This program generated a lot of interest when it was initially scheduled for March 2009. But due to the massive renovations the resort was undertaking, the program was rescheduled for October 23 & 24, 2009. The Sagamore’s multi-million dollar facelift will provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable gardening event. Overnight package and day only rates are available.

Garden Gate magazine (http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/), the program sponsor, is an outstanding publication that is pure pleasure to read. Features include top plant picks; detailed garden plans; maintenance tricks and techniques; featured gardens used to illustrate design tips; what’s new in garden products and plants; how-to-do or build fun projects; and much more. And there are no advertisements! All program participants will receive a complimentary, one-year subscription to Garden Gate, a $24 value.

The program kicks off 7:00 p.m. Friday night (October 23rd) with a lively PowerPoint presentation by Lindsay Irish, a history buff and specialist on The Sagamore’s fascinating history. A gourmet dinner in the newly renovated Trillium Restaurant follows. Saturday the fun continues with five lively gardening talks:

*The Art and Science of the Perennial Landscape. Designing a successful landscape with
perennials involves both art and science. Horticulturist and avid gardeners, Dr. Leonard Perry will discuss and illustrate through photos of various garden settings the aesthetic considerations and habitat considerations (the “science”) when choosing and placing flowers. Best plant growth with the least maintenance, and fewest problems, is in large part a result of picking the right plant for the right environmental habitat. The common garden habitats, with some representative and choice perennials for each, will be featured.
*The Art of Shade Gardening – Seeing Your Way Out of the Dark. Kerry Mendez will introduce
you to some perennials, flowering shrubs, and annuals that steal the show in less than sunny
areas. Discussion includes design tips and as well how to care for low-maintenance gardens.
*Some of the Newest and Best Annual Flowers. Dr. Perry has managed the All-America
Selections Flower display garden in Burlington, Vermont for 25 years. He’ll illustrate some of
the best of the flowers, as well as some of the best new introductions (including perennials
disguised as annuals), for outstanding performance in colder climates. Learn some tips on
combining the many choices available through viewing some eye-catching examples.
*Garden Thugs in Disguise. As an undercover agent on the lookout for garden thugs being
promoted as valued perennials, Kerry Mendez will blow the whistle on plants that become
maintenance nightmares despite what the plant tags tell you. Some of these impersonators
may surprise you. She’ll also share how to corral the ones already in your gardens and
give some helpful trade secrets on jump-starting gardens in the spring.
*Floral Design with Flare! Join Tanya Sawn as she shows you how to make incredible
floral arrangements for your home as well as unique gifts. Tanya does all of the floral displays
for The Sagamore’s grandiose hotel and special events. The talk includes a tour of the resort’s
new floral workshop.

Dr. Perry

is the Greenhouse and Nursery Extension Specialist for the University of Vermont. He is a frequent guest on the television show Across the Fence as well as on the radio. Professor Perry, along with graduate students, has an active research program on all aspects of perennial production and overwintering. Communities across the U.S. have met him through his past role as a judge for the America in Bloom program. Dr. Perry is becoming known across North America for his internet web site– Perry’s Perennial Pages (www.perrysperennials.com) which features information, links, news articles, research and more on herbaceous perennials.

If you’ve never stayed at The Sagamore before, you’re in for a treat. Even if you have, you’re still in for a surprise when you see the completed multi-million dollar renovations. It seems no expense is being spared to create a spectacular resort featuring fine dining, accommodations, health spa, and other amenities.

The Friday night package includes a presentation on The Sagamore’s history,
gourmet dinner, room accommodations, Saturday’s breakfast, five gardening talks,
handouts, garden catalogs, door prizes, and a garden gift. The single rate is $336; a
double room is $507 ($253.50 per person). Weekend packages include all of the
above plus Saturday’s dinner and accommodations as well as Sunday’s breakfast. The
single weekend package is $597; $864 for a double room ($432 per person). Taxes
and gratuity are additional for all packages. These are incredible package prices
given the usual one night room rate is $410! For reservations, please call The
Sagamore at (866) 385-6221 and ask for the fall gardening package.

The Saturday day only rate is $89 per person. This includes five garden talks on
Saturday, morning coffee, handouts, catalogs, door prizes and a garden gift. Registration for
day only guests is through Perennially Yours. Please visit
www.pyours.com/gardenclasses.htmlor call me at (518) 885-3471.