Join Berkshire Botanical Garden and Classical Excursions as we discover the gardens of the Netherlands.

Here's the Itinerary.

Here's the Registration Form.

Since the Age of Discovery in the 15th Century, the Dutch have explored the world. Their ships reached the Americas, South Africa, and to Australia. This incredible expansion of empire led to the founding of the Dutch East India Company in 1602 and the Dutch West India Company in 1621. These titans of trade introduced hundreds of species to the shores of the Netherlands after their journeys.

Only a few years later, in 1638, Hortus Botanicas was constructed in the heart of Amsterdam, featuring botanical treasurers brought back by these explorers and traders. Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest Botanical Gardens in Europe and one of the many sites we will enjoy on our journey. Classical gardens on grand estates and intimate lush city gardens are a staple of the Dutch landscape.

JIn the 1980s, a new style emerged that would change the face of gardening across the Netherlands and around the world. The Dutch New Wave Garden movement promoted a naturalistic approach to planting design embraced and emulated worldwide. Piet Ouldolf, the movement's most prominent designer, has described his process this way, "My biggest inspiration is nature. I do not want to copy it but to recreate the emotion."
 

Traveling through the Netherlands, we will immerse ourselves in the gardens of Ouldolf and his contemporaries. As a group, we will find ourselves exploring the intersection of these classical and modern approaches to garden design. Our travels will take us from historic gardens to castles, charming towns, and exciting contemporary spaces. We hope you join us as we explore the great gardens of the Netherlands.

Join BBG and Classical Excursions as we explore the great gardens of the Netherlands. All registrations are processed by Classical Excursions. Please contact lani@classicalexcursions.com or jpatton@berkshirebotanical.org for more information.