Inspiring Brandywine Valley

ITINERARY

GARDENS AT A GLANCE

DETAILS

Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate strives to operate according to our published itinerary. However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control or opportunities that would enhance the itinerary, adjustments may be necessary.

Day 1, Saturday, June 8: ARRIVAL

Tour members arrange their own transportation to our hotel (to be announced), where reservations have been made for them. This will be our home base for our entire time together.

We will gather for a welcome dinner this evening (included in tour price).

Days 2–6, Sunday, June 9–Thursday, June 13: GARDEN TOURS!

Every morning we’ll have breakfast, then depart together to visit gardens in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania and Delaware. On three days we’ll enjoy lunch together (included), and on two days you’ll be able to explore an area and find lunch on your own if you wish. At the end of our day of touring, we’ll gather for a meal together on two of the evenings (included), and on three tour evenings tour members can choose where they wish to dine on their own.

Garden Visits:

Longwood Gardens is a captivating horticultural wonderland nestled in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Founded by industrialist Pierre S. du Pont in the early 20th century, Longwood Gardens has evolved into a world-renowned destination for nature enthusiasts, offering diverse plants from around the globe. Visitors can explore this botanical paradise’s lush gardens, marvel at the intricately designed fountains, and immerse themselves in the beauty of its conservatories, which house an impressive collection of exotic plants. Longwood Gardens is a testament to horticultural excellence and a sanctuary where visitors can find inspiration, tranquility, and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Nemours Estate is a picturesque estate in Wilmington, Delaware, and the largest French formal garden in the United States. This enchanting oasis was created by Alfred I. du Pont, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist, as a tribute to his love for the natural world and his French heritage and as a gift for his second wife, Alicia. The garden, spread over 200 acres, features exquisite formal French-style designs, ornate fountains, and meticulously manicured lawns. It is complemented by the stunning Nemours Mansion, a grand chateau inspired by the Versailles Palace in France. Nemours Garden offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the early 20th century while providing a serene and contemplative environment to appreciate the beauty of its landscape.

Winterthur Gardens is a botanical treasure trove that seamlessly blends the beauty of nature with the elegance of a historic estate. These gardens in Wilmington, Delaware, are an integral part of the Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library, which was once the home of Henry Francis du Pont. The gardens feature an impressive collection of plants, including rare and native species, artfully arranged in themed areas that reflect different garden styles and periods. Winterthur Gardens offers visitors a diverse landscape, from the dazzling azaleas and rhododendrons in the Enchanted Woods to the serene, reflective pools of the Sundial Garden. This living museum is a testament to du Pont's passion for horticulture and a place where art, history, and nature converge to create an extraordinary and educational experience for all who visit.

Chanticleer, nestled in Wayne, Pennsylvania, is often referred to as a "pleasure garden," where the boundaries of traditional gardening are pushed to create an immersive and ever-evolving experience for visitors. Chanticleer's charm lies in its diverse and beautifully designed spaces, from the serene Ruin Garden with its historic stone structures to the playful Gravel Garden filled with colorful succulents. Chanticleer Gardens is not merely a place to admire nature's beauty but a canvas where the boundaries of garden design are explored, making it a must-visit destination for garden enthusiasts and those seeking inspiration in the world of landscape architecture.

Patterns Garden is a hidden gem in Wilmington, Delaware, captivating visitors with its harmonious blend of art and nature. The home of Elise du Pont, it was designed in 1967 by I.W. Colburn, the AIA Architect of the Year in 1960. This enchanting garden is a testament to the marriage of creativity and horticulture, where meticulously designed landscapes form intricate patterns and displays. Its design is based on a geometric pattern of 20x20-foot squares and circles, played out in the house and its courtyard. Patterns is situated on 10 acres overlooking the Brandywine River. Its serene ambiance and meticulously manicured greenery make it an idyllic oasis for leisurely strolls and contemplative moments.

Brandywine Cottage, nurtured by the skilled hands and artistic vision of David Culp, stands as a horticultural masterpiece in the heart of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. The 1790's farmhouse and adjoining 2 acres were purchased in 1990. It's located between the forks of the Brandywine River and nestled into the hillside. This garden is a captivating tapestry of color and texture, highlighting each of the four seasons. From the meandering pathways to the enchanting perennial borders, this garden invites visitors to wander and discover its ever-evolving beauty.

