Kris Bonner, the Traveling Gardener, enjoyed a career in natural resources, GIS mapping, and environmental consulting. In retirement, he has pursued two of his passions- public speaking and adult education, and has given over 275 talks and classes. 

Master Gardener. Kris became a U.C. Master Gardener in 2016 where he started and continues to lead monthly sustainable gardening classes at the Mission Viejo Murray Center. Over 8,000 home gardeners have attended these talks. Kris speaks on tomatoes, succulents, roses, soil, and raised bed vegetable gardening, and his given talks on many other topics. He is also the event manager for the spring Master Gardeners of Orange County Expo at the Murray, which had 3,000+ attendees in 2026.

Traveling Gardener.Taking inspiration from the BBC’s Monty Don, “Around the World in 80 Gardens”, Kris began his Traveling Gardener talks in 2022. Kris takes audiences on fun and inspirational virtual visits to some of the great gardens in the world, sharing the transformative power of travel and nature, using stories and high-quality photos.

Huntington Rose Garden Docent. Kris volunteers as an Ask-Me Rose Docent at the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, one of the premier gardens in the world.

Hobby, not a business. I do this because I enjoy it and it gives me purpose, not to make money. I enjoy gardens and gardening, but most of all I enjoy connecting with fellow plant lovers, gardeners, and travelers. The zoom and in-person Mission Viejo Murray Center talks are always free. I charge a fee for garden club and other presentations.