‘We travel as an expression of passion for the world. We travel to ardently pursue all we hope to discover.

We travel to be surprised, so that we don’t stop questioning. We travel to exchange ideas, beliefs and values.

We travel to cultivate compassion, to stretch our hearts and expand our souls. We travel to see someone smile, and smile back at them.’
 

Welcome to our exclusive tours only site! The more I travel, the more I appreciate the words above. As you read them, let them stir in you a desire to perhaps join me one day. I have been blessed to have met some incredible people on these tours…people who share my love of gardens and travel. I will update this area on a regular basis to bring you the latest on the upcoming tours for the current year as well as what to expect in the future. We enjoy a very high rate of repeat guests, and oftentimes they will take more than one tour a year with me, so would urge you to act quickly if there is a tour that interests you. That way you can make sure you are on it with me.

I started hosting garden tours in 1998 because that is what I know best, gardens. I love sharing them with others and the delight I feel when someone sees a garden for the very first time is always a ‘wow’ moment for me. I hope you will go through each of our tour listings and feel the same way that I do, and then come along to really experience them. Of course we also add extra visits to places that are not totally garden related … but if you are a true garden lover, you will enjoy going through my offerings each year. When I travel I am always looking for that memory that will linger in my soul forever and sure enough I have plenty of memories that I trust you will discover and make yourself!

 

Tuscany Treasures Await You! Let the Magic of Morocco Delight You! Let Chelsea Take Your Breath Away! Enter the World of Vita Sackville-West - Sissinghurst There is Something for Everyone at Chelsea! COOLIBAR SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

The Latest Newsbite…

When you work on a tour, you put a lot of time into it. Then it’s done and put up on the site and people start booking. Most of these tours are put up more than a year ahead of the tour actually going and during that time you chat back and forth with your tour guests and build relationships. Then you go on the tour, meet them and ‘live’ with them so to speak. Memories. Then they come back for more tours and the relationships build…then you hear that someone has passed away and your heart is sad. You have only known them for a short short time but you have shared much while on that journey. I am reminded yet again that ‘Eventually is now’ this past week. If you can don’t put it off because sometimes life has a way of changing things. I have seen this over and over again.

My first tour this year to India was one of discovery for some and going back to roots for others. For all, it was amazing and I just have to say that the more I visit India, the more I want to go back. I had just gotten home to find this waiting for me…

‘The garden tour to India was out of this world wonderful! I had such a good time seeing all of the places, meeting fellow tour participants, and bringing back way too many reminders of India. Thank you for all the extra attention you gave us throughout the trip. And thank you for hiring such a great guide, Hemesh. You two work so well with each other. I felt like I had known him forever. ‘ Mary Jane, India 2012

‘I want to thank you for planning such a perfect trip, it was everything I had hoped for and much more. I learned so much but plan on reading more about the history and culture of India. It was great to be with such nice people and I will have wonderful memories of our time together. Once again, I know you spent so much time and effort on this garden tour and I want you to know I am so grateful.’ Frieda, India 2012

Look for another India tour in 2014.

So … I pray that the rest of the tours this year bring my tour guests much joy and many memories…and I look forward to seeing many many past tour guests again….

Update on 2012 tours…They are all virtually fully booked now. I may have some room left on Chelsea (if I can get more Chelsea Flower Show Tickets) and I may have a spot or two left on Italy but that is it.

Please visit the 2013 tours. They are listed to your left and you can click on each to be taken to that tour … Eventually is Now.

‘I had an absolutely wonderful time. I'm glad I went with you. The group was wonderful and we did have some laughs. I was glad to meet up with some old friends and make some new ones. Hopefully I will see some of them again next year either in the Netherlands or South Africa. I thought all the hotels were wonderful. My room in every case was great. I had wonderful views, excellent service, great beds and quiet rooms. I think this is why I would never hesitate to recommend your tours to anyone and can personally vouch for the quality and high standards you set for all aspects of your tours.’ Lynda, Morocco 2011 and now booked for Floriade 2012 and South Africa 2012


‘Your tour was excellent. Rosalind and I had a wonderful time and plan to join you again. Please put us down as very interested in Morocco 2012. I've recommended you to a number of friends for your impeccable taste and superb organization. I could not have asked for more. Thank you and looking forward to the next outing.’ Michele, Thailand 2011 and now booked South Africa 2012!


‘My favorite garden was Monet's in France and the wonderful town of Giverny with all the roses. In London, the Chelsea flower show was amazing and I loved Great Dixter and Sissinghurst. I would recommend the tour and in fact my husband and I are booked with you next April for Floriade.’ Gloria, Paris/Chelsea 2011

‘The tour was well organized, packed full of new excitement every day - we kept saying 'it couldn't get any better' but each day was more memorable than the last. Donna I really enjoyed your company and would go with you again anytime. Carlson Wagonlit - Michael and Brittany were great, answered all our questions and arranged our extended trip to Vietnam that turned out to be just what we wanted. Thanks again. I would recommend your tours definitely, in fact I am interested in South Africa 2012. Thanks for a wonderful trip and a lifetime of memories.’ Rosalind, Thailand 2011 and now booked South Africa 2012!

‘It was a spectacular trip that remains in many wonderful memories. Just wanted to thank you again for such a spectacular trip! It was exceptional: the food, the hotels, the scenery, the shopping, the Moroccan people and my co-travelers. I can't thank you enough for such a wonderful, fantasy tour!’ Rochelle, Morocco 2011 and now booked Floriade 2012!

The tours are listed on the left hand side of this page, just click on the ones that interest you. That will take you to a page on it, then at the bottom of that page, click on the SEE DETAILS and a pdf on the tour will come up. No one else makes an itinerary like we do!

If the itinerary button does not work yet, it means that the full day by day is not ready yet.

Our tours change each year and include visits to gardens large and small, private and public, famous and unknown.

If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with me at donna@icangarden.com  If you want to get a feel for some of our past tours, just click on the Pix area of our main site http://www.icangarden.com/picttour.cfm 
 

Donna Dawson, Master Gardener

Member Region 7 Garden Writers Association
Affiliate Member Canadian Institute of Travel Counselors
Member North American Travel Journalists Association
Member Royal Horticultural Society
http://www.ICanGarden.com 
http://www.gardeningtours.com