Fine Gardening Institute and Fifth Annual Garden Party

Like it or not, August will likely sweep by far too fast and we will be into September before we know it.  For many of us, that means getting the ‘kiddies’ back to school., a time of great joy or disappointment depending on who you ask – child or parent.  Knowing how many of our calendars get jammed during this transition month, please don’t pass up the opportunity to treat yourself to one of two premier gardening events.

The Fine Gardening Institute scheduled for Saturday, September 17 at The Factory Eatery and Perennially Yours in Ballston Spa will immerse participants in a hands-on garden design and care workshop from 9:00 – 4:00 p.m.  To learn more about what will be covered and to register, visit the Perennially Yours events page, localhost/pyours/events. The registration fee is only $79 and includes the class, continental breakfast, lunch buffet, garden gift, perennial division, soil pH test, extensive handouts, PowerPoint presentations, garden catalogs, and a chance to win door prizes.

Fifth Annual Garden Party at Basin Harbor Club on Lake Champlain.  Sunday afternoon, September 25 and Monday, September 26.  Overnight packages and day only rates available. 
Presenters are highly acclaimed writer and author, Tovah Martin (Tovah was just featured in the spring 2011 issue of Country Gardens magazine); Winslow Tudor, grandson and garden companion of incomparable and inspiring Tasha Tudor and his wife, Amy; Claire, illustrious head floral designer for this prestigious resort; and myself, international speaker, garden writer, author and designer.  The resort includes an 18-hole golf course, walking and biking trails, heated pool, spa and much more.  Great for spouses and others that are not into gardening but love to be pampered at outstanding properties.  Check out BHC at http://www.basinharbor.com/.

The program kicks off Sunday, September 25 at 4:00 p.m. with a guided teaching tour of the resort’s 400-foot long bed of perennials, flowering shrubs and annuals. As the bed’s designer, I will lead this tour that includes practical and organic maintenance techniques for colorful perennial borders. After the tour there will be a 6:00 p.m. wine and cheese boat cruise. The program continues Monday from 9:00 – 4:00 p.m. including lunch and a hands-on floral arranging clinic. All attendees will make their own fresh cut flower arrangement to take home.  For more details about the agenda as well as package and day only rates, visit http://pyours-temp.com/events.