For full conference details, check out the “Annual Conference 2012″ section of the website under “Meetings” at the top of the page! Download the Program
Wednesday, October 10
A tough choice awaits you in selecting your full day PreConference Tour.
The Lancaster Area Pre-Tour will visit Creek Hill Nursery, the Leola Produce Auction, Aris/Greenleaf Perennials and Esbenshades Greenhouses.
The Botanic Garden and Arboretum Pre-Tour will visit the Scott Arboretum, Chanticleer Gardens and the Jenkins Arboretum.
Both tours will meet at the end of the day for a Tyler Arboretum tour and welcome reception at the Tyler Arboretum in Media, PA. Folks arriving during the day Wednesday will be bused from the hotel to the reception. The welcome reception promises to be a great social opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues old and new.
Thursday, October 11
We will enjoy a full day at the fabulous Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. Longwood is one of the great gardens of the world with outdoor gardens spanning 1,077 acres and a 4-acre Conservatory. The morning will start with a series of dynamic speakers in the Longwood Ballroom, including keynote speaker Kirk Brown who will bring America’s first world-class plantsman John Bartram back to life with his unique, costumed portrayal.
Following the morning coffee break, the first of two hands-on grafting workshops will be offered for those who pre-register. The talented staff from Longwood Gardens will demonstrate grafting techniques including cleft grafts, bud-grafts, and side-grafts and participants will then have an opportunity to practice the techniques on live plants, which they will then be allowed to take home. Participation is limited to a maximum of 25 participants per session. Talks will continue concurrently.
Once the workshops and presentations have concluded at 3:00pm, you will be able to choose between touring Longwood on your own or joining a behind-the-scenes tour. Those who elect to go on the behind-the-scenes tour of Longwood Gardens will get to experience first-hand the key facilities and operations that provide the materials used to create the world class displays for which Longwood is known.
From 5:30-7pm conference attendees will have the unique opportunity of experiencing Longwood’s world famous conservatories at night as Longwood generously hosts an evening reception for us. This special event will include a myriad of culinary delights placed throughout the conservatory along with a wide range of cocktails and other beverages. To make the evening even more memorable, participants will be able to interact with Longwood’s star aquatic specialist, Mr. Tim Jennings, as he provides a demonstration in the nearby aquatic pools explaining the mysteries of the Victoria water platters (including the breeding that produces the Victoria ‘Longwood Hybrid), the water lilies (Nymphaea species and hybrids) and other aquatic plants in the displays. This is a very special event which few people get to experience!
Friday, October 12
Friday brings another full day of tours with two options available. The DuPont Legacy Tour will visit Nemours Gardens, Hagley Museum and Gardens and Mt. Cuba Center. The Nursery Tour will visit Mt. Cuba Center, W.D. Wells and Sons Nursery, The Conard Pyle Company and Ivy Acres. Both tours will meet at the end of the day at North Creek Nurseries for a nursery tour and Ice Cream Social. You will have dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants near the hotel.
Be sure not to linger too long over dinner as you will want to return to the hotel for a lively and fun evening social event. We will have not only our silent and live plant auctions Friday evening but also an engaging event in the hotel’s auditorium – plans still under wraps! We’ll be able to enjoy dessert, coffee and drinks while moving among the events.
Saturday, October 13
The venue for educational sessions and tours on Saturday changes to Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library in Winterthur, Delaware. Founded by Henry Francis du Pont, Winterthur (pronounced “winter-tour”) has a 60-acre naturalistic garden and is the premier museum of American decorative arts. The program continues with back-to-basics presentations on seed physiology, cutting strategies, grafting techniques and tissue culture. Once the program ends mid-afternoon, you will be able to tour Winterthur grounds via tram and/or visit the 175-room house where Henry Francis DuPont entertained his family and friends in grand style. The house is furnished with his outstanding collection of antiques and objects added since his death.
This is not the year to leave early – plan to stay for a full day on Saturday. Spend the night and enjoy the company of your fellow members and colleagues. The hotel bar, Firewaters, touts 50 beers on tap plus more than 100 different bottled beers from around the world! Spend Sunday exploring this extraordinary area on your own.
Now that you have the lay of the land, stay tuned to future issues for the educational program and tour details. Start making your plans now – you know you want to attend!
or click here to download the Registration Form.
