Aug 23, 2018

The Perennial Place to Be in 2019 By Tim Hodson

If  you grow perennials, you might just want to circle July 29 on your 2019 calendar.

That’s when National Garden Bureau, Perennial Plant Association and All-America Selections will come together to host the National Perennial Plant Symposium in Rosemont, Illinois.

It will take place the week of July 29, 2019 at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Rosemont, (near Chicago’s O’Hare airport).

With a motto of “Urbs in Horto” (Latin meaning “City in a Garden”), Chicago is a perfect destination for the three major industry associations.

In 2019, each organization has reason to celebrate their long histories. PPA, founded in 1984 will be 35 years old, AAS, founded in 1932 will be 87 years old and the oldest organization of the three, NGB, is celebrating its 99th anniversary.

It also will be the year the first winners from the AAS Herbaceous Perennial Trial (launched in 2015 in partnership with PPA) will be announced during the Symposium.

This event is open to anyone (growers, breeders, retailers, brokers, industry reps, educators, media, garden communicators, etc.) interested in perennials and/or the AAS Trials.

A few of the highlights include:

• Private garden tours
• “First-ever” announcements of new introductions
• Trial tours
• Awards presentations
• Behind-the-scenes insights at major public gardens
• Unique Midwest destination tours
• Cutting-edge educational sessions
• An intimate trade show for learning and networking

The official event name is: National Perennial Plant Symposium in collaboration with All-America Selections and National Garden Bureau.

Interested sponsors and trade show exhibitors can contact Diane Blazek or Kyle Lambert for more information.

You can sign up here to be assured of getting additional information as it becomes available.

Registration will open next April.

If you grow perennials, you should circle July 29, 2019 on your calendar today!

— Tim

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