont’s Winterthur, encompassing a 60-acre naturalistic garden and the premier museum of American decorative arts
    The Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College established to further horticulture through beautiful visual demonstration
    The Morris Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania with its collection of more than 13,000 labeled plants including many collected from around the world under the leadership of John Morris and E. H. Wilson
    Chanticleer, pictured below, called by some the most romantic, imaginative, and exciting public garden in America
    Meadowbrook Farm, lovingly designed and created by J. Liddon Pennock, Jr, whose pictures grace innumerable books and magazines because of the 25 acre site’s beauty.
    Bartram’s Garden, a historic landmark dating from 1728, this site is the home and garden of America’s first botanist, John Bartram.
    Longwood Garden, one of he world’s premier horticulture showcase, a legal of Pierre S. du Pont that features exquisite flowers, majestic trees, and opulent architecture.
    Private garden visits that feature outstanding landscape architecture and plant choices and rarely open for public view.

    Space for this tour, taking place May 20 – 26,  is limited—sign up now as this tour is sure to sell out early.

    This tour is escorted by Pacific Horticulture Society Board President, Greg Graves. Click here for a detailed itinerary for this tour on the Sterling Tours website. Or, call them for additional information at 1-800-976-9497. $1,865 per person, double occupancy, $595 single supplement.