Boston Flora

Tag: Unesco World Heritage Site

  • Friday, April 10 – Tuesday, April 21 – Musical Journey of Historical Gardens from Lisbon to Rome

    The American Horticultural Society is planning a Mediterranean Cruise April 10 – 21, 2015. Enjoy a rare voyage that combines sublime chamber music with the pleasure of cruising to some of the finest gardens in the Mediterranean Sea. This glorious spring cruise features exclusive recitals in historic venues on several islands and in coastal towns of this fabled region. As we sail the coast of Iberia, to the islands of Mallorca, Sardinia, and Sicily, and on to Southern Italy, we encounter lush, beautifully landscaped gardens in spectacular Mediterranean settings. We will visit the Generalife Gardens near the Alhambra (below); the oasis of Palmeral of Elche, a UNESCO World Heritage site; Valencia’s Jardin Botanico; and the Orto Botanico Cagliari –which will open its doors on Saturday exclusively for the American Horticultural Society group.  Katy Moss Warner, President Emeritus of AHS, will be your host in this musical journey of historical gardens from Lisbon to Rome aboard the 100 guest, all suite Corinthian. Also accompanying the guests will be John Stewart, Senior Preceptor in Music at Harvard University, Emeritus, a composer and music theorist. Complete itinerary and costs may be viewed at http://www.ahs.org/uploads/pdfs/2015_Mediterranean_Brochure_Final.pdf.

  • May 14 – May 29, 2011 – Secrets of Sichuan: A Journey to Jiuzhaigou

    The New England Wild Flower Society, with the Wellesley College Friends of Horticulture, announce the upcoming tour The Secrets of Sichuan, to take place May 14 – 29, 2011.  This unique expedition to explore the flora, fauna, and culture of Sichuan will be led by Ted Elliman, leader of NEWFS botanical forays to China for many years.

    The rhododendron will be in flower during this visit.  This is good news because China, a global center of diversity for many plant groups, supports more than 400 endemic species of rhododendron. Most of these grow in the Hengduan Mountain region, where the tour will be based.  You may not see them all, but if this is your first trip to southwest China, you will probably see more than you ever have before.  Wild mountain nature reserves are the focus of the journey.  Natural areas on the itinerary include Emei Shan, a revered and sacred 10,000 foot mountain with spectacular flora, Tanghiahe Nature Reserve, with dense broadleaved forests and a rich bird fauna, and Wanglang Nature Reserve, where subalpine conifer forests of spruce, larch and juniper grow up through understories of tall rhododendron and a sparkling array of forest wildflowers.  In Wanglang, at 11,000 feet elevation, the high elevation wildflowers will be blooming at and above timberline.  Tangjiahe and Wanglang are also home to wild populations of giant panda.

    A major highlight will be a two day visit to Jiuzhaigou National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of incomparable beauty, that is another great place to view and photograph spring wildflowers.  Jiuzhaigou is a valley complex of crystalline lakes and streams, connected by a superbly designed network of boardwalk trails.  Accessible parts range in elevation from 7,000 to 11,000 feet, and it is an ideal place to explore on foot.  Frequent shuttle buses provide ready access to the boardwalk trails.  Other stops will be Leshan, where a seated Buddha image 200 feet tall, carved from red sandstone, overlooks an auspicious river confluence, Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, and Sanxingdui Museum.  For a complete itinerary, log on to  http://www.wellesley.edu/WCFH/Courses/Sichuan%20Brochure.pdf.  Trip fee is $3,945 per person, double occupancy, plus air fair of $1,195 from New York, round trip, through Betchart Expeditions, Inc.  Call Renee Apostolou at 800-252-4910 for additional information.

  • Friday, February 19 – Friday, February 26, 2010 – Gardens of the Caribbean

    The National Trust for Historic Preservation will sponsor a one week trip from Barbados to Curacao aboard the Sea Cloud II from Friday, February 19 – Friday, Fecruary 26.  Here is what the National Trust says about this trip:

    With its balmy island breezes and centuries-old tradition of gardening, the Caribbean offers a delightful respite to a northern winter. This exciting new itinerary takes us to the coral islands of the Southern Caribbean, with both desert-like terrain in which aloe vera and other succulent plants grow wild, and luxuriant gardens full of tropical flowering trees and shrubs.

    We are delighted that noted landscape architect Patrick Bowe will travel with us to private plantations and botanical gardens of long standing. Author of Gardens of the Caribbean, Mr. Bowe is a sought-after study leader who has accompanied many previous National Trust garden tours to rave reviews. Also traveling with us will be Williams College Professor of Art Michael Lewis, who will discuss historic architecture and the Caribbean Sea battles of the Napoleonic Wars.

    Our voyage begins in Barbados, where we embark Sea Cloud II for the “Spice Island” of Grenada.  Visit several private homes and gardens, then dance under the stars to the music of one of the Caribbean’s best steel bands. Following a relaxing day at sea we arrive at the limestone island of La Blanquilla, off the coast of Venezuela, for swimming and snorkeling. Sail on to the Netherlands Antilles. In Bonaire, admire the island’s diverse flora and fauna and see a 14th-century Spanish village. Then view the impressive Dutch colonial architecture in Curaçao, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fort Amsterdam.

    Exclusively chartered for this voyage, the elegant sailing yacht Sea Cloud II combines comfort and a casual atmosphere with fine service. Tasteful surroundings and five-star dining complement the heady experience of traveling under wind-lofted sails. We will be joined by members of The Royal Oak Foundation and alumni from Williams College.

    An optional prelude is also arranged in colorful Barbados, featuring private access to beautifully maintained botanical gardens and National Trust properties.

    Complete information may be found at www.preservationnation.org.  A deposit of $1,500 will reserve your spot – the total cost varies by room size, but this isn’t an inexpensive trip.  However, think about February in New England!

    http://farm1.static.flickr.com/39/88634462_0592d8fbdc.jpg?v=0