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Two social events will highlight LMG09 — The Garden Party on opening night and a Jazz Reception and Silent Auction on Friday evening.
The Garden Party
Thursday, May 21, 2009, 6 to 9 p.m.
New Orleans Botanical Garden
1 Palm Drive
New Orleans, LA 70124
The historic New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park will be the setting of our opening night celebration for all conference attendees and guests. You'll enjoy local foods in the grandest New Orleans style as you stroll the meticulously landscaped pathways of this beautifully restored garden.
Party guests may take a self-guided tour of the garden, which houses a collection of over 2,000 varieties of plants — including the nation's largest stand of mature live oaks. Your informal tour will include:
- Living Fossil and Tropical Rainforest exhibits
- Exotic Foliage Garden containing the largest palm collection in Louisiana
- PLANO Demonstration Garden
- Aromatic, Medicinal and Culinary Herb Garden
- Cold Frame Plant Trials
- Butterfly Walk and Hummingbird Garden
- Rose Parterre and Lily Pond
- Collection of Art Deco Sculptures
- Train Garden noted for its miniature NOLA architecture made entirely of botanical materials
Master Gardeners and other knowledgeable guides will be available to highlight points of interest and answer your questions. To preview this magnificent garden, click here.
Admission to The Garden Party is included in the fee for a full conference registration. However, non-registered conference guests may attend The Garden Party for $40. Reservations may be made through the online conference registration.
Optional bus transportation will be available for those who may prefer not to
drive to The Garden Party. The roundtrip fee is $11, and reservations may be made with your online conference registration. For driving directions to the Botanical Garden, click here.
Jazz Reception and Silent Auction
Hilton New Orleans Airport Hotel
Friday, May 22, 2009, 5 to 8 p.m.
Vendor and Educational Exhibits Area
On Friday, we'll unwind at the hotel after our full day of sessions with a fun evening of New Orleans music and refreshments. This will be an excellent time to explore the educational displays and learn about the accomplishments of Master Gardeners throughout the state. You'll also be able to browse the LMG09 Garden Shops for that hot new plant, book, gadget or unique garden treasure.
Our Silent Auction will feature unusual garden gifts and plants, including a collection of creative container gardens designed by New Orleans Master Gardeners.
There is no additional fee for conference attendees or their guests to attend the Jazz Reception.