Longwood Gardens In-Conference Event

Longwood Gardens, a jewel situated in the heart of the Brandywine Valley 30 miles west of Philadelphia, is a place of unparalleled beauty. Often referred to as the world’s premier horticultural show - place, Longwood’s 1,077 acres of natural woodlands, majestic gardens, opulent conservatory and dancing fountains enchant visitors with every visit. From its historic collection of trees, to the splendor of its ever-changing horticulture displays, a visit to Longwood is a leisurely stroll around the world as you encounter plants from nearly every continent, both rare and familiar, grown in extraordinary ways.
Visit the website for more information.

In-Conference Event at Longwood Gardens
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Longwood Gardens Main Conservatory (Photo: Grace Chapman)

Spend an unforgettable summer day and evening at Longwood Gardens. A jewel situated in the heart of the Brandywine Valley 30 miles west of Philadelphia, Longwood’s 1,077 acres of natural woodlands, majestic gardens, managed meadow, opulent conservatory and dancing fountains enchant more than 885,000 visitors each year. From its historic collection of trees (of which more than 60 have been identified as state champions or runners-up) to the splendor of its seasonal horticulture displays both indoors and out, a visit to Longwood is an inspiring stroll through timeless beauty as you encounter plants from nearly every continent, both rare and familiar, grown and displayed in extraordinary ways.

Longwood Gardens Water Lily Display (Photo: Grace Chapman)

Dinner at Longwood Gardens
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fee: $55 Guest Fee: $95
Wait . . . there’s more . . . As evening falls, relax with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Gardens. Casual attire is recommended and a sense of expectation is required as you experience the grand hospitality for which Longwood founder Pierre S. du Pont was known. Enjoy a dinner featuring local favorites and fresh fare prepared by the Terrace Restaurant at Longwood, which was recently named a Certified Green Restaurant® by the Green Restaurant Association. After dinner, your evening concludes as only an evening at Longwood Gardens can . . . with music, garden magic and lasting memories.

Longwood Gardens (Photo: Grace Chapman)

APGA Service Event: There's Still Time To Give MORE in Philadelphia

It's not too late to register for the APGA Service Event on Thursday, June 23, from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.!

APGA has partnered with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) on a Service Project in Philadelphia. This a great opportunity to get outside, explore part of Philadelphia, and help to maintain the historic Azalea Garden on the grounds of the Philadelphia Art Museum. Board a trolley at the hotel and arrive at the Azalea Garden where you will learn about the history of the garden space, the important work PHS does, and be given a how-to on azalea pruning, and then will be set to work to give some much-needed TLC to a historic urban garden.

Attendees are invited to help prune some of the thousands of woody plants in the Azalea Garden. This is a special chance to see the collection at close range and to help PHS keep the garden in tip-top shape.

New to pruning?

Don’t worry, PHS Staff will be on hand for training! Tools and refreshments will be provided at the site. This opportunity is limited to 40 people, so SIGN UP NOW to ensure your participation in this important project.

To register, contact Kathy Salisbury at ksalisbury@publicgardens.org or by phone at 610.708.3009.

The Mummers! APGA Opening Reception

What a wonderful surprise!!

APGA PROFRESSIONAL SECTION MEETING UPDATE

Conference Attendees!

Tomorrow's Section meetings are from 12 to 1:30 pm! Note this change in your Schedule-at-a-Glance.

Make sure you pick up a boxed lunch to bring to your section meeting!!!

MORE Ways to Get Involved: Professional Section Meetings

We know we have a lot of new members out there who might be asking, “What is a Professional Section and what are they meeting about?” The APGA Professional Sections are groups of individuals with similar garden types, jobs, skills or interests. The Professional Sections provide an opportunity for these individuals to network, share ideas, problem solve and discuss emerging trends. The Professional Section Meetings at the APGA Annual Conference allow time for section members to meet during this busy event and plan for the upcoming year.

What can you expect at one of these meetings? A small amount of business will happen, as this year the leadership may be changing in various sections. A lot of networking, educational opportunities and informative discussions will be taking place. You are welcome to join one or more Professional Sections. If you are not a member of a section yet, feel free to drop into a section meeting to see what they are all about and talk to people who are involved. The Professional Sections offer Public Garden Staff and Volunteers an outstanding opportunity to get MORE involved in APGA and to meet their fellow Public Garden Professionals.

Meetings will be held on Wednesday, June 22nd, Thursday, June 23rd, and Friday, June 24th.  Check out the APGA website to see a list of the APGA Professional Sections and their meeting times during the conference. 

Common Grounds: New Perspectives Session Update

Are you attending Common Grounds: New Perspectives on Thursday, June 23, 2011 from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm in the Regency Ballroom. Here's a list of this year's representatives:

Tom Kaiden, President
Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Neal DeVos, Editor
ASHS (Amer. Soc. Horticultural Science)

Kirk Brown
GWAA (Garden Writers Association of America)

Laura Kunkle
OFA, The Association of Horticulture Professionals
Director, Communications & Membership

Bob Chabot, Vice President
AZH (Association of Zoological Horticulturists)

Steve Castoran, Former President
IPPS (International Plant Propagators Society/Eastern Region)

Michael S. Uchneat, PhD
IPBA (International Plant Breeders Association)

Jules Bruck, PhD
APLD (Association of Professional Landscape Designers)

Judy Marriott Laushman
Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers

Mark Focht, Vice President of Communications
ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects)

Emerging Professionals Section Meeting

If you are a student or recent graduate, or are new to public horticulture, this new professional section is for you! Get involved and support this proposed section by attending our organizational meeting:

Thursday, June 23

3:15 – 4:45 p.m.

Washington A Room

The purpose of the Emerging Professionals Section is to engage future public garden leaders in educational, volunteer, and social activities that help the individual practitioner build his/her professional network, share experiences with peers, and find opportunities for career development.

All are welcome, especially educators and established professionals with an interest in mentorship. Join us for this informal session to exchange ideas, discuss regional activities, and make plans for the coming year.

RSVP by June 20 to Vik Krishnamurthy, Center for Public Horticulture, at vkrishna@udel.edu.