Past Garden Excursions

Located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 900 miles west of mainland Portugal, the Azores are an archipelago of nine tropical islands. Due to the marine influence, daytime temperatures range between 61 and 77 degrees F, depending on the season. This September, when temperatures were still warm but after the height of the vacation season, Xylem Excursions traveled with a small group to the islands. The largest island, São Miguel, is about a five-hour flight from major airports on the east coast.

All of the islands have volcanic origins and provide scenic ocean views, breathtaking landscapes, and lush vegetation punctuated by intense blue hydrangeas.  While on the island of São Miguel, the group visited two major calderas: Sete Cidades (Seven Cities), a volcanic crater containing twin lakes, and the Furnas caldera, known for its geothermal activity. The two pristine lakes of Sete Cidades are known as the Green Lake and the Blue Lake, named because each lake reflects the sunlight in different shades of blue and green.

At Furnas caldera, we saw boiling mud pools, steam vents, and hot springs. One area of the caldera is designated for cooking the famous caldera stew. Various meats and vegetables are layered in a cast-iron pot and are cooked for six hours by the underground steam.

Realizing the fertility of volcanic soil, the Azoreans have embraced this mineral-rich substrate to cultivate agricultural crops, especially wine grapes. On the island of Pico, 15th-century farmers built basalt-stone walls, creating thousands of small rectangular plots that stretch toward the sea. Now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the walls shield the vines from the ocean winds and yield a wine celebrated for its distinctive taste and character.

Throughout the city streets and sidewalks of the Azores, black basalt and creamy white limestone are carefully set into the ground to form striking geometric patterns. These black-and-white mosaics, an iconic element of Portuguese culture, ripple across plazas and promenades like intricate stone tapestries.

From the vibrant flavors of its coastal kitchens to the quiet magic of cliffside pools and winding trails, the Azores invite you to slow down and savor every moment. Whether you’re exploring volcanic landscapes, gazing out over endless blue horizons, or simply soaking in the islands’ warm, unhurried spirit, each experience leaves you with a deeper connection to this remarkable archipelago. 

We fully immersed ourselves in the essence of France. We took a picturesque river cruise on the Seine, enjoying breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and other iconic Parisian landmarks. Our journey included visits to the renowned gardens of Giverny and Versailles before boarding the high-speed train to Provence, where we marveled at the beautiful lavender fields. Additionally, we toured a local goat farm and sampled the delightful cheese made there. In Grasse, we explored a perfume garden and engaged in a hands-on workshop with an expert perfumer, learning the art of fragrance creation. Finally, in Nice, we had an unforgettable experience at the Villa and Gardens of Ephrussi de Rothschild.

This tour was a gardener's dream come true! It started with a full day at the Hampton Court Flower Show, showcasing stunning floral displays including agapanthus, carnation, primrose, and succulents, along with beautiful display gardens. In the tranquil Lake District, we explored Rydal Mount, the home and garden of poet William Wordsworth, and visited Hill Top, where Beatrix Potter's original artwork is displayed in her charming 17th-century cottage. After a relaxing stay at a quaint hotel overlooking Lake Windermere, we discovered Gresgarth Hall, designed by the renowned Arabella Lenox-Boyd, Sizergh Castle's award-winning limestone rock garden, and the delightful Holehird Garden, maintained by dedicated volunteers. Finally, we journeyed to Scotland to visit the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, along with Branklyn Garden and Cambo Gardens, rounding out this unforgettable experience!

Ireland truly captivated us with its lush hillsides, stunning gardens, delicious food, and the warmth of its people. During our time in Dublin, we explored the enchanting Powerscourt and several remarkable private gardens—details of which you can find in our blog. We also visited the historic Blarney Castle, where some adventurous guests kissed the famous stone, and reveled in the beautiful gardens that surrounded it. Other highlights included the Irish National Stud, Cashel Rock, and the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula, culminating in a memorable ferry ride to the Aran Islands, with unparalleled views beneath the iconic Cliffs of Moher.