International garden tour: a concise orientation before we get practical.
International garden tour: Quick notes
Confession: It took me nearly two weeks to unpack my suitcase from our first Fine Gardening tour in 2025. Not because I’m a procrastinator (well, I am but not generally about unpacking), but because each time I went to take something out of my bag, I found myself replaying a memory from the trip. A small terra-cotta pot from a Bath potter that I purchased at Special Plants Nursery reminded me of the nursery owner, Derry Watkins, and finding out she was originally from Connecticut, just like me. The map of the gardens at Hauser & Wirth in Somerset designed by Dutchman Piet Oudolf recalled the delicious red wine we shared at a group luncheon on-site. The conversations. The shared awe. The feeling that we weren’t just seeing gardens, but understanding them in a deeper, more meaningful way.
So, when we began planning our 2026 tour to the Netherlands, I felt that same spark return—only this time, it came with confidence. We had learned what worked, what surprised us, and what made the experience feel special rather than scripted. And now, we get to build on that success. Was it pulling that map out of my worse-for-wear suitcase that inspired the location choice for our 2026 tour? We may never know!
One of the things I’m most excited about this year is welcoming Annie Guilfoyle back into the fold. Having Annie with us again feels a bit like traveling with a trusted guide who also happens to know everyone you’d really want to meet. Through her connections, we’ll be stepping into private gardens and design conversations that go far beyond the usual tour experience—perhaps most notably with Tom de Witte, whose personal garden is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s layered, thoughtful, and deeply expressive, and I already know it’s going to be one of those gardens people talk about long after we return home.
Then there’s Arjan Boekel’s Superbloom project in Arnhem, which I can’t stop thinking about. In my mind, this space is the Netherlands equivalent of Chicago’s Lurie Garden, designed unsurprisingly by another Dutch native, Piet Oudolf. Superbloom is a powerful example of what’s possible when creativity, persistence, and ecological thinking collide. Built on a former industrial site and subjected to brutal conditions—hot sun, poor soil, hardscaping constraints—the landscape is vibrant, resilient, and full of life. I’m especially looking forward to spending time with Arjan himself. His energy is contagious, and hearing firsthand how he transformed such a challenging site into something so joyful will likely be a highlight of the entire trip.
Another moment I’m especially looking forward to is our visit to the gardens of Mien Ruys. As a truly groundbreaking female landscape architect, her influence reaches far beyond the Netherlands, shaping modern garden design around the world. Learning more about her life and legacy—especially alongside fellow gardeners—feels deeply meaningful to me. As a woman who has made horticulture her career, standing in a place created by someone who helped pave that path will be a peak moment, no question.
I also want to take a moment to say thank you to Kristin Beane Sullivan from our sister publication, Garden Gate. Kristin has led a garden tour to the Netherlands before, and her insight has been invaluable. Knowing what to embrace—and just as importantly, what to avoid—has helped us shape this tour into something thoughtful, seamless, and truly enriching. Her guidance has made this experience better in ways both big and small.
And finally, I’m thrilled that Fine Gardening editor Carol Collins will be joining us on the journey. Having another staffer along for the ride (a canal boat ride, in this case) adds an extra layer of fun and camaraderie. There’s something special about sharing these moments not just with readers, but with colleagues who love gardens as much as I do.
This tour feels like a celebration—not just of Dutch garden design, but of curiosity, connection, and the joy of learning together. I can’t wait to see where these gardens take us next.
Looking forward to seeing you there,
Danielle
P.S. I have it on good authority the Netherlands is a bit of a foodies’ paradise, too. In case you’re wondering what I’m most looking forward to trying, the answer is simple: Bossche bol. It’s a large cream puff filled with whipped cream and covered in chocolate. Holy yum.
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