Montreal Botanic Gardens & Chinese Lantern Tour- September 12, 2016-TOUR FULL!

You will not want to miss this day tour to one of the world’s top garden attractions, the Montreal Botanic Gardens, and a chance to see their famous fall Chinese lantern display. Leaving the Horticulture Research Center in So. Burlington at 8am, returning around 7pm, we’ll travel in a Premier luxury coach. This tour is sponsored by Green Works, the Vermont Nursery and Landscape Association, with collaboration with Dr. Leonard Perry, Horticulture Professor Emeritus from the University of Vermont, and his Green Mountain Horticulture Tours.

Refreshments will be served going and coming, and the videos on the bus will give you an overview of these gardens—among the largest in the world– and show you the development of them on the way up, and showcase other gardens on the way back. The tour price includes admission to the greenhouse conservatories, gardens, and Insectarium, and includes an optional hour guided tour. Lunch may be purchased at the gardens, or you may bring your own. Keep in mind the mileage alone (figured at the federal rate) if you drove would be more than the total price of this tour, would entail dealing with Montreal traffic, and wouldn’t even include parking and gardens admission, as well as the chance to meet and learn from others with garden interests–all part of this tour.

This display of hundreds of hand-made silk Chinese lanterns is of course stunning at night, but is even more colorful and easily seen in daylight. Each year the main display represents a new theme and new lanterns, some floating in the pond, some over 10 feet high. The theme this year depicts moments in the life of the Son of Heaven—the Chinese Emperor, from his enthronment to his wedding. This display is found throughout the largest Chinese garden outside China (done in the style of the Ming Dynasty), where you’ll also find the largest Penjin (Chinese bonsai) collection in North America. Nearby you’ll find the modernistic Japanese garden, tea room and bonsai collection; and many specialty gardens such as rock garden, perennials, roses, design ideas, trees and shrubs. The 11 greenhouses have changing seasonal displays, and extensive collections of plants such as orchids, begonias, ferns and cacti.

Any family or friends interested in joining you? Send in your registration NOW in order to guarantee seats on this relaxing, comfortable and educational tour which usually sells out early. Register early for a discount. Register for two or more garden tours this summer hosted by Dr. Perry (http://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/forpecon.htm#tours), and you’ll get a $10 discount coupon good for tours in 2017.

Questions or special needs? Contact leonard.perry@uvm.edu (802-318-8453).