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.

Introducing the 2011 APGA Conference Online Bulletin Board

Introducing the 2011 APGA Conference Online Bulletin Board

This year's Conference includes access to an online bulletin board and personal event planner. Each attendee will receive access to informational discussion threads on topics ranging from daily conference announcements to extra-conference activities in Philadelphia to job opportunities. The site also includes a customizable calendar attendees can manage alongside the conference schedule.

• To log in, your username is your first initial, capitalized, plus your last name (i.e. John Smith: Jsmith).
• If you have two words in your last name, your username is your first initial, capitalized, plus both words of your last name with no spaces (i.e. John Smith White: Jsmithwhite).
• If your last name has a hyphen, your username is your first initial, capitalized, plus your hyphenated last name (i.e. John Smith-White: Jsmith-white).

Your password is Apga2011 (case sensitive). To access the site, click here.

Instructions

There are two major portions of this site. The first is the homepage (or listed under the navigation bar as More: The Revolutionary APGA Conference). This section allows attendees to follow discussion threads about a number of topics related to the Philadelphia Conference experience. Find out where to get tickets to evening shows or who is planning a happy hour at the hotel bar!

Along with these topics, a list of helpful links are located on the right-hand-side of the webpage. You can access SEPTA maps for Philadelphia public transportation information or make quick reservations for dinner on Opentable.com.

The second part of this site is the customizable calendar (or listed under the navigation bar as Event Calendar). This section allows attendees to view, at a glance, the Event Schedule (located on the left-hand sidebar under Lists) as well as create a Personal Schedule (also under Lists).

To begin the customizing process, make sure you are in the Event Calendar portion of the site and start at the Event Schedule link.

• You will see a week-long calendar (NOTE: make sure you are in the week of the conference by choosing the right date on the small month-long calendar on the left-hand sidebar).
• To add an event to your personal schedule, click on the event.
• Go to the icon bar at the top of the page and chose the "Workflows" icon.
• You will see an option to "Start a New Workflow."
• Click "Add Event."
• Click "Start" and this event will automatically be added to your personal schedule.

Keep track of the sessions, tours and workshops, and in-conference events you'll be attending. It provides a fast and easy way to manage your conference schedule. For any additional assistance or questions, email me, Vivienne Dobbs, at vdobbs@publicgardens.org.​

Chanticleer In-Conference Event

In-Conference Event at Chanticleer
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

As soon as you arrive at Chanticleer, A Pleasure Garden, you will notice that something is different here. A late afternoon stroll through the lush and diverse areas of Chanticleer will confirm this. Verdant woodlands and rolling pastures serve as background to the unique horticultural experience that awaits APGA Conference Attendees. Light refreshments will make your experience an even more personal one, like one you might have enjoyed when the Rosengartens lived in the homes on the property. Chanticleer is truly a team effort. Seven horticulturists share a vision with the executive director and he with the board of directors to make this one of the most intimate and wonderful experiences in this region.

No need for a business suit, but you may want to pack a swimsuit if you are planning to attend the In-Conference Chanticleer event. The pool will be open complete with a lifeguard on duty (towels not included...so bring that too)!

Visit the website for more information.

A sneak peak at MORE Fun in Philly

Tuesday, June 21, & Thursday, June 23 - meet in the Loews Hotel Lobby, 7pm on Tuesday, 6:30pm on Thursday.

Join us for an evening stroll through the streets of Philadelphia on your way to a fabulous dinner! Three different themed options on both Tuesday and Thursday evenings offer you a chance to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks and sample some of the locals’ favorite bars and eateries. For more details click here. 

Click here to register

Featured stops

Old City Life Elfreth’s Alley is known as our nation’s oldest residential street. It has been occupied by residents and business owners since 1702. Today the Alley looks much like it did in the 18^th Century thanks to the Elfreth’s Alley Association who helped secure its spot as a National Historic Landmark District. Thirty-two houses built between 1728 and 1836 line the alley forming one of the last intact early American streetscapes in the nation. We will take a stroll down this street to get a sense of what life might have been like in the city where our nation was founded.

