Longwood Gardens Hosts 2008 ACS Conference

February 23-24

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. October 14, 2008

KENNETT SQUARE, PA, January 29, 2008. Curious about camellias? Learn about these amazing winter-flowering beauties, see exciting new varieties, enjoy demonstrations on camellia care and surround yourself in stunning blooms at a judged camellia show when the 2008 American Camellia Society (ACS) National Conference comes to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA, February 23-24.

"We are delighted to welcome the ACS to Longwood for their annual conference," said Paul Redman, Director of Longwood Gardens. "Longwood's founder, Pierre S. du Pont began collecting camellias in 