ASA Garden tours
STEPHEN RYAN’S tourS
My obsession with plants has led me to travel extensively in many parts of the world looking at both gardens and plants in their natural habitat. These plant hunting and garden visit tours have included such places as India, New Guinea, Fiji, New Caledonia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, France, England, Ireland, Crete, Namibia, South Africa, Madagascar, New Zealand and Pacific North West USA.
The Living Eden: Madagascar’s Unique Flora and Fauna
7 Sept – 27 Sept 2026
Waitlist
Explore Madagascar’s rich and unique wildlife habitats, venturing into exquisite national parks and reserves ranging from semi-tropical rainforests, succulent and spiny thicket, rocky landscapes of the central west and the spectacular mineral forest (karst spires) of the Tsingy de Bemaraha.
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Autumn in the Macedon Ranges
13 Apr – 16 Apr 2027
Spaces Available
Exploring the spectacular autumn colours of the Macedon Ranges. Visit private gardens, several rarely open to the public, including Stephen’s own Tugurium and Mt Macedon’s magnificent 19th-century ‘hill station’ gardens. Tour Bolobek’s four-hectare garden with owner Brigid Robertson, and an exceptional garden by acclaimed designer Tim Pilgrim. Dine at Daylesford’s Bistro Terroir, led by former Michelin two-star chef Matthew Carnell, and stay at the historic Mineral Springs Hotel, originally a 1930s guesthouse.
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Gardens, Art, Villages & Châteaux of Normandy and Brittany
6 Jun – 21 Jun 2027
Limited Places
Discover the cultural and natural beauty of Normandy and Brittany, two of France’s most historic and picturesque regions. Visit renowned horticultural collections and remarkable private gardens, including Vastérival, Pellinec, Kerdalo, Le Bois des Moutiers by Sir Edwyn Lutyens, and Château Miromesnil, birthplace of Guy de Maupassant. Explore dramatic coastlines and sites associated with the Impressionists, visit historic abbeys and cathedrals, and wander through some of France’s most beautiful villages. Experience local life through vibrant markets, regional cuisine, and traditional specialities.
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Iconic Gardens, Celebrated Plant Collections & Natural Landscapes of Ireland
27 Jun – 14 Jul 2027
LIMITED PLACES
Explore Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history and remarkable gardening heritage. Travel through rugged coastlines, glaciated valleys and the unique limestone landscapes of the Burren, while discovering celebrated private gardens, many guided by their owners. Visit historic castles, great estates and world-renowned plant collections, from formal Victorian gardens to naturalistic landscapes inspired by Irish-born plantsman William Robinson. Along the way, encounter ancient monasteries, prehistoric monuments and UNESCO World Heritage sites, enjoy wildlife-rich coastal cruises, and gain insight into the people, traditions and landscapes that have shaped Ireland’s distinctive cultural and horticultural character.
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Natural Landscapes & Gardens of Madeira & the Azores 2028
20 May – 7 Jun 2028
SPACES AVAILABLE
Explore the breathtaking subtropical regions of Madeira and the Azores, an enchanting archipelago rich in natural beauty and picturesque towns. Discover the islands’ long history, set against a backdrop of lush landscapes filled with a vibrant flora and stunning waterfalls cascading into turquoise lagoons. Wander through the verdant wonderland of the primeval laurel forest; encounter a diverse ecosystem teeming with unique plant species; meet Madeira’s leading environmentalist; explore the lava tubes formed millions of years ago, unveiling the geological history that shaped the region; and join a marine biologist to delight in the antics of sperm whales and dolphins and much more!
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The Living Eden: Madagascar’s Unique Flora and Fauna 2028
11 Sep – 1 Oct 2028
SPACES AVAILABLE
Explore Madagascar, one of the worlds botanical and zoological hotspots with its rich and unique wildlife habitats. Venture into exquisite national parks and reserves ranging from semi-tropical rainforests, succulent and spiny thicket, rocky landscapes of the central west and the spectacular mineral forest (karst spires) of the Tsingy de Bemaraha. Learn about Madagascar’s fascinating blend of Austronesian and East African history and cultures, view the spectacular Avenue of the Baobabs, get up close to the many species of endearing lemurs and hear the call of the Indri across the Andasibe rainforest.
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tourS WITH CRAIG LIDGERwood
Accomplished Botanical artist who exhibits widely, Craig leads garden tours with Stephen Ryan, whose ‘Dicksonia Rare Plants Manual’ he illustrated and also with horticulturalist, Sabrina Hahn. Craig joined ASA in 2009 and co-leads tours to France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Madagascar, New Zealand & Western Australia.
Join Craig Lidgerwood on the following Australian tours
Western Australia: Wildflowers, Wineries and Private Gardens of the South West 2026
24 Sep – 6 Oct 2026
limited places
Join horticulturalist Sabrina Hahn and assisted by botanical artist Craig Lidgerwood on this diverse tour visiting WA’s best wineries, gardens & natural landscapes during the state’s famed wildflower season. You will journey to remote and spectacular areas unlike anywhere else in Australia, from tall karri forests to vast coastal sand plains rich in diversity and the ancient granite domes of the Porongurup Range to some of the most prestigious wine areas of Margaret River.
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Tasmania: Art, Spring Gardens, Cradle Mountain & Freycinet National Park 2026
15 Nov – 25 Nov 2026
Limited Places
Join horticulturalist Sabrina Hahn and assisted by botanical artist Craig Lidgerwood, as they explore the island state of Tasmania with its fascinating history and art, beautiful gardens, quaint historic villages and delicious food and wine. Explores a range of private gardens, working farms, art galleries, gourmet restaurants and the world-famous Freycinet and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clare National Parks during spring, when the roses and peonies are blooming and the landscape is lush and green.
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