Frequently Asked Questions

2008 Hampton Court Flower Show and an In-depth Look at the Gardens of Gertrude Jekyll
Linda McHam, host
This tour is closed.

2009 Gardens of France with The Courson Flower Show & The Chaumont Flower Show
Linda McHam, host
TBD

"O wad some Power the giftie gie us
To see oursels as ithers see us!"
from "To A Louse," Robert Burns, 1785

My format is different from most tours and I want you to know what the tours are about before you sign up. You'll be happier in the long run. Here are some of the most often asked questions and the answers. If you have other questions, please telephone or e-mail me and I will be happy to discuss the tours with you.

What is an "ad hoc" tour?
"Ad hoc" means "for this" in the Latin language. Webster's dictionary defines "ad hoc" this way: for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application. I design each garden tour on an individual basis to experience unique gardens and shows, hopefully with people who like the same things I do.

Why would someone want to go on your tour?
The great gardens, the people, a relaxing pace and the fun.

How would you rate your tours?
Food: very good
Hotels: very good
Gardens (most of them): great!
People on the tour (most of them): great!
Fun: a lot!

Do you hire local guides and head gardeners?
This year I have arranged for a driver/guide which should be entertaining. Sometimes the head gardener will give us a short talk or a director will give us some background, but never to the exclusion of time to wander at will.

Why do you call yourself a tour HOST and not a tour GUIDE?
Simple. I'm not a guide. A host invites you to attend an event and provides the opportunity for you to meet and mingle with other people who like the same things. That's what I do.

How do you choose the gardens and shows?
I read constantly and then select the gardens that offer the best of design, horticulture and history within reasonable proximity of each other.

Do you repeat your tours?
I don't repeat any tour exactly. Fabulous new gardens are being created every year so I mix these with the classics which we all like to see. As Michael Dirr says: "So many gardens, so little time." I may re-visit an area of a country, but I try to see as many new gardens as possible each tour. 'Ars longa, vita brevis.' (Art is eternal, life is brief.)

Linda McHam atop the BA-LondonEye,
May 2002, photo by Linda Cobb

Please join us on our next tour — you can't see these fabulous gardens if you stay home!

How does the Chelsea Flower Show work?
The Chelsea Flower Show is run by the Royal Horticultural Society and open for one week (five days), in late May. In 2004, the show was open for the first time on Saturday as well. The first day (Monday) is for royals and the press only. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are reserved for members of the Royal Horticultural Society. Thursdays and Fridays (and now Saturdays) are for the public. ALL tickets are sold in advance beginning in December and are usually sold out by the end of February. There are NO TICKETS SOLD at the door. Purchase your tickets early or join me on one of my tours to Chelsea!

Contrary to popular wisdom, the number of people attending the show for the four days is approximately the SAME on all show days. There are 150,000 people who see the show: 28,000 each on Tuesday and Wednesday; 32,000 each on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Note: if you want to avoid the crowds, go between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. The quality is the same on all days.

Why don't you plan more than one or two tours in a year?
I've tried but very few people have shown an interest in fall foliage or early spring bulbs so we just go in the peak flower periods, including a major flower show when possible. Let me know if you have 10-15 friends who want to go at other times. I can put together a great trip! However, you need to start planning the summer before the year you plan to travel.

Why do you act like one of the participants when you are on the tours?
I spend over 600 hours on each tour, personally designing the itinerary, promotional materials, revising my web site, contact with the ground operator and travel agent, and all participants. Also, I do all my planning more than a year to 18 months in advance so that I can enjoy the gardens and have the opportunity to mingle with the other people on the tour.

Are your tours designed for everyone?
No. I encourage you to come along if you are friendly, easy-going and fairly independent-minded. I'd love to travel with you!

All landscape photography, illustration, design, and layout © Linda T. McHam.
All photos registered with Digimarc ©. For more information, please contact:
Copper Beech Ventures, LLC / 1010 Andrews Farm Road / Spartanburg, SC 29302-2810 USA / (864) 582-1498
(please call or fax only between the hours of 8am-5pm Eastern time! Thanks.)
or contact Linda McHam at LTMcHam@copper-beech.com
Include your name and mailing address for priority details on future trips!
© Copper Beech Ventures, LLC 1998-2005 / Revised on Wednesday, March 12, 2008