Donna Dawson
Areas of expertise
Member statistics
- Member since
- 10th May 2007
As the owner/publisher of the Internet Web site, www.ICanGarden.com , Donna Dawson has received many awards and has been recognized in numerous publications. Begun in 1996, ICanGarden.com has grown to become Canada’s largest Internet gardening resource site with over 200 countries and several million unique visitors finding a gardening site to learn and grow.
In 1998 Donna began organizing and hosting gardening tours. Her custom designed garden tours, which change yearly due to repeat guests, can be seen at www.gardeningtours.com She has also worked with Tourism agencies helping and hosting tours to their countries.
In 1995, Donna achieved her master gardener certificate through the University of Alberta Devonian Botanic Garden. She is a Director in her Region VII of the Garden Writers Association, Affiliate Member Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors and member North American Travel Journalists Association.
She has appeared in numerous gardening magazines including Homemaker's, Gardener for the Prairies, Gardens West, Canadian Gardening and Gardening Life, as well as local and foreign newspapers and Internet sites such as Familywave.com and iParenting.com where she is currently the expert on gardening. She is part of the expert panel at www.WorldReviewer.com with her specialty in gardens and writes for www.AccuWeather.com She has also had the opportunity to provide photographs to European Homes & Gardens, BCAA and Doctor's Review.
She is currently living in the Republic of Panama, exploring a whole new world of plant material and writing about it in The Visitor, a weekly periodical for both the expat community as well as locals as it is published in Spanish and English. Her articles have also appeared in Vivir Bien, a lifestyle magazine in Panama as well.
One of the hobbies that she has is collecting photos of seating from around the world while on her travels. Those can be seen under the Pix area of www.icangarden.com along with all the trips and tours she had taken over the years – be advised though – this is not an area you will want to leave!!
ICanGarden.com is her way of bringing gardeners together from all over the world, to share their trials and successes as well as learn from the thousands and thousands of garden articles by writers from all over the world. They can find out what is happening in the Events area, and if they need a garden club or supplier, they will find it. The tours only site brings gardeners together to share in the joy of seeing how others garden and to go home with both great memories and new found friends.
Donna Dawson's activity
- October 2011
Donna Dawson reviewed Aberaeron in Wales, United Kingdom
The charming town of Aberaeron is famous for its Georgian elegance with brightly painted town houses and an attractive seaside quay. This was most evident as we took a stroll out in the rather breezy weather to see the ocean and the boats. The houses sur…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Harlech Castle in Wales, United Kingdom
The English monarch Edward I built Harlech in the late 13th-century to fulfill this very role. It was one of the most formidable of his 'iron ring' of fortresses designed to contain the Welsh in their mountain fastness. Ironically, in 1404 it was taken b…"
Donna Dawson wrote a holiday idea Wales – Inspired by Nature, Genuine in Hospitality
That about sums up my trip to Wales – genuine and inspirational. There is a graciousness about the country that was felt everywhere. From the gardens to the hotels you could feel the welcome and it was so hard to leave because of it."