Renowned plantsman and horticulturist Andrew Bunting has transformed his home garden, Belvidere, into a living work of art featuring an extraordinary array of rare and exotic plants, including extensive collections of magnolias, rhododendrons and hydrangeas. The garden's layout highlights Bunting's deep knowledge of plants and his keen eye for design. The front of the Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, house features a gravel garden that uses water-wise plantings. In contrast, the back garden has a more Mediterranean feel. The summer house will delight guests with a tropical entrance garden planted with red Abyssinian bananas, bromeliads, and cannas during the summer. Andrew is the Vice President of Horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Dan Benarcik and Peggy Anne Montgomery's garden is a testament to their shared passion for horticulture and landscape design. Their modest home is sited well forward on the property, leaving an ample space in the back for guests to wander from room to room; a carved-out grotto, a gravel garden, sunny pollinator borders, a "Little Minnesota" fire pit area, and a secret garden at the very back for the littlest visitors, softened with moss-covered paths. Many of the plants on the property were gifts from friends brought back from plant-hunting trips around the globe. The stories of their friends and the origins of the plants are the heart and soul of the place and dearest to the couple. Guests will be invited into The Fort Dan built for Peggy Anne so they can spend their evening outdoors free of mosquitoes, and entertain their friends and family. The gravel garden was featured on the cover of Kelly Norris’ "New Naturalism" book. More recently, they were honored to be included in "American Roots" by Allison and Nick McCullough, along with Teresa Woodward.

Carol Verhake, the owner and creative force behind Lasting Landscapes by Carol, is an accomplished horticulturist and landscape designer whose passion for gardening has left an indelible mark on her community. With a wealth of knowledge and an eye for detail, Carol has transformed countless outdoor spaces into breathtaking gardens that captivate the senses. Her deep understanding of plants, coupled with her innovative design concepts, results in landscapes that are aesthetically pleasing, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. We’ll visit her home garden, Boulder Haven, which showcases her talents and interests and serves as a proving ground for new ideas.

Nima Marsh’s mature and majestic garden is an inspiration. When she arrived at her new home on top of rolling Pennsylvania pastures four decades ago, Nima saw a sun-filled blank canvas waiting for a gardener’s touch. Now, with layers of trees and shrubs, rich texture and meaningful themes, it’s a space that’s been shaped by the experience and personality of a gardener who has poured her effort into crafting a garden of idyllic beauty. An Asian-influenced strolling garden, a golden perennial bed and a poolside pollinator haven are some of the themes that Nima unifies with a dose of her personality and an emphasis on texture. Be sure to ask her how she manages such a beautiful garden amidst frequent deer visits too!

Day 7, Friday, June 14: DEPARTURE

Our time together has ended, but garden lovers always find fresh inspiration wherever they are. Tour members can choose to return home or carry on the adventure.

Contact 800-341-4769 or gardentravel@aimmedia.com for more information.

PRICING

Tour price:

$3,895 (USD) per person, double occupancy

$4,995 (USD) per person, single occupancy

Tour price includes:

• All 3-star hotel accommodations
• All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners, including tips
• Admission to all gardens, including tips
• Comfortable coach transport
• Friendly and knowledgeable professional tour coordinator
• Design and botanical expertise of your Horticulture & Garden Gate host

Tour price excludes:

• Transportation to and from the hotel near Philadelphia (location to be announced)
• Travel Insurance (recommended)
• 3 dinners, 2 lunches, most drinks, including water, and snacks
• Breakfast & lunch on arrival day, and lunch & dinner on departure day

Payment schedule:

A $1,000.00 (USD) deposit is due when you book your tour.

Final payment, in full, is due on April 5, 2024.

After April 5, please contact us to confirm that there are still spots available on this tour. If we are able to accommodate your reservation, full payment, reservation form and proof of insurance will be due immediately.

NOTE: Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate offers thoughtfully arranged garden tours. Each tour is guaranteed to proceed as soon as the minimum of 20 reservations has been met. If our reservation minimum is not met, Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate reserves the right to cancel the tour. Deposits/payments will be refunded in full if the tour is canceled.

If you need to cancel your reservation, the deposit and final payment are fully refundable until the deposit deadline, March 15. After March 15, we are not able to refund the deposit. After April 5, no refunds for deposit or final payment will be issued.

Please DO NOT make your airline reservations until Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate has guaranteed (by email) that the tour will proceed.

Contact 800-341-4769 or gardentravel@aimmedia.com for more information.

ACCOMMODATIONS

3-Star Relaxation & Comfortable Coach Travel

Hotel Accommodations

After a day filled with garden inspiration and botanical discoveries, we will retire to the comfort of 3-star accommodations.

Hotel location to be announced.

Coach Travel

Daily transportation will be provided by a modern, comfortable coach operated by an experienced driver.