Photo credit: E. Savaria

 Out in the Gayborhood 13^th Street Shops & Restaurants. Philadelphia has a notable history involving the gay rights movement. The 1965 march in front of Independence Hall was one of the earliest public protests for equal rights. The city’s 1982 Fair Practices Act was one of the country's earliest gay civil rights measures. Today Philadelphia is home to a vibrant gay community and 13^th Street is at the heart of it all. This lively street is chock-full of bars, restaurants and shops to tantalize the senses. We will meander in and out of the numerous gay-owned stores that line two blocks that make up the Gayborhood.  

  

 Image credit: visitphilly.com

Puttin’ on the Ritts Rittenhouse Square is the final stop for this evening stroll. This picturesque park is one of the five original parks planned for Philadelphia by William Penn in the late 17^th century. In the latter half of the 19^th century Rittenhouse became the most fashionable neighborhood to live in and home to the “Victorian aristocracy”. Today it remains one of the most glamorous areas in the city, surrounded by luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants and the most desirable addresses in the city.

 Photo credit: Stephen Weber

MORE fun in Philly….

With all of the sessions and tours happening at the APGA Conference this year in Philly, we can see how you might be feeling dizzy. The Social Committee is here for you! We are currently organizing casual outings on Tuesday and Thursday evenings to introduce you to Philly nightlife at its finest.

What’s MORE? You can pick and choose! Join in on one of three groups strolling to Old City, Rittenhouse Square, or the Gayborhood. Mingle with other horticulturally inclined attendees hailng from near and far as you learn about classic Philly icons and monuments on your way to dinner and drinks. These three tours are open Tuesday and Thursday nights. Further details to come…

Option 1: Old City Life

It’s not every day you get to stroll past the Liberty Bell on your way to dinner! This walk will take you down the Independence Historic Mall, past the Liberty Bell Pavilion and the iconic Independence Hall building. We’ll continue on through the parks that surround the beautiful historic buildings of Carpenters Hall and the 2^nd Bank of the United States.

Walk past the Betsy Ross House and along Elfreth’s Alley, referred to as America’s first residential street. Wander the alley before strolling into City Tavern, known as the informal meeting place of the first continental congress. In the late 1700’s you would have been rubbing elbows with the likes of John Adams and George Washington, so it’s okay to pretend you're Ben Franklin while you are enjoying your drink.

A view of Independence Hall

Option 2: Puttin’ on the Ritts…

Tour the good life in Rittenhouse Square. We’ll stroll past City Hall, then onto LOVE Park for a chance to take a photo beside the famous sculpture. We’ll walk along the scenic Benjamin Franklin Parkway pointing out some of Philadelphia’s most famous sites such as the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Swann Memorial Fountain, the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Our final destination: Rittenhouse Square, one of the five original open-space parks planned for William Penn’s “Greene Countrie Town”. Here restaurants abound; we’ll dine at one of the Square’s delightful bistros and enjoy a drink at Parc, a restaurant with a French flair.

You too could be enjoying Rittenhouse Square this June...

Option 3: Out in the Gayborhood

You don’t have to go far to get OUT and about in Philadelphia. On our short stroll we’ll first visit the Wannamaker Building, the US’s first Department Store. We’ll wander through the building’s grand central court to see the Wannamaker organ, one of the largest organs in the world. It still graces the store with music and if we are lucky we may be treated to a special concert. We’ll head down 13^th street, through the heart of the Gayborhood, also called Midtown Village.

We’ll stop at Verde a specialty shop that sells fresh flowers, gifts and is home to a wonderful chocolatier. Dinner will be at one of the many great gay-owned restaurants in the area. Then on to Woody’s the oldest and most established gay-bay in the city for a drink.

Philly’s 13^th Street

Photos from awesomestories.com, iirraa @ Flikr.com, and GayPASG.org

More Cheesesteaks, Please...

When you think Philadelphia, you think cheesesteaks, and for good reason…Philadelphia is the birthplace of the greatest sandwich of all time! And while the debate will rage on for years to come (Pat’s or Geno’s?) Philadelphia is more than steak sandwiches.

Philadelphia is home to several fine dining establishments including Le Bec-Fin (once named the best restaurant in the country by Condé Nast), and several Stephen Starr restaurants - Buddakan, Parc, Butcher & Singer, and Alma De Cuba to name a few.

