Montreal Botanic Gardens Tour

Friday, September 14, 2007

 
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 Chinese lantern display.   Leaving the Horticulture Research Center in So. Burlington (behind Heritage Ford off Rte. 7 south) at 8am, returning around 7pm, we'll travel in a Premier luxury coach.

 Refreshments will be served going and coming, and the videos on the bus will give you an overview of these gardens-- the second largest in the world-- and show you the development of them on the way up, and showcase other gardens including ones from England on the way back. The tour price includes admission to the greenhouse conservatories, gardens, and insectarium.  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 over 50% more than the total price of this tour, would entail dealing with Montreal traffice, and wouldn't even include parking and gardens admissions, as well as the chance to meet and learn from others with garden interests--all part of this tour.

 This tour is timed to coincide with the Chinese lantern display.  This display of hundreds of hand-made silk lanterns is of course stunning at night, but is even more colorful and easily seen in daylight. In addition to the lanterns strung along walks, 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 is “Between Heaven and Earth” and  features two legends that pay tribute to the desire for harmony between two different worlds.  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 Insectarium has many "hands-on" exhibits and can easily take a couple hours just learning about the magical life of insects. The 11 greenhouses have changing seasonal displays, and extensive collections of plants such as orchids, begonias, ferns and cacti. Then there is the Tree House, a museum and discovery center for trees, at the end of the arboretum.  Included is a free tram ride with commentary around the gardens.

 Due to popular request we have allowed plenty of time to see these extensive gardens.  Other adjacent options, with tickets available to purchase on site, are the Biodome and the Inclined Tower. You're bound to meet other horticulture professionals and master gardeners also on this tour. 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. (You may print this page  and return as below, or  print it as a pdf file for which you will need Adobe Acrobat reader).  click here for pdf file

Montreal Tour Registration--September 14, 2007

Address _________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________ phone _______________________

 Attendee names:

____________________________    ________________________________

___________________________      ________________________________

 
Enclosed is my check (payable to "Friends of the Hort Farm") for ___persons at $69 per person, for a total of $_______. Tour cost includes luxury motor coach, refreshments throughout the trip, and admission. Confirmation and further details will be provided prior to the trip. Return registrations by August 30 to: Leonard Perry, Hills Bldg--UVM, Burlington, VT 05405. Questions? 656-0479, leonard.perry@uvm.edu