The Garden offers guided learning excursions to public and private gardens throughout the U.S. and abroad, usually accompanied by the Garden’s Executive Director, Frank Robinson. Each destination is carefully planned to provide “garden connoisseurs” with unique and often exclusive experiences in landscapes that combine exquisite design and outstanding plant collections. Recent trips have explored the intimate gardens of Charleston, South Carolina; private country estates in Virginia’s Middleburg region; and country homes and gardens in Cornwall and Richmond upon Thames, Great Britain.

Ellen LeCompte, an independent agent with Sterling Brownell Travel, coordinates the Garden’s travel arrangements. Ellen has more than 20 years experience in the travel industry and has been recognized by Travel + Leisure magazine as the top London travel specialist in the nation for the past four years. She concentrates on small group travel for special interests including antiques, architecture, art, gardens, history and literature.

By design, these programs are limited to small groups of travelers, and reservations must be made well in advance to assure space. Most destinations require a significant amount of walking and are challenging for travelers with mobility issues.

Sterling Brownell Travel coordinator Ellen LeCompte plans a special itinerary, fine accommodations and meals, and horticultural highlights to educate and entertain you!  For more information, contact Ellen at 804-353-0075 ext. 3 or at ellen@sterlingtvl.com

Chicago: Emerald of the Midwest

New dates:  late April or early May, 2011

Contact Ellen LeCompte for details:  353-0075, ext. 3 or ellen@sterlingtvl.com

The “windy city” is now more renowned than ever for its highly ambitious and successful urban greening initiatives, led by visionary leaders who have made green roofs, lush public gardens and parks, and sustainable landscape design a civic priority.  Our friends at the Chicago Botanic Garden are assisting us as we plan a two-night, three-day tour of one of America’s greenest cities, including public spaces and personal garden retreats.

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