News & Press

A Traveler’s Journey to Oregon with AHS

From August 19 to 23, a group of AHS travelers journeyed to Portland and the Willamette Valley with AHS Hosts Holly and Osamu Shimizu to explore the region’s iconic gardens, sustainable horticultural practices, and farm-to-table traditions.  AHS traveler and Extension Master Gardener Amy Krafft shared the fascinating account below of some of the special experiences the AHS group enjoyed during the trip.

If you’d like to learn about AHS travel programs, visit www.ahsgardening.org/travel or contact Mercedes Bryant at travel@ahsgardening.org.

 

Exploring Gardens in Oregon

A Trip with AHS
By Amy Krafft, Extension Master Gardener

In late August, I went on my first American Horticultural Society member trip to Portland, Oregon and the Willamette Valley for 5 days.  Led by AHS hosts Holly and Osamu Shimizu, we received a warm welcome everywhere we went, visiting a small family farm, a Pinot Noir vineyard, three beautiful botanical gardens, a Portland plant nursery, and the Annual Festival at Swan Island Dahlias. We also enjoyed the excellent Oregon farm-to-table scene eating our meals at a range of casual to fancy restaurants where seasonal dishes were made with locally grown ingredients from the surrounding Willamette Valley.

While visiting Marion Acres Farm in Hillsboro, I was excited to learn that this small pasture-based farm is successful in using the rotational grazing system pioneered by Joel Salatin, one of Virginia’s most famous farmers.  The pasture grazing system is holistic and sustainable by mimicking nature in harmony, where wild animals arrive in herds, eat, and move on to new pastures.  In this case the Black Angus cattle herd is followed by a mobile chicken coop to feed on the cow dung, leaving behind sufficient fertilizer to regrow the grassland to repeat the pasture grazing cycle again.

As a long-time conifer enthusiast, I was in conifer heaven seeing a tremendous variety of conifers growing in nearly perfect harmony at the Japanese Garden and the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland as well as at the Oregon Garden in Silverton.  At the Oregon Garden, I was delighted to see the very large dwarf conifer collection maintained as the Conifer Reference Garden by members of the American Conifer Society.

At this time I am still trying to select a few dahlia tubers to plant next Spring from over 375 types grown at Swan Island Dahlias.

While I have taken quite a few group trips, this AHS trip was certainly one of my all-time favorites.  Travelling with the Shimizus and a group of people who share a love of plants made for easy conversation and a very enjoyable trip.

Photos:
Right:  Portland Japanese Garden
Middle:  Oregon Garden, Silverton, OR
Left Top: Oregon Garden, Silverton, OR
Left Bottom: Lan Su Chinese Garden

News & Press

Exploration Awaits with the AHS in 2025: Hawaii, Italy, South Africa, and More!

As summer draws to a close and the colder months approach, we’ll soon be longing for verdant, sunlit destinations. An ideal tropical escape awaits: our AHS Hawaii program from April 27-May 3, 2025! Discover the islands of Kauai and Oahu, where horticultural wonders abound. Tour lush botanical gardens when closed to the public with the lead horticulturist. Marvel at iconic sites and enjoy exclusive tours at beautiful private homes and gardens. 

Dive into the program details below and enjoy a Q&A with Trip Host Keith Tomlinson, a renowned interpretive naturalist who studied at the University of Hawaii and worked in the Botany Department at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. A member of the AHS Horticultural Advisory Council, Keith looks forward to sharing his expert insights with AHS travelers on this special program. Plus, explore other upcoming AHS trips. Keep reading to learn more! 

 

Experience the Magic of Hawaii with the AHS  
Tropical Treasures: Hawaii’s Garden Delights & Lei Day Festivities 
April 27- May 3, 2025 
With AHS Host Keith Tomlinson 
Optional Extension: Big Island: May 3-7, 2025 

With its flourishing forests, breathtaking volcanic peaks, and crystal-clear waters, it’s no wonder that novelist and travel writer Paul Theroux observed, “Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace.” We’re thrilled to invite you to join the AHS for an unforgettable journey to explore its majestic landscapes, stunning gardens, and exotic birds. 

Explore the lush beauty of Limahuli Gardens on Kauai, where you’ll be immersed in vibrant flora and learn about the preservation of native and culturally significant plant species. Savor spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast and embark on tranquil walks in Koke’e State Park, home to rare forest birds and endemic plants. At Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, perched atop a 180-foot ocean bluff, observe rare seabirds and look for the Hawaiian goose (nēnē), as well as dolphins, seals, sea turtles, and humpback whales in the ocean below. Visit Common Ground Farm for a unique culinary experience and enjoy farm-to-table dishes showcasing the freshest local ingredients. Journey to Waimea Canyon State Park to marvel at the expansive Waimea Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Enjoy special tours of the McBryde & Allerton Gardens in Lawa’i Valley.