Donna Dawson reviewed Bodysgallen Hall in Wales, United Kingdom
Historic House Hotels Limited has skillfully and sympathetically restored the 17th century house. The hotel has two restaurants, with imaginative food, which has been awarded three rosettes by the AA for fine-dining in the Main Hall, and is prepared from…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Wales
The National flag is green on the bottom and white on the top, and right in the middle sits a red dragon. The Leek and the Daffodil are both national emblems of Wales. The Welsh word for daffodil and leek are the same – Cenhinen for leek and Cenhin…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Aberglasney House and Gardens in Wales, United Kingdom
While Aberglasney’s very existence was unknown to the world in general (many local people remaining unaware of it), a small band of enthusiasts of historic houses and gardens had long kept an informal watching brief on the property, noting its decl…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Aberglasney House and Gardens in Wales, United Kingdom
Spectacularly set in the beautiful Tywi valley of Carmarthenshire, Aberglasney House features one of the finest gardens in Wales. Aberglasney Gardens have been an inspiration to poets since 1477. The story of Aberglasney spans many centuries, but, the ho…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Feather Royal Hotel in Wales, United Kingdom
The Feathers Royal has a strong tradition of hospitality. As the focal point of the small seaside port town of Aberaeron on the beautiful Cardigan Bay Coast, the Feathers was originally an 18th Century Coaching Inn offering food and shelter to travelers …"
Donna Dawson reviewed Wilhelma Botanical Garden in Stuttgart, Germany
Wilhelma is not a zoo in the generally accepted sense of the word – it’s the only zoological botanical gardens in Europe. And with its combination of plants, animals and historic buildings unique worldwide. A visit here is a visit for everyon…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Llanerchaeron in Wales, United Kingdom
At Llanerchaeron we enjoyed a quick lunch before our visit. This is a National Trust Property and a rare example of a self-sufficient 18th-century Welsh minor gentry estate has survived virtually unaltered. The villa, designed in the 1790s, is…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Pomeranzen Garden in Germany
The Pomeranzen Garden in Leonberg has been established in 1609 by the Renaissance-builder Heinrich Schickhardt for the duchess Sybilla von Wuerttemberg. As the only preserved garden from Germany’s late Renaissance this rare terrace composition has …"
Donna Dawson reviewed Ludwigsburg Palace and Gardens in Stuttgart, Germany
In the 18th century the Palace of Versailles was the ideal to which every European ruler aspired. But very few were able to realize their absolutist dreams in as literal, grandiose way as the rulers of Ludwigsburg. Ludwigsburg Palace is one of the larges…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Ynyshir Hall in Wales, United Kingdom
Solitude is precious and readily available at Ynyshir Hall, once owned by Queen Victoria and set amongst breathtaking scenery in the secret heart of Wales. Cradled in 14 acres of glorious gardens, this luxury hotel in Wales sits midst the splendour of th…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Augustusburg Castle in Westphalia, Germany
Augustusburg Castle stunned us with its Rococo architecture. Augustusburg and Falkenlust present the first important creations of the Rococo style in Germany. For more than a century, they served as models for most of the princely courts. Like the…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Plas Brondanw in Wales, United Kingdom
We arrived to be greeted by Gwynedd Roberts, the head gardener and Manager. "It had been at about my twenty-fifth birthday that my father unexpectedly handed over to me the control of the old (Williams) family property of Plas Brondanw which I woul…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Plas Cadnant in Wales, United Kingdom
Stephen Lacey wrote a great article on Plas Cadnant which I read both before and after visiting and I urge you to do the same… a tidbit follows, but read the whole thing…it is so interesting. ‘In the valley, below the crumbing, ivy-c…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Bodysgallen Gardens in Wales, United Kingdom
After breakfast we were meeting with the head gardener, Robert Owen, for a more personal tour. He has been the head gardener here for over 30 years. There are 3 full time, 1 part time and 2 volunteers that tend these beautiful pleasure gardens and food…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Gwaenynog Hall in Wales, United Kingdom
Gwaenynog Hall in Denbigh was the setting for the Tale of The Flopsy Bunnies – and we could see not a one! This was the garden that stories are made from…and it was a real treat to be standing in it…and hoping that a few bunnies…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Erddig Hall and Gardens in Wales, United Kingdom
Erddig Hall, described as the jewel in the crown of Welsh country houses. How fascinating to see such a place, a home from the early 18th century which reflected a gentry families 250 years of upstairs, downstairs life. We met with the Head Gardener, G…"
- March 2011
Donna Dawson reviewed St. Rose Nursery & Garden in Grenada
John Criswick, who runs St. Rose Nursery & Garden is the consummate plantsman. He grows plants because he loves everything about them. No visit would be complete without a visit to a nursery but this is more than a nursery. …"
Donna Dawson reviewed Smithy’s Garden in Grenada
Smithy’s Garden is a labour of love and it shows in the layout and placement of plant material. It has a very enviable collection of Vanda orchids with their little faces welcoming you to your visit."