Contact 800-341-4769 or gardentravel@aimmedia.com for more information.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Responsibilities:

As the hosting organization, Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate provides reservation services and arranges for the tours of the garden sites. It has contracted ground transportation, lodging, accommodations, and meal with other service providers. Each service provider is solely responsible to the participant for providing their respective services.

By making a reservation for a tour hosted by Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate, the participant certifies that she/he does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate reserves the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on a tour hosted by Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate.

Price:

The tour prices in this agreement are based upon current exchange rates, tariffs, and taxes. Fluctuations in these rates could result in a price adjustment without prior notice until the tour is paid in full. Once the price for the tour is paid in full, the fee will not be adjusted due to any later change in exchange rates, tariffs or taxes.

Liabilities & Booking Conditions:

Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate will have responsibility only for the proven negligent acts and omissions of its employees or agents and suppliers, subcontractors, servants, and/or agents of the same while acting within the scope of or in the course of their employment in respect of claims arising as a result of death, bodily injury, or illness caused to the signatory to the contract and/or any other named persons on the booking form.

Smoking:

All participants in tours hosted by Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate agree to comply with a non-smoking policy on all coaches, in restaurants, and in all lodging places.

Liability:

Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate has no responsibility or liability to any person for loss of baggage, money, or other property whatsoever. Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate has no responsibility or liability for any loss or additional expenses caused by delay or interruption to travel services through weather conditions (such as rain, wind, or fog), civil disturbance, riot, illegal acts of third parties, strikes, wars, floods, sickness or any circumstances amounting to Force Majeure.

Complaints:

In the unlikely event that you have a complaint, you must promptly notify the Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate host, so he/she can take remedial action on the spot. If the matter cannot be solved directly, any complaints must be submitted in writing to Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate within 20 days after the date of your return.

Your tour canceled by us:

Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate aims to provide your tour as booked. We reserve the right to cancel your tour under any circumstances, but if we cancel your tour, except where this is because you have not paid, you will receive a full refund.

Changes in itinerary details:

Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate strives to operate according to the published itinerary. However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control or opportunities that would enhance the itinerary, adjustments may be necessary or appropriate. Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate reserves the right, without penalty, to make changes in the agreed-upon itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants. Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate will let you know about any significant changes as soon as possible if there is time before your departure. Otherwise, we will announce changes on the tour.

Cancellations:

If you should need to withdraw from the tour for whatever reason, you must notify Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate in writing. Cancellation becomes effective when written notice is received. Deposits and final payments will be refunded for cancellations made before the deposit deadline (March 15, 2024). Deposits are nonrefundable for cancellations made between March 15 and the final payment deadline, April 5, 2024. There will be no refunds from Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate on or after the final payment deadline.

Insurance:

Travel insurance is recommended in case you need to cancel your trip after the final payment deadline, you have health emergencies while on the tour, or other unforeseen issues arise. Squaremouth and Insure My Trip are two travel insurance search sites. If you are under 70 years old, World Nomads is usually an economical travel insurance choice.

Health & Safety:

Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate follows COVID-19 safety updates from the CDC and our destination countries.

Photography notice:

Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate will be taking photos and videos of the gardens for future editorial and promotional use. Tour participants may occasionally appear in these images.

Contact 800-341-4769 or gardentravel@aimmedia.com for more information.

RESERVATIONS

Secure your reservation:

To reserve your spot on this tour:

1. Fill out and submit the online reservation form.
   Reservation Form
2. Submit your tour deposit of $1,000 USD by calling 800-341-4769 or completing a checkout through our online store.
   Pay Deposit Online

Questions? Contact us at gardentravel@aimmedia.com or 800-341-4769. We would love to chat with you about this exciting trip!

Note: After April 5, 2024, please contact us to confirm that there are still spots available on this tour. If we are able to accommodate your reservation, full payment, reservation form and proof of insurance will be due immediately.

Payment details:

Deposit amount: $1,000 USD

Full payment:
$3,895 (USD) per person, double occupancy
$4,995 (USD) per person, single occupancy

Note: For reservations made after April 5, 2024, the full payment will be due immediately.

Additional information about the Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate tour costs, including details about inclusions and exclusions, can be viewed under “Pricing”.

PLEASE NOTE: Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate reserves the right to cancel the tour. Deposits/payments will be refunded in full if the tour is canceled.

Garden Travel with Horticulture & Garden Gate follows COVID-19 safety updates from the CDC and our destination countries.

Contact 800-341-4769 or gardentravel@aimmedia.com for more information.

YOUR TOUR HOSTS

Contact 800-341-4769 or gardentravel@aimmedia.com for more information.