2004 Professional Horticultural Tour of South Africa

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How are you different from other tour companies?
A: Our professional travel exchange programs in horticulture are designed with the input from the industry experts in the US and overseas, and offer not only visits to gardens but interactions with local nursery growers, garden designers, and botanists and professional exchanges at production nurseries, sales facilities and research institutes. We use foreign travel for personal and professional growth and to promote international trade and understanding. Our tours are guided by local experts and we go to places where there are fewer tourists and more plants. With our contacts and expertise, we have connection to people, places, companies, trade shows and events that the individual travelers cannot hope to have. Our programs combine business with leisure and are usually tax deductible (consult your tax expert).

What kind of people travel with your group?
A: All our group members are horticultural professionals, plant growers, landscape architects and botanists, their families and friends. Joining the group you not only visit different cultures, find new plants and garden concepts, meet your potential foreign business partners, but also meet and learn from the fellow group members who are in the same profession as you are.

How large are the groups? Who leads the trips? Are the itineraries 'fixed'?
A: We feel that the group dynamics, the interface with the culture and the effectiveness of the exchange works best in smaller groups, so our groups are usually between 10 and 20 people in size. We find leaders from the local horticulture businesses who has a particular interests in a particular culture and region. The leader serves as the bridge between the group members and the culture. We meticulously handle absolutely all of the details beforehand and during the trip so you are free to just be and experience. At the same time, having that basic planning in place allows us to be flexible when we come upon some 'can't resist' opportunities. We recognize the value of serendipity.

How should I go about arranging my transportation to the start of the tour?
A. There are many options for obtaining air transportation. For example, some of our participants will wish to use their frequent flyer miles to fly free. Others will arrange their own travel over the internet. Participants seeking additional assistance in arranging transportation are welcomed to contact John Schroeder.