2011 APGA Conference

The 2011 APGA Conference, scheduled for June 21–25 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will be the place for us to spark a revolution in public gardens—to think differently and innovatively about how we cultivate not only our gardens, but our guests, staffs, donors, and communities.

Friday, July 1, 2011

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.