~ A somewhat autobiographical look at how plants have impacted my life ~
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.
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
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
Papa, can you hear me?
My father, James Ketchel Bishop, was born 100 years ago on Oct 26, 1919 in Branson, Missouri to Grace Mae Lefler Bishop and Allen Kitchel Bishop. Though my blog is about how plants have affected my life, this post doesn’t
Machu Picchu
In October 2019, the author joined a unique plant expedition to Peru, focusing on native cacti and bromeliads, alongside a visit to Machu Picchu. Inspired by Inca history, they explored the ancient site amidst fog and rain, experiencing its stunning
Peruvian Puya Pursuit
In September, a plant expedition tour in Peru focused on cacti and bromeliads, offering a unique experience beyond typical gardens. The journey included crossing the Andes, visiting cultural sites, and witnessing the rare Puya raimondii in Huascarán National Park. The
Malvern Spring Festival & Chelsea Garden Showq
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 Chelsea Garden Show has been cancelled. How tired we all are of reading those words about our favorite garden tour, events and meetings. However, as I mentioned in my October 2019 column about
Powis Castle Garden
In May, I participated in the Pacific Horticulture tour of Wales, visiting various gardens and two notable garden shows: Malvern and Chelsea. Powis Castle was a highlight, featuring stunning terrace gardens with unique plants and historic architecture. The tour showcased
Off to Keukenhof
In May of 2019, Scott and I finally decided it was time to visit the tulip fields at Keukenhof in the Netherlands – described as the largest flower garden in the world. We’ve known about the tulip display for decades
Borrego Bonanza
The spring 2019, bloom in the Anza Borrego Desert was spectacular. Who knew after the super bloom in 2017 that just 2 years later there would be an even better bloom? The desert received frequent rains beginning October through February.
Salton Sea Highway Bloom
The spring 2019, bloom in the Anza Borrego Desert was spectacular. Who knew after the super bloom in 2017 that just 2 years later there would be an even better bloom? The desert received frequent rains beginning October through February.
The Riads of Morocco
In my previous post I wrote about the agriculture in Morocco as we had observed it on a trip there in November 2018. Morocco, however, is more famous for its beautiful architecture and gardens. Riads A riad is a classical Moroccan house,
The Road to Marrakech
They said each rug is unique, but we saw identical ones many times. In November 2018 we traveled with a group of friends to tour Morocco. It had been on our travel wish list for a while. Morocco has mosques,