Horticulture Holidays, Vacations and Tours

Silence and Happiness

As an alternative to a beach holiday, horticultural holidays and vacations can be a memorable relaxation break.
Throughout the world, people indulge in horticulture as an activity by which they can mould nature; creating tranquil environments and living works of art.

All nature has a feeling: woods, fields, brooks
Are life eternal: and in silence they
Speak happiness beyond the reach of books.
From All nature has a feeling by John Clare.

Whether you are interested in grand landscapes or individual blooms, there are many horticulture holidays to choose from.

Horticulture Vacations to suit every taste

Many tour operators offer garden tours and special interest vacations for the horticulturist. Some are just designed for people to admire the spectacle, such as tours of the Dutch Tulip fields or famous gardens. Others are aimed at study and there are some holiday providers who will customize a tour for as few as two people; The Scent of Austrian Roses.

Independent Traveler

A lot of people find that their holiday is enhanced by being part of a group; they form friendships which last long after the vacation is over.
If however, you value the freedom to travel at your own pace and the spontaneity of a flexible itinerary, you can get plenty of help to organize your own tour.

There are often international flower shows and garden festivals such as the annual Chelsea Flower Show in the UK

And don't forget the national associations which are an invaluable source of information.

Horticultural Associations

For your convenience, a few are listed below:

American Horticultural Society, USA
Royal Horticultural Society, UK,
who amongst many other activities, organize the Chelsea Flower Show.
There is also the National Trust which manages numerous gardens and estates, including wild countryside, open to the public throughout the UK.
The Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture,
who have also set up the Gardens Trust, which currently lists 82 gardens open to the public in New Zealand,
and the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

Related activities and special interests

Many holiday providers organize related activities such as photography, art, walking and cycling. Take a look at the article in the Activity Holidays Guide forum Artists' Quarter featuring nature photo shoots in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado USA, organized by Kenneth Wajda.

Always seek the advice of organisers. Check seasons, availability, special requirements and opening times.