About HortCultural
Your Guide: Award-Winning Garden Writer
Marianne Willburn
A dual citizen of the US and the UK, Marianne Willburn traveled for many years in support of her writing and speaking career; but two years ago, as her schedule and garden allowed, she began offering small, highly curated group tours. In 2025, she made it official and founded HortCultural, working with Andrea Gasper of Inspired Escapes to move beyond the traditional garden tour model and luxuriously immerse guests in both the cultural and horticultural life of each region they visit.
She is an author of two books, podcaster at The Garden Mixer, and a contributing editor at GardenRant — championing the pursuit of curiosity, courage, and joy in garden building. Her work has been featured in The New York Times & The Wall Street Journal, as well as major national magazines and podcasts such as Cultivating Place and A Way to Garden. Marianne is the recipient of eight Gold and Silver Media Awards from Garden Communicators International.
Your Guide: Founder of Digging In & Inspired Escapes
Andrea Gasper
Andrea Gasper is a former professional container gardener and the founder and former Executive Director of Digging In, a thriving association for professional container gardeners. Based in Michigan, but a native Californian, Andrea has always been an avid and adventurous traveler whose journeys have taken her from Antarctica to The Azores and everywhere in between.
In 2021, she became a travel advisor, founded Inspired Escapes, and combined her passion for travel with her love of gardens and nature, specializing in experiences for those who are similarly inspired. She believes travel is an opportunity for personal growth. And though she lives by the mantra “It’s good to do things that are hard, ” her goal when planning trips is to facilitate new adventures by removing the stress of planning them — leaving clients inspired & refreshed when they return home.
“The hotels you selected were terrific…makes a huge difference to the experience…attention to details was outstanding.”
– Bill E., Florida
“…it’s been hard to transition away from a beautiful egg in the morning and a glass of champagne at day’s end!”
– Jane L., Virginia
“It was a truly special experience that I’ll always remember. Surrounded by fabulous people and hosted by the most gracious, warm-hearted women, every moment felt like a celebration.”
– Sandra C., South Carolina
About HortCultural Tours
Journeys that allow for personal connection, special access, and the kind of seamless hospitality that lets you fully relax.
HortCultural was founded upon a simple idea: the best way to experience a garden is to see it within the context of the culture that surrounds it. What began as years of travel for a writing and speaking career has grown into something more intimate and intentional — small, thoughtfully curated group tours that immerse guests in the rich cultural, historical, and horticultural life of extraordinary regions of the world.
The UK Garden Adventure Series launched with that mission in mind, and has now visited several regions of the UK, with many more itineraries in the planning stages. The French Garden Adventure Series launches later this summer with Mont-Saint-Michel & Les Jardins de Normandie; and many more countries await!
Together, Marianne & Andrea’s complementary strengths and shared love of travel ensure that every guest is in excellent hands.
From hand-picked boutique hotels and breathtaking estates, to private garden visits and insider access, to owners and head gardeners, every experience is chosen with care. These are not whirlwind tours — they are immersive, meaningful explorations. We want to get to know you by name, and create a lasting relationship that may span many shared adventures in the years ahead.
Limited to just 16–18 guests, our journeys allow for personal connection and the kind of seamless hospitality that lets you fully relax. From the first morning coffee to a bed turned down at night, every detail is handled for you. But we also leave time for flexibility, so you can enjoy unique culinary and cultural experiences on your own or with friends.
Travel Feels Different With HortCultural…
A fabulous trip, unforgettable people, and hostesses who made it shine.
Thank you for a fabulous bucket list trip. It exceeded all expectations!
I was educated, entertained, and had countless “pinch me” moments.
Having the privilege of touring so many beautiful gardens in a country I’ve never visited before was amazing. I can’t thank you and Andrea enough for putting together such an incredible experience.
Thank you, thank you! Diving back into real life while holding all these memories of dreamy places and wonderful new friends I got to share them with. I hope to see you all again on a future adventure.
The trip was fabulous. Full stop.