Chef Georges Perrier - Le Bec Fin

And while fine dining has its place, there is nothing like the hustle and bustle of The Reading Terminal Market (opened in 1892). Located just minutes from the LOEWS Hotel, the Terminal houses mouth-watering aromas, produce fresh from the field, provides Amish specialties, fresh meats, seafood, and poultry, as well as unique, hand-made pottery, jewelry and crafts, flowers, ethnic foods, cookware and eclectic restaurants peppered throughout the Market with a multitude of diverse people preparing and selling some of the most mouthwatering foods you will ever eat! A definite stopping point!

If a pub is more your style, stop by McGillin’s Olde Ale House, 1310 Drury Street, the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia (opened in 1860). With a large selection of regional microbrews McGillin’s is a perfect spot to get a taste of Philly!

Or may I suggest Fergies Pub, 1214 Sansom Street, for a live Irish music session (Saturday nights), a deep fried pickle, and shepard’s pie, or some BBQ from their award winning chef, Mark Bebe, awarded Best of Philly, appeared on TLC’s Best Food Ever, and placed in the top 5 BBQ in the country by Food Network!

Lastly, a stroll through the Italian Market on 9th Street from Wharton to Fitzwater will bring you into the oldest and largest working outdoor market in America. With two pasta shops making fresh pasta, live poultry, local produce, amazing desserts and pastries, the freshest bread you will ever taste, and so much more, this is an experience you cannot do without when visiting Philly!

Rocky (circa 1976) running through the Itlaian Market

This is just a snapshot of the magnificent restaurants and food stops awaiting you in Philly for the 2011 APGA Annual Conference.

MORE Time

Imagine the luxury of a work week that is only ever two days long, giving you a five full days off every week to relax and do anything you’d like. What would you do if you had that kind of time on your hands? More time… a very nice dilemma to have.

Well, unfortunately we can’t give you a two-day work week (that might not go over very well with your employers), but we can give you five full days at this year’s annual APGA conference to spend any way you like! More time… and you know what that means—more of everything!... a very nice dilemma to have, indeed!

• More time to stop and smell the roses—at the Longwood Rose Garden, of course!
• More time to take pleasure in the pleasure gardens amidst the world-renowned and enchanting woodlands and pastures of Chanticleer!;
• More time, perhaps, to go out on a limb to do something different (Look up! No, it’s not Superman! It’s the Morris Arboretum’s Tree Adventure exhibit, and you’re about to find out what “interactive” really means!);
• More time to meet and spend with More colleagues;
• More time to discover all of the great garden initiatives taking place across the country and farther afield;
• More time to discuss and debate the pressing issues of our time like childhood obesity and the role gardens can play in helping to reverse such dangerous trends;
• More time to find out how social media—including YouTube—can revolutionize your interaction with volunteers, members, and the public in general.

Please join us this year at More: The APGA Revolutionary Conference in Philadelphia. With the newly organized conference schedule spanning a whole five days, there is much More time to fit much More in. So take your time, and choose those sessions that you know will give you the optimal APGA conference experience. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday… what will you do? A nice dilemma to have, indeed!

MORE History

Reading Terminal Market (Photo credit: Larry Laszlo)

 Sitting here with coffee at the Reading Terminal - a hub for gathering, produce shopping and eating since 1892 (I’ve been coming since 1955!) – one can’t help but sense the history of this city.


The original plan for this “Greene Countrie Towne”, as William Penn described it, provided an interior row between two rows of houses for gardens but also for public squares in each section of Philadelphia. The squares remain – Washington, Rittenhouse, Franklin and Logan Circle, Yep, the last one is a circle, but it is inside a square if you look! The Swann Fountain (designed by Alexander Stirling Calder)in its center celebrates three waterways, the Delaware, the Schuylkill and well, we have our secrets, you’ll have to ask about the third!

