Iford Manor draped in Wisteria: Peto Garden Photo © Alice Joyce

The magnificent architecture and historic landscape of the Harold Peto garden at Iford Manor is literally draped in the cascading, fragrant blooms in May.

Iford Garden Wisteria and Fountain Photo © Alice Joyce

Link to an earlier post, where I reveled in the artistic landscape of Iford Manor: The Harold Peto Garden

Hestercombe Wisteria Archway Photo © Alice Joyce

The historical importance of the gardens and the landscape architecture of Hestercombe must surely be on the bucket list of anyone who appreciates the exceptional Arts & Crafts style. At Hestercombe you’ll marvel at the teamwork of doyenne Gertrude Jekyll and master architecture, Edwin Lutyens.

Kensington Roof Gardens Wisteria Photo © Alice Joyce

A fabulous spot in London: After a delectable meal at Sir Richard Branson’s

Babylon restaurant… be sure to stroll the intimate roof gardens.

Monks House Wisteria Photo © Alice Joyce

My pilgrimage to Bloomsbury author, Virginia Woolf’s Monk’s House is among my most memorable garden visits in the English countryside.  Read more about this beautiful National Trust property that sparkles in Springtime…

Boasting an exciting itinerary – including a rare opportunity to visit private gardens in the countryside and coastal settings of Mallorca, an upcoming tour offered by the Pacific Horticulture Foundation has a few spaces available. Escorted by Katherine Greenberg, a designer with expertise spanning an in-depth knowledge of Spain and Mediterranean gardening, the tour promises insider status as participants experience gardens, fine cuisine, and art that sets Mallorca apart. 

A lovely fountain near the Cathedral of Palma.

Another highlight of this small group tour: Participants will explore Menorca, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, while experiencing the island’s fascinating archaeological sites and distinctive architecture.

Link to: Pacific Horticulture Tour Details

and the itinerary pdf.

The lake bordered by palm trees at Alfabia, a private garden dating from the Moorish period, featured in…

Great Gardens of Spain, by Anneli Bojstad and Eduardo Mencos .. reviewed on Alice’s Garden Travel Buzz.

Mallorca: Photo © Katherine Greenberg

The Pacific Horticulture Foundation web site features a trove of information for all who appreciate the world of flora and exceptional landscape design.

Photo Courtesy Napa Truffle Festival

January 13 – 16th: The second annual Napa Truffle Festival begins Friday at the Westin Verasa, Napa, taking in seminars, winery tours & tastings, and memorable meals. (The sold out event already has dates in place for the 2013 event.) On Monday, however, tickets can be purchased that day for a food and wine event celebrating the fabulous fungi at the Oxbow Public Market.

The event’s keynote speaker – a savvy insider in the world of food and travel -Barbara Fairchild is the former editor of Bon Appétit.

Napa Valley Photo © Alice Joyce

The Festival is an exciting concept, bringing in scientific experts to lead seminars dealing with the cultivation and economics of European truffles. Food lovers will bask in the presence of stars of the culinary realm, and the preparation of elegant cuisine calling attention to the earthy, flavorful allure of European truffles.

Boasting an impressive gathering of Michelin Star Chefs from the U.S. and Italy, Ken Frank of La Toque will presiding over cooking demonstrations, and the weekend’s culmination: a virtuoso Saturday evening dinner.

‘Wine Tasting’ category at the top of the Home Page

& Discover A Trove of Destination Wineries

Quixote Winery / Photo © Alice Joyce

Beautiful Settings Year-Round / Art Collections / Food Pairings

Lovely weather in December stirred a desire to spend the Christmas holiday in Wine Country.

Napa Valley Winter Vignette Photo © Alice Joyce

I never cease to wonder at the beauty of the landscape, where eye-catching vignettes emerge along roadways.

Beignets de Brandade de Morue (Cod) tomato confit Photo © Alice Joyce

Certainly the notion of enjoying fabulous food and wine made the brief getaway a very special holiday, indeed. Christmas Eve lunch at Bouchon .. quite simply a feast! To start: Endives au Roquefort salad with fuji apples, toasted walnuts & walnut vinagrette. T. and I shared satisfying Hors d’Oeuvres: a heaping serving of Rillettes aux Deux Saumons – prepared with fresh and smoked salmon, along with delectable cod beignets!

Bouchon Interior / Photo © Alice Joyce

Coquilles St. Jacques au Cidre entree – exquisitely prepared, succulent scallops on a bed of pumpkin confit, carmelized salsify, apples & cider emulsion. Melt-in-your-mouth nirvana for this foodie!

Thomas Keller Cookbooks … on Amazon

Bouchon Photo © Alice Joyce

Bouchon’s brilliantly exuberant facade…

French Laundry Streetside Gardens / Photo © Alice Joyce

Nearby, Chef Thomas Keller’s French Laundry restaurant impresses with its meticulously maintained culinary gardens and streetside plantings.

French Laundry Culinary Gardens / Photo © Alice Joyce

A few weeks earlier, I had stopped at Bardessono, where I love having lunch in their stylish bar.  The courtyard is glorious in winter when the magnolias are blooming!

Luxe settees and a fireplace add to the bar’s atmosphere: a perfect spot to sip a glass of champagne.

Bardessono Creamy Celery Root Soup/Carmelized Onion & Cheese Panini Photo © Alice Joyce

Bardessono Bar Photo © Alice Joyce

The heart of Yountville, with its array of restaurants  is convenient to the Napa Valley Lodge, where our spacious room had a beautiful vineyard view.

Our holiday getaway kicked off in Sonoma, a block or so off the town square with a room at the Sonoma Valley Inn. This hotel is where the Australian Studying Abroad tour group will stay during the first few nights of their Northern California landscape & garden tour. I’m looking forward to escorting the group as we visit private gardens in Marin County.

I’m thinking it may be time to upgrade my Canon Camera, perhaps a belated Christmas present to myself before I embark on my 2012 travel adventures, yearning for a return to the serene landscape of the Sonoran desert… while dreaming of Venice.

at Great Dixter

Great Dixter Sunk Garden Photo Copyright © Alice Joyce

Click here to read a Reprise of my Springtime visit to this iconic English Garden…