The journey continues on Oahu, where you’ll delve into its rich cultural and botanical heritage. Visit historic Pearl Harbor and the renowned Bishop Museum for a behind-the-scenes tour. Venture to the picturesque Manoa Valley for visits to the University of Hawaii’s Lyon Arboretum, home to over 5,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, and the Manoa Heritage Center, a living classroom dedicated to teaching Hawaii’s natural and cultural heritage. Explore Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden at the base of the Koolau mountains. As guests at a botanist’s private garden, learn about his efforts to cross-pollinate Ti plants and create new colors and textures. Delight in Lei Day, an annual celebration of Hawaiian culture. Participate in a festival in Kapiolani Park on May 1st that showcases the skill and artistry of Hawaii’s lei makers while enjoying local entertainment and hula performances.  

For those who want to deepen their exploration, an optional post-trip extension awaits on the Big Island. Witness the power of nature at Kilauea volcano with a resident volcanologist, explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and visit the stunning Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, the Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary, and the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Gardens. And enjoy a Kona coffee tour for a true taste of Hawaii! 

Explore More in 2025  

In addition to our breathtaking AHS Hawaii program, we’re offering a wide range of other remarkable travel experiences in 2025. Limited spots remain on the following programs: 

Floral Splendor and Artistry: Dutch Waterways by Private River Barge 
April 15-24, 2025 
Aboard the Magnifique IV 
With AHS Host Katie Tukey 
Optional Amsterdam Extension: April 24-26, 2025 

Embark on an enchanting spring cruise along picturesque Dutch waterways aboard the privately chartered river barge, Magnifique IV. Amidst blooming season, visit public and private gardens on expert-guided tours. 

Garden Wonders of Southern Italy: Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast 
May 21-29, 2025 
With AHS Host Joan Barclay 
Optional Extension: Pompeii and Paestum: May 19-21, 2025 

Join the AHS on an enchanting journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Naples, Sorrento, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast, when the springtime sun casts its magic, transforming seaside gardens into a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues. 

Highlands, Islands, and Fjords: Scotland, Orkney Islands, and Norway 
May 29-June 8, 2025 
Aboard Exploris One 
With AHS Hosts Holly and Osamu Shimizu 
Optional Pre-Trip Extension: Scottish Highlands: May 26-30, 2025 
Optional Post-Trip Extension: Oslo: June 8-11, 2025 

Experience an in-depth exploration of the magnificent landscapes, remote islands, blooming gardens, ancient settlements, and idyllic villages of the Scottish Highlands, Orkney Islands, and Norwegian fjords. 

South Africa’s Blooming Landscapes: Wildflowers, Nature Reserves, and Gardens 
August 24-September 6, 2025 
With AHS Hosts David and Janice Ellis 
Optional Extension: Blyde River Canyon & Wildlife Safari: 
September 5-11, 2025 

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa against the backdrop of wildflower season on our immersive AHS program designed to showcase the country’s rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and natural wonders. 

AHS travel programs offer a unique blend of garden-focused experiences and cultural immersion, making them ideal for holidays, anniversaries, or special celebrations. Whether traveling with loved ones or embarking on a solo adventure, you’ll find a welcoming AHS community and unforgettable experiences. 

We look forward to sharing these once-in-a-lifetime AHS adventures with you! Spaces are filling up quickly, so don’t miss out. For more information and to secure your spot, visit www.ahsgardening.org/travel, email travel@ahsgardening.org, or call Mercedes Bryant at (703) 768-8801. 
 
 

News & Press

Explore Bermuda with AHS

According to Forbes, “Bermuda serves as an ideal winter escape for adventurous travelers.”  Join AHS in Bermuda in December for an unforgettable journey!

Explore Bermuda’s breathtaking natural and cultural wonders, and enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of private gardens and museums. Venture into Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, a verdant, 64-acre conservation area. Furthermore, at Cooper’s Island, learn about the culling of invasive plants and replanting of native and endemic plants. On a visit to the Bermuda Natural History Museum, learn about the island’s unique geological history and diversity of habitats. Discover Bermuda’s most stunning underground natural attraction, the renowned Crystal Cave. Notably, its crystal-clear lake reflects pristine white stalactites.

To top it off, delight in visits to iconic cultural landmarks such as St. Peter’s Church and St. George’s. Fun fact: St. George’s is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that magically transforms into a glittering wonderland each year for the enchanting “Christmas Walkabout.” AHS travelers will have the special opportunity to participate in this festive winter holiday event!

Learn more and read an interview with AHS Trip Host Naomi Mermin, an environmental strategy consultant and urban garden advocate. As space is limited, visit http://www.ahsgardening.org/bermuda2024/ and register today!