It has been a crazy year since I joined he City of Rochester as horticulturist last March. I am way behind in getting these details out, but I hope it isn’t too late for you to join me. As incentive to get the word out, I am offering $20 rebates for every friend that you recruit for the trip to Philly. If you bring three friends, that would be $60 back – refunded by check on the tour. If you can’t go, but people tell me you referred them, you will still get a check - $40 for a couple that joins me.

The Philadelphia Flower theme for 2011 is Springtime in Paris. For more details, please visit www.TheFlowerShow.com. In addition to Longwood Gardens, we will also visit the Brandywine River Museum which highlights the artwork of N.C. Wyeth and his family. The museum is along the banks of the river and beautifully displays the famous original paintings from books like Treasure Island.

Please pass this info on to your garden club, as well as friends and neighbors that enjoy gardening. Send your deposit as soon as possible to reserve your place. In sixteen years of leading this tour, no one has ever lost a deposit because they had to cancel their reservation - even the night before. Bring family and friends for a two days of flowers. We have even had three generations attend together!  We will also be bringing back those amazing mushrooms once again.

First Day - Philadelpia Flower Show
7:30 Depart Bristol's Garden Center in Victor, bagels & cream cheese in their greenhouse
11:30 Lunch included near Scranton, PA at The Inn at Nichols Village
3:00 Arrive Philadelphia Flower Show
9:00 Leave show for Hampton Inn in Wilmington, Delaware, 9:45 arrival at hotel.

Second Day - Longwood & Brandywine River Museum
8:10 Leave for Longwood Gardens (continental breakfast at hotel)
9:00 Arrive Longwood Gardens (lunch included - the mushroom soup & cornbread are fabulous)
12:30 Leave for the Brandywine River Museum
2:30 Leave the Brandywine River Museum for dinner in Scranton.
5:30 Arrive at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel for an elegant closing dinner
11:00 Return to Bristol's Garden Center

The 2011 price is $395 per person (double) includes everything except dinner at the Flower Show, and also does not include lunch at Longwood. Add $55 for a single. Full payment will reserve your spot. Call Michael at 585-703-9237 if you have any questions. Please send a check payable to Michael Warren Thomas, 19 Trafalgar Street, Rochester, NY 14619. Are you ready for spring yet!!!!

Michael Warren Thomas, Host & Producer, WYSL 1040 AM
"Naturally Green," "For the Love of Food,"
"Discover the Finger Lakes," "Savour Toronto" & "The Grapevine"
19 Trafalgar Street, Rochester, NY 14619