You will  not want to miss this day tour to two of the world’s top garden attractions, the Montreal Botanic Gardens and the Mosaicultures in the Old Port of Montreal. 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 the both gardens on the way up, and showcase other gardens including several new ones from England on the way back.

We are truly lucky to have the Mosaicultures so close, and will visit them first in late morning. These sculptures, some up to 30 feet high, are similar to topiary only with living plants growing in frames compared to merely being trained onto frames. These mosaicultures have been grown in other countries through history, especially in Asia. The first such international exhibition was held on this site in 2000, representing the first time in history so many had been shown together and from so many countries. This year will be the second such international exhibit, with the theme "Myths and Legends of the World." You can learn more on this year’s exhibit on the web (http://www.mosaiculture.ca/an.welcome.html), as well as see photos and even a streaming video of the first (http://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/mim2000.htm).

You’ll then have the afternoon to visit the botanic gardens, where you can have lunch at one of their cafes on your own. The 11 greenhouses have changing seasonal displays, and extensive collections of plants such as orchids, begonias, ferns and cacti. This tour is timed partly to coincide with bloom of the 10,000 or so roses. The gardens also include the largest Chinese garden outside China (done in the style of the Ming Dynasty) and the largest Penjin (Chinese bonsai) collection in North America; the modernistic Japanese garden, tea room and new tea garden, and bonsai collection; and many specialty gardens such as rock garden, perennials, roses, 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, with an adjacent butterfly house. The most recent garden is the First Nations, celebrating the culture and plants used by the original peoples of this continent. A tram ride around the gardens is included in the admission, and is a good way to cover the 100 or so acres and to get an overview.

Keep in mind the mileage alone (figured at the federal rate) if you drove would be about more than the total price of this tour, 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. Any family or friends interested in joining you? Send in your registration NOW in order to guarantee seats on this unique, relaxing, comfortable and educational tour sponsored by the Friends of the Hort Farm, in collaboration with UVM Extension.

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Montreal Tour Registration--June 30, 2003

Address _________________________________________________________________

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Attendee names:

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Enclosed is my check (payable to "Friends of the Hort Farm") for ___persons at $49 per person, for a total of $_______. Tour cost includes luxury motor coach, refreshments throughout the trip, and all admissions. Registrations will be confirmed and further details provided prior to the trip. Return registrations by June 18 to: David Heleba, Hills Bldg--UVM, Burlington, VT 05405. Questions? 656-0473, david.heleba@uvm.edu