Inspired by his research for his book, The Plant Hunters, Toby has planned and undertaked two major expeditions (so far...) which have taken him in the footsteps of the great plant hunters.

Sikkim

The first, in the spring of 2003 was to the remote part of northern Sikkim, an Indian state in the north eastern Himalaya, bounded to the north by Tibet, the west by Nepal and the east by Bhutan.

Here Toby followed (literally!) in the footsteps of Sir Joseph Hooker and found 'his' wonderful rhododendrons in their native habitat.

Yunnan

In June 2007 Toby ventured to Yunnan province in north western China and spent a month in the area first plant propsected by George Forrest and Frank Kingdon-Ward.

This journey was by 4WD and took in some stunning scenery as well as some mighty scary drives.

THe expedition was times to catch the greatest numbers of perennials in flower, including the exquisite blue poppies.

For more information on the expeditions, please visit the individual pages with their associated photo galleries