Donna Dawson reviewed Balthazar Estate in Grenada
Denis Noel from Balthazar Estate showed us around his plantation and as we walked through this tropical rain forest paradise it was ‘look up’ all the time. Heleconia at 8 to 10 feet high surrounded us and when he cut the flowers to show us w…"
Donna Dawson wrote a holiday idea Grenada – the Garden (Friendship) Isle
Master Gardener, Donna Dawson, has just gotten back from a press trip to see the gardens of 'this wonderful island that is only 28 miles long and 14 miles wide'."
Donna Dawson reviewed Hyde Park Garden in Grenada
When we visited Fay and John Miller of Hyde Park Garden, the greeting was genuine. Not only were they happy to show us around but after the tour we sat and chatted with them and were delighted by many stories. Their hearts are in this garden, it holds …"
- January 2011
Donna Dawson reviewed Monsopiad Cultural Village in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Nestled besides the Penampang River are the many traditional buildings that make up the Monsopiad Cultural village, a living museum located 16 km or about half an hour away from the Kota Kinabalu City Centre. Monsopiad was a fearsome warrior who lived in…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Menara Tun Mustapha (Sabah Foundation Building) in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Located 5 kilometres or about 15 minutes away from the Kota Kinabalu City Centre. Formerly known as the Sabah Foundation Building, this circular tower of steel and glass stands 30 storeys high in the Likas Bay area and is instantly recognizable as a Saba…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Kota Kinabalu City Mosque in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
The second main mosque in the city is the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque at Likas Bay at the north coastal highway. It is another impressive example of a marvelous architecture, it resembles in some ways the design of the Masjid al-Nabawi mosque (The Prophet…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Sabah State Mosque in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
This state mosque is a masterpiece of architecture with its dove-grey walls and glittering majestic domes with gold inlay. A wonderful combination of Islamic architecture and contemporary design. It is centrally located at Jalan Tunku Abdul Raman. Up to …"
Donna Dawson reviewed Sabah State Museum in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Built in the longhouse style of the Rungus and Murut tribes that kept a wealth of historical, tribal treasures and handicraft of the indigenous people. Highlights are exhibits of 6 life-size traditional houses of ethnic groups, Science centre, and art ga…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Kota Kinabalu
How many of you have had the opportunity to visit Malaysia…it is truly a country worth visiting. I have been there at least three times now and it never ceases to amaze me. It is a bit of a long flight from the U.S. but take the opport…"
Donna Dawson reviewed The Terracotta Army in Xi'an, China
Terra-Cotta Army of Qin Shihuangdi, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world and awesome!! The Grand Mausoleum of Qin Emperor, the first emperor of China, is protected by more than 6000 life size Terra-Cotta Warriors and horses. The e…"
- October 2010
Donna Dawson reviewed The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens in Florida, United States
The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens are near Winter Park and worth your time. The gardens are adorned with wonderful sculpture to view. The Polasek is a living museum, with outdoor gardens dating to 1949. The three-acre…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Winter Park in Florida, United States
Winter Park was an unexpected treat. Not far from the botanical gardens, this community is central Florida’s cultural heart. Filled with art galleries, museums, and the scenic Winter Park Boat Tour. This tour has been in operation for 6…"
Donna Dawson reviewed The Leu House Museum and the Harry P. Leu Gardens in Florida, United States
The Harry P. Leu Gardens was the first tropical garden I had ever visited and I was stunned to see how beautiful a tropical garden could be. It is 50 acres of ‘Old Florida’, featuring wonderful collections of camellias – the largest co…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Helen Dillon’s Garden in Dublin, Ireland
For a lover of gardens, there is nothing like being in one – and especially if this is a private garden - you learn not only about the garden but about the gardeners. I had first set eyes on the enchanting garden of Helen Dillon in 2000. Yes it ha…"
- August 2010
Donna Dawson reviewed North Carolina Botanical Gardens in North Carolina, United States
The North Carolina Botanical Garden is a "conservation garden." “ Our guiding mission is to inspire understanding, appreciation, and conservation of plants in gardens and natural areas and to advance a sustainable relationship between peo…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Montrose Gardens in North Carolina, United States
Because of her intimately written garden books, Nancy Goodwin is a recognizable name to garden writers, and visiting her breathtaking 61-acre Montrose Garden was going to be good. It had an area that was full of tropicals and I enjoyed visiting this are…"
Donna Dawson reviewed JC Raulston Arboretum in North Carolina, United States
North Carolina State University, in Raleigh, is the home of the celebrated eight-acre JC Raulston Arboretum, begun in 1976 by the late Dr. Raulston, who was affectionately known as simply “JC” to his students and friends. Raulston collected a…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, United States
Gracing the campus of Duke University, Durham, North Carolina is the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, often spoken of as the “Crown Jewel of Duke University.” Recognized as one of the premier public gardens in the United States and renowned both for la…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Pakakuna Gardens in Quito, Ecuador
Pakakuna Gardens is one of the largest gardens in South America. Klaus Egger, the creator and owner of the gardens guided us. Pakakuna is a Quechua word (indigenous language of Ecuador), meaning “Our Hiding Place.” This describes perfectly th…"
- July 2010
Donna Dawson reviewed Guayaquil's Malecón 2000 in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Malecón 2000 is the name given to boardwalk overlooking the Guayas River in the Ecuadorian port city of Guayaquil. An urban renewal project focusing on the old Simón Bolívar boardwalk, it stands along the west shore of the river for …"
Donna Dawson reviewed Tropical Flower Plantation in Guayaquil, Ecuador
We had come prepared to this tropical extravaganza…we knew we would be walking in areas where it was wet so had all bought rubber boots. We saw flowers, we saw fruits and tasted fruits right off the plant. We even found a small birds nest while we…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Orchid Center Ecuagenera in Cuenca, Ecuador
During the walk through the plantation we were amazed at the variety and sizes of orchid flowers – from the smallest to the largest orchids - some so tiny and fragile you have to observe them with a loupe. You can see a small yellow orchid being he…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Indian Market in Otavalo in Ecuador
The province of Imbabura is located in northern Ecuador, a picturesque land of lakes, majestic sierras and terraced farmlands and is home to the Otavalo Indians, industrious and enterprising people, who offer their products at the famous outdoor market. …"
Donna Dawson reviewed Quito Botanical Garden in Quito, Ecuador
The garden includes plants that have adapted to the harsh climate of the high Andes, as well as tropical plants that are bountiful in the lush cloud and rain forests. The garden includes representations of the following ecosystems: the moorlands or param…"
Donna Dawson commented on Three Days into the Heart of Louisiana
"I don't think you will have any problems visiting this area and seeing any remnants of Katrina...I know we didn't - it was gorgeous and be sure to stay at the Parc England Boutique Hotel for a really nice experience. Donna"
Donna Dawson wrote a holiday idea Three Days into the Heart of Louisiana
We've all heard about New Orleans…but what about Alexandria/Pineville, Natchitoches and Shreveport? I was to discover there were more delights in store for me..."
Donna Dawson reviewed Oakland Plantation in Charleston, United States
Oakland is has 17 of its original outbuildings still remaining. Outbuildings still on the plantation include two pigeonniers, an overseer’s house, massive roofed log corn crib, carriage house, mule barn that was originally a smokehouse, carpenter&r…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Melrose Plantation in Louisiana, United States
Marie Thérèze Coin-Coin, an enslaved woman, and Claude Thomas Pierre Metoyer, her French owner had many children together after Coin-Coin was freed. On land acquired by land grants, the Yucca House and the African House was built. The Yucca…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Magnolia Plantation House in Charleston, United States
The two and one-half story plantation house is one of the largest in the area, with twenty-seven rooms, including a Catholic Chapel in which Mass is still celebrated. Betty Hertzog, a descendant of the LeComtes, still lives in the main house and offers g…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Kate Chopin House in Louisiana, United States
Constructed in the early 1800s by Alexis Cloutier, this house was later the home of Kate Chopin, the renowned novelist and author of The Awakening and many Creole stories. The complex includes a restored blacksmith shop, a building that served as a docto…"
- May 2010
Donna Dawson wrote a holiday idea Donna Dawson's India
The highlights of a recent trip to India - from Delhi to Udaipur via Rajasthan."
Donna Dawson reviewed Lake Pichola in Udaipur, India
On the banks of the shimmering lake Pichola, is one of the most romantic cities of Rajasthan. Nestled among the lush hills of the Aravalis, it has inevitably been dubbed the 'Venice of the East'. It is a kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Sahelion- Ki -Bari: The "Ladies Garden" in Udaipur, India
Sahelion-ki-bari just adjoining the east of the embankment of Fatehsagar lake was constructed in its present form by Maharana Fateh Singh after the original garden had been washed away on account of the breach of its old embankment. A Profusion of flowe…"
Donna Dawson reviewed City Palace on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, India
City Palace towers over the Pichola Lake. Maharana Uday Singh initiated in the construction of the palace but succeeding Maharanas added several palaces and structures to the complex retained a surprising uniformity to the design. Full of wonderfu…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur, India
Jaswant Thada, a richly carved white marble cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh ji, which preserves the genealogy of the rulers of Jodhpur along with their life-size portraits (no pictures allowed inside). The Jaswant Thada is the architectural land…"
Donna Dawson reviewed City Palace Museums in Jaipur, India
The City Palace Museums which contains the original collection of the Maharajas of Jaipur. A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the …"
Donna Dawson reviewed Amber Fort Palace in Rajasthan, India
Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles f…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh in Jaipur, India
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh in Jaipur is a beautiful garden, located at a distance of 10 kms from Jaipur, on Jaipur-Agra Highway. It was built as a symbol of love. In 1728, Sisodia Rani Garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, with an intention to gift th…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Lodhi Garden in Delhi, India
It was established in the 15th-16th century by the Sayyids and Lodis. The gardens are more like a park and nice to stroll in, but it is the buildings that catch your eye. Medieval monuments lend a charm to these gardens. In 1968, J.A Stein and Garrett E…"
Donna Dawson reviewed Agra Fort in Agra, India
Few forts in the world have a more fascinating story to tell than the Great Fort of Agra. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an impe…"
- June 2009
Donna Dawson commented on And the Web 2.0 Winner is:
"Congrats Kat!! and held in Canada House...how wonderful. expat from Canada now living in the Republic of Panama and one of your writers :)"
- January 2009
Donna Dawson reviewed Transiting the Panama Canal in Colón, Panama
This canal is really a marvel in engineering. Nothing has been changed since the original design. The locks have worked perfectly since day one. It is fascinating to be on a ship going through the locks. You wait your turn to enter and sometimes dep…"
- June 2008
Donna Dawson reviewed Luoyang Peony Festival in Luoyang, China
At the same time that the peony festival is held in April, there is a floral exhibit, where the feature flower of course is the peony. I am including some pictures of the floral arrangements so that you can see what floral design is like in China. 200…"
- June 2007
Donna Dawson reviewed Monet's Gardens in North East France, France
I was not prepared for the beauty of Claude Monet’s gardens…they were truly inspiring and after a tour of the gardens go through the house and upstairs to his bedroom and look out the very same windows that he did, where he could see and reflect on the …"
Donna Dawson reviewed Great Dixter Gardens in South East England, United Kingdom
A must see for gardeners, you will not forget the series of gardens nor will you forget the differences in gardening styles. Great Dixter is a charming 15th century timber-framed manor house set in one of the most beautiful gardens in England. Records f…"
