In January of 2020, Sarah, my daughter and I traveled through England and Scotland prior to her studying abroad in the Czech Republic. It was a trip that brought that brought us closer together and filled our souls with happiness and peace. That peace was very much needed as the world starting closing down just a few weeks later and all of our lives would be forever changed. Gardening and travel are similar in that they both have scientifically proven health benefits. Traveling relieves stress, enhances creativity and lowers the risk of depression. Women who travel twice a year have a significantly decreased risk of having a heart attack. Men who do not travel annually have a 20% increased chance of death. Mental, physical, and emotional health is positively affected through travel. For this column, I asked Bernice Bakley, owner of Huntley Travel, to give us some insight into what lead her to pursue a career in travel and use her expertise to give us information about gardens around the world.
Bernice, can you tell us a bit about your experience in the field of travel?
Huntley Travel celebrated 32 years in business in 2022. I began my career in travel in 1984 after attending a travel school called Southeastern Academy in Florida. I started out with a small airline at Chicago O’Hare airport and then worked for a travel agency in Woodstock for a year. I went back to the airport for a short time and eventually went back to the travel agency and ultimately bought the agency in June of 1990 Woodstock Travel, Ltd. was born. In June of 1994 I opened Huntley Travel and in 1996 I closed the Woodstock Travel office.
What lead you to assist homeowners as they travel?
My passion for travel comes from my father; he loved to travel. I enjoy talking with people and travel so being a travel agent came naturally.
Through your professional experience helping thousands of people travel around the world, can you give us some insight as to the ‘must see’ gardens in Europe?
There are many tour operators that offer a variety of escorted tours, some of which focus on gardens. Collette Vacations, Globus and Mayflower tours are just a few that will offer escorted tours and even river cruises.
Keukenhof, one of the world’s largest flower gardens in Lisse, The Netherlands, is also known as the “Garden of Europe,”. Keukenhof Park itself is one of the largest flower gardens in the world, with about seven million flowering bulbs planted every year.
Claude Monet’s Garden in Giverny, France. There is a flower garden in front of the house, with arches and a natural layout of daisies, poppies, and rare flowers. On the other side is the Japanese inspired water garden. You will find: wisteria, arched bridges, bamboo, and weeping willows. This garden is located 80km west of Paris, in Normandy.
Bodnant Gardens, Wales has a gorgeous hillside setting with intimate areas and grand terraces. The garden is home to the earliest laburnum arch built in 1880 and unique hybrids.
Kew Gardens in London. This is the largest UNESCO World Heritage site. At the arboretum, there is a collection of over 14,000 rare and ancient trees. The Princess of Wales Conservatory houses plants from 10 different climate zones.
Rose Garden, Spain. During the months of May and June roses bloom inside Western Park in Madrid. It is recommended that visits take place spring and summer when the roses are in bloom.
For someone who wanted to stay in North America – are there any places in Canada recommend they visit to see beautiful vistas?
Banff National Park, located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is an outdoor lover’s dream with top attractions and beautiful scenes that include Vermillion Lakes, The Three Sisters, and Moraine Lake.
Jasper National Park, Alberta located in the Canadian Rockies. There are waterfalls and glacial lakes in this national park. The Jasper Sky Tram gives you 50 miles of views from 7472 feet up Whistlers Mountain. Ice fields Parkway is one of the world’s most scenic drives.
Niagara Falls, Ontario. This is linked with the US by the Rainbow Bridge. The western shore overlooks the Horseshoe Falls. There are cliffside parks and elevators that take visitors to a lower vantage point behind the falls.
What about Mexico?
Playa Del Carmen and the Riviera Maya The Yucatan peninsula is on the southern tip of Eastern Mexico. There are national parks, underground lakes known as cenotes, pristine beaches, and unique geology. A day trip to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve will allow you to observe wildlife and marine life.
Coast of Cabo San Lucas This area is home to the stunning natural Cabo San Lucas Arch and amazing beaches,
What would you consider the top 3 most beautiful cities in the United States as it relates to their natural beauty?
Of course everyone thinks of the Hawaiian Islands and Alaska but here are some lesser known beautiful cities:
Savannah, Georgia is separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River has manicured parks, oak trees covered with Spanish-moss, and beautiful architecture.
Telluride, Colorado is an old mining town, in the San Juan Mountains. It is set in a box canyon, surrounded by forested peaks.
Tucson Arizona is home to the Sonoran Desert. Five mountain ranges surround the city. The Saguaro National Park is a spectacular place to drive or hike.
For the true gardener, what might be on their bucket list as far as a dream vacation?
Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon is composed of eight traditional Japanese gardens and a cultural village.
Ryan-ji, Japan is a famous rock garden.
Of course, many of the above-mentioned gardens would be a bucket list item for any true gardener!
Many thanks to Bernice for this inspirational look at gardens around the world! The Portland Japanese Garden is first on my list of gardens to visit as Sarah has just begun graduate school at Oregon State University. Which one will you visit first?
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
