Wild flowers and sights, Cyprus
Wednesday 25 February – Wednesday 4 March 2026
This tour with two bases in western Cyprus will focus on spring flora, including orchids and geophytes, lovely scenery, walks and historic sites. Spring comes early to Cyprus, and we can expect some sunny clear days. We will visit fascinating archaeological sites in the ancient city of Paphos – rich in plants. We shall be mostly on the coast with, one day in the mountains, giving us spectacular scenery and many interesting plants. The tour will be led by Yiannis Christofides who led our successful 2024 similar event
Anacamptis papilionacea pale form
Italy’s beautiful Gargano
Saturday 11 to Saturday 18 April
The rolling limestone Gargano is not easy to farm so much is relatively untouched and has stunning wildlife including plants, birds, reptiles and insects. A large part was designated a national park in 1991 and includes the highest concentration of wild orchids in Europe, notably varieties of Ophrys (bee orchids). MPG’s expedition should be at a perfect time for wildflowers. It is based in Rodi on the north coast at the Hotel Villa Americana, then at the Palace Hotel San Michele in Monte Sant’Angelo, home of one of the oldest religious shrines in western Europe.
Wild flora of the Greek Rhodope
Thursday 30 April – Thursday 7 May 2026
This tour will start near Thessaloniki and spend the first afternoon looking at cultural sights in the City. We will then spend a day at Lake Kerkini, a major migratory bird location with good plants also. The rest of our time will be in two locations in the Rhodope Mountains. The first will be Drama, where we will visit the River Despatis in a beautiful gorge and then Mt Phalakron, the highest mountain in the Rhodope. Then via Mt Pangeon we will go to our second location, Komnina and there visit the Haidou Forest and the Nestos Gorge. The tour will be guided by experienced specialist Oron Peri. We shall travel in two minibuses and the cost is expected to be £1290 with a single supplement of £190. Maximum 13 members.
Bere Mill and Hardy’s nursery
Thursday 28 May 2026
MPG members Rupert and Elizabeth Nabarro have created the gardens at Bere Mill near Whitchurch, Hampshire with Mediterranean and herbaceous borders, irises, tree peonies and magnolias and small arboretums. Rupert will show us round. A light lunch will be provided at a pub, then we’ll go on to Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, a leading nursery for plantsmen, all within five minutes’ drive of Bere Mill.
Theobalds Farmhouse Enfield EN2 9DY
Thursday 9 July
We are looking forward to visiting this very interesting 2-acre garden in Enfield to discover new developments and enjoy the delightful mix of garden rooms and planting.
The afternoon visit makes for a very enjoyable chance to meet other MPG members and concludes with a homemade cake and tea in the garden around 5pm. £20 pp.