APGA members Amy Hoffmann, Keri Leymaster, James Gagliardi, and Tee Jay Boudreau at the Swann Fountain (Photo credit: Grace Chapman)

Known as the birthplace of Democracy, Philly was also the birthplace of American Botany. When this town on the Delaware River (a general crossed it one night with some significant results) was settled a few hundred years ago it was a new landscape. There were no books or concerning native plants, so, people like John Bartram made observations, drawings and kept records beginning our Green history. And let’s not forget Horticulture! The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society was formed in 1827 and 2 years later presented the first Philadelphia Flower Show. Now, along with being international in scope, it is the largest and the oldest continuous indoor flower show in the world! Among other plants it showcased Poinsettia, Chrysanthemums, and coffee (yes, the drink in this cup).

We are home to Fairmount Park, the largest park in the United States that is within city limits. And we have treasures. How about original collections from the Lewis & Clark expedition at the Academy of Natural Science? Or Impressionist art collections that rival Paris? These within walking distance of the Symposium!

Shofusu, the Japanese House in Fairmount Park (Photo credit: Grace Chapman)

The Symposium will be held at the Loews Hotel. Once known as the PSFS building (look up at the sign, it’s still there), completed in 1932 and the first skyscraper in America built in the “International Style” – think Bauhaus inspired… At the Loews you are within walking distance of the most historical blocks in America. Take a right at the front entrance, head to the Bourse and then work your way through Society Hill (named because of the “Societies” of craft workers that existed there.) Check out Carpenters Hall, Independence Hall (documents of some importance were debated and signed there a while back), The American Philosophical Society Museum, Second Bank of the United States, the home where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, and there’s More!. Another day turn left and there’s the Franklin Institute, Academy of Natural Sciences, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Some of these institutions are within a Frisbee throw of each other (ok, you need a decent arm, but it can be done!).  Look up as you walk, there is City Hall, one of the largest masonry buildings in the world…and, hey, there’s More!

Benjamin Franklin Parkway leading to the Philadelphia Art Museum (Photo credit: Grace Chapman)

More Value

More Value. Whether it is the complete five-day experience or a single-day registration, this conference offers you more ways to create the conference experience you want within your budget.

Since I came to the U.S. from Republic of Korea (South Korea) in 2006, I’ve heard over and over how difficult a tough economy is for non-profit organizations, especially smaller gardens. Missing an APGA annual conference because of tight budget is not fun. Last year’s APGA Conference in Atlanta was my first. For me it was quite the American festival, with host garden events that included dancing and biking. If all conferences are like that, I don’t want to miss any.

Bill Thomas, Executive Director at Chanticleer, enjoys one of the 2010 APGA Conference dinner at Atlanta Botanical Garden (photo by Kate Baltzell)

Well, here’s good news. Each day at the 2011 Revolutionary APGA Conference in Philadelphia is full of adventure. By choosing one-day Conference registration for $199 (early-bird fee), you get sessions, in-conference meals, garden tours, networking opportunities, ideas, friends and MORE. Grace Chapman of the Landscape Arboretum of Temple University Ambler says, "Personally, I'm happy that I can send each of my horticulture staff members to one or two days of the conference. I think APGA is an important networking opportunity for them, but coming from a small garden, my budget wouldn't have allowed me to send them for the whole conference."

Dr. Michael Dirr shows his nursery at last year's APGA Conference (photo by Dongah Shin)

The Revolutionary Conference registration brochure is now available, and descriptions of every program look amazing. I am sure whichever date(s) you choose, it will be MORE than worth it.

Posted by Dongah Shin, Longwood Graduate Fellow Class of 2011

MORE Public Gardens Than Anywhere Else on the Continent!

We're so excited APGA is coming to Philadelphia! With over 30 public gardens within 30 miles of greater Philadelphia, you can enjoy MORE gardens here than anywhere else in the continent! Really. I put together a short slide show of Greater Philadelphia Gardens to help you "Discover America's Garden Capital". I hope you'll comment on which gardens you know and love most, and which lesser known gems you can't wait to see MORE !

Discover America's Garden Capital by Louise Eliason Slideshow: Greater’s trip from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States to 3 cities Wilmington, Kennett Square and Camden was created by TripAdvisor. See another United States slideshow. Create your own stunning slideshow with our free photo slideshow maker.

MORE Networking

More Networking. This will be the largest gathering of public garden professionals in North America this year! Meet and reconnect with fellow professionals from around the country.
________________________________________________________________

In a little more than four months (yikes-that's so soon!) I will dust off my name badge from last summer's APGA Conference in Atlanta (Atlanta Botanical Garden pictured to left) and zip up I-95 N to attend this year's MORE: The 2011 Revolutionary APGA Conference in Philadelphia. With MORE days to meet MORE people there's sure to be MORE networking.

By the time the Conference rolls around in June, I will have recently graduated from the Longwood Graduate Program in Public Horticulture so the Conference couldn't come at a better time. For me, the fabulous event will provide a chance to network with professionals from a great range of backgrounds and organizations. This year's gathering will offer even MORE time to interact during tours, meals, and sessions.

Dongah Shin, Longwood Graduate Program fellow, networking/talking shop with Brent Heath, Brent and Becky's Bulbs, at the 2010 APGA Conference

Not only do I look forward to meeting new professionals who could possibly be employers and future connections, but the chance to reconnect is important, too. Catching up with all the inspiring horticulture professionals (and friends!) I've met along the way will be manageable with MORE time at the Conference.

The networking opportunities are spectacular for a soon-to-be-graduate like myself. I can't wait to hear updates of what has been going on in the field and hopefully return with new friends...or a job. See y'all there for MORE networking!

Longwood Gardens' Conservatory

Post and photos by Kate Baltzell, Longwood Graduate Program Class of 2011

Top 10 Reasons to Attend

In these challenging economic times when every dollar counts, travel and professional development budgets are often among the first to be slashed. But this is exactly when opportunities to learn new ways to work smarter, more efficiently, and more innovatively are more precious than ever.

To help you, the soldiers in the field, make the case to your powers-that-be why you should attend the 2011 Revolutionary Conference in Philadelphia, we are happy to supply you with the below ammunition. With more relevant topics being covered, more networking opportunities, and more gardens to visit, there are more reasons than ever to justify attending.

Top 10 Reasons to Attend

(Imagine a Revolutionary War-era fife and drum corps playing in the background as you read on)

1. More Gardens. With one of the greatest concentrations of public gardens anywhere, the Philadelphia region is ready to roll out a week of unforgettable garden tours. Enjoy rarely seen private gardens and behind-the-scenes tours of some favorite public displays
   
2. More History. Not many APGA conference locations can compete with the historical offerings of Philadelphia. The conference has not been held in the city since 1998, and it’s unlikely it’ll be back here for at least another decade. Come enjoy this rare opportunity to experience the birthplace of horticultural innovation thanks to John Bartram and Ben Franklin.
   
3. More Networking. This will be the largest gathering of public garden professionals in North America this year! Meet and reconnect with fellow professionals from around the country.
   
4. More Time. The conference has expanded to five days, giving you more time to learn the latest trends in public garden administration, ideas for growing your membership base, innovative new ways to approach development, and more.
   
5. More Ideas. We have received more session and workshop submissions for this conference than any conference before, so get prepared to walk away with a record number of new ideas, tips, and tricks.
   
6. More Speakers. Get ready to hear from some of the best minds from outside the public garden world. Our lineup of speakers includes representatives from companies known the world over for their innovative ideas, their ability to turn new ideas into reality, and their ability to attract, hire, and retain creative thinkers who propel institutions forward.
   
7. More Options. Can’t commit to the five-day conference? Pick the one, two, three, or four days that are most relevant to you with new multi-day registration options. Just want to attend the keynote day? That’s fine! Want to pick two days? That’s fine, too. This conference offers you more ways than ever to tailor your experience to best suit your needs.
   
8. More Value. Whether it is the complete five-day experience or a single-day registration, this conference offers you more ways to create the conference experience you want within your budget.
   
9. More Connections. With sessions dedicated to informal idea-sharing, members of other garden-related associations in attendance, and staff from all facets of large and small public gardens, there is no better place to share and learn about latest trends and best practices.
   
10. More Cheesesteaks, Please…... Philly’s reasonably priced famous foods - soft pretzels, Italian sandwiches, hoagies, steaks, and other satiating fare - will keep you satisfied, without putting a big dent in your conference budget .