Thu, June 09, 2011 - 11:23:00 | (0) Comments | Categories:

Women Traveling Together

I just returned from our annual English Garden Tour with a lovely small group of women.
The English weather was brilliant with spring temperatures exceptionally warm.  The roses were in bloom early and luscious in their variety of colors and scents. London theatre was fun with some of us seeing Priscilla Queen of The Desert and others off to Wicked. Tea at The Ritz never disappoints and is English culture at it's best. Our walking tour of London ended up by meeting our family friend at Westminster Abbey who was the organist for the Royal Wedding at the Abbey.  Shopping, museums and dining around all kept us immersed in all that London offers.  Leaving London and stopping at The Royal Horticultural flagship garden at Wisley changed the pace a bit.  Our docent offered our group inspiration and introduced us to the wide world of horticulture from around the world.  Heading to Kent, better known locally as The Garden of England, is a lovely contrast to London.  English country life moves at a slower pace.  Milk comes in glass bottles.  The butcher shop is still on the main street and gardens are everywhere.  From the smallest plot to large estates, gardening in England is glorious. This year I had the pleasure of meeting Fergus, the man known as the right hand to the late Christopher Lloyd, at Great Dixter.  He was moving some alliums around to make room for something else and I happened to ask him a question. He is ever ready to share his wealth of knowledge and is as humble as apple pie.  Fergus will be lecturing in America next week and I know those who hear him will be inspired.  Pub lunches and fine dining in the English countryside were part of our days.  I plan Vita Sackville West's gardens at Sissinghurst for our last garden visit on this tour. Wandering the outdoor living rooms filled with beauty leaves a lasting impression of wonder.  Travel for me is always an adventure that enriches, inspires and informs.  Traveling with other women on each tour, sharing stories, laughter and moments together, is the essence of Serendipity Traveler.  

 

 

 

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