Botanic Garden – My Life with Plants

Chasing Waterfalls

I finally made it to Niagara Falls!
But we also visited many more waterfalls in the Finger Lakes area of New York State. But our primary goal was to visit Watkins Glen State park where there are 19 waterfalls in a 1.5 mile hike with over 900 steps. We also checked out other waterfalls near Ithaca and even paid a visit to the Cornell Botanic Gardens, marveling at the area’s natural wonders. The trip ended with touring gardens at the annual Garden Fling in Buffalo.

July 22, 2026 No Comments

Kaua’i South Shore

We initially stayed at an Air B&B in Lāwai after spending time at Hanalei Bay. While the accommodation had charming decor and a good breakfast. The weather was rainy and cool, preventing pool use but creating serene sounds. We visited Waimea Canyon, noted for its stunning views and filming locations from Jurassic Park, despite challenging conditions. Their journey included stops at various gardens, like Moir Gardens, celebrated for its diverse plant collection, where they enjoyed the vibrant blooms amidst occasional downpours. Overall, the trip showcased Hawaii’s natural beauty despite the weather challenges.

February 9, 2026 1 Comment

Kaua’i North Shore

During our stay at the Hanalei Bay Resort, we enjoyed a well-appointed condo with a stunning view of the bay. Our first visit was to Limahuli Garden, a 17-acre botanical paradise showcasing Polynesian and indigenous Hawaiian plants, set against impressive volcanic mountains. We explored trails featuring educational signage about local flora and noticed the restored taro terraces from Polynesian times. At Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, we admired the historic lighthouse and observed thousands of migratory birds, including nesting Red-footed Boobies. Our Kaua’i adventure also included stops at Hā’ena Beach, Maniniholo Dry Cave, and ‘Ōpaekaa Falls.

February 5, 2026 3 Comments

The Chelsea Australian Garden

September, Scott Borden, Kathy Ascher, and I participated in a garden tour in Western Australia. You can read more in my earlier blogs on Wireless Park and Kings Park located in Perth, Western Australia. After the tour, Scott traveled to

December 2, 2025 No Comments

Perth- Kings Park

I was eager to return to Western Australia ever since my visit in 2016, and one of the top places on my list was Kings Park. It boasts the largest collection of Western Australian plants globally, featuring over 3,000 native

November 4, 2025 No Comments

The Ruin Garden at Chanticleer

Spring of 2022 Scott Borden and I visited gardens near Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. We revisited several gardens we had previously visited on Pacific Horticulture Society tours back in 2012 and 2013. We were especially looking forward

May 1, 2023 No Comments

Yahoo, Oahu

Oahu In mid-December 2021, we took a brief trip to Oahu, aiming to avoid potential travel restrictions as the Omicron COVID variant began to spread more widely. Initially, we intended to visit Costa Rica, but complications with canceled flights and

December 23, 2021 No Comments

California Adventure Part 5

California Adventure Part Five – I can hear you say, “What happened to parts one through four?” Well, I’ll tell you what happened … In 2020, I turned 65 and it also was my 40th year living in California. So,

June 24, 2021 No Comments

UC Santa Cruz Arboretum

In April, 2021l I was fortunate to do a long-awaited return visit to the UC Santa Cruz arboretum. I had previously visited in 2012 in route to a San Diego Horticultural Society tour of San Francisco Bay Gardens. It has

April 29, 2021 No Comments

Before the Shutdown, January 2020

Just a year ago on this date life looked very different. This was to be the year to do my take on the California motto: “Eureka, I have found it”. I turned 65 in the middle of 2020 and also

January 10, 2020 No Comments

Costa Rica Riches – Talari Mountain Lodge

This is a continuation of our trip to Costa Rica in November 2019. See Previous 2 post for earlier places we visited on the tour. After a final look at the bird and bromeliads at the Las Cruces Botanical station

November 30, 2019 No Comments

Costa Rica Riches – Las Cruces Botanical Station

After several days in around San José we boarded small planes and flew to the Pacific side of Costa Rica to Golfito, near the Panama border. Upon arrival we boarded small boats and visited a private garden on a island

November 29, 2019 No Comments

Costa Rican Riches – Around San José

In November of 2019, Scott and I participated in the Pacific Horticulture Tour of Costa Rica. San José Our trip started in the capital city, San José. From there we did several day long trips. On a walking tour of

November 29, 2019 No Comments

Jardin Exotique d’Èze

I first became aware of the Jardin Exotique from the 1990s TV show Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, hosted by Robin Leach. Perhaps you recall the show that gave a voyeuristic look at extravagant lifestyles. It was a bit over

December 2, 2017 No Comments

Portland’s Lan Su Garden

In May 2017, I explored the stunning gardens of Portland, Oregon, on a Pacific Horticulture Society tour. The highlight was the Lan Su Chinese Garden, a replica of classical Suzhou gardens featuring intricate landscapes, native Chinese plants, and artistic craftsmanship. Its harmonious design and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination.

October 2, 2017 No Comments

O Canada! Revisited

The author reflects on how a 1984 family trip to British Columbia inspired their gardening journey in Encinitas, California. Revisiting Butchart and VanDusen Gardens in 2016, they note significant differences in plant growth due to climatic variations. They now appreciate climate-appropriate gardening, moving away from earlier ambitions to replicate Canadian styles.

July 1, 2016 No Comments

South Africa – The Garden Route

The author recounts a trip through South Africa, emphasizing the beauty of the Western Cape’s flora, including wildflowers and the Cape of Good Hope’s scenery. Highlights include a road trip along the Garden Route, exploration of indigenous plants, a wildlife preserve, and visits to botanical gardens and vineyards, culminating in a return home.

February 1, 2016 No Comments

Kirstenbosch – This is the place!

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases over 7,000 plant species, including rare and endangered ones. The writer’s visit featured diverse plant collections, highlighting the King Protea, South Africa’s national flower. A subsequent sunny day revealed the garden’s full splendor, enhancing the experience significantly.

January 1, 2016 No Comments

Nieuwoudtville, South Africa

This year, I celebrated my 60th birthday by traveling, including a much-anticipated trip to South Africa. With a focus on its diverse plant life, particularly bulbs, I explored Nieuwoudtville, the “Bulb Capital of the World,” witnessing stunning wildflowers, quiver trees, and the breathtaking landscape of the Northern Cape’s blooming season.

December 1, 2015 No Comments

Town Lake, Austin

Austin is situated on the Colorado River in Texas – not to be confused with the Colorado River that provides much of Southern California’s water. Dams along the river create a string of man-made lakes in the Austin area: Town

December 2, 2012 No Comments

Blogs About: Botanic Garden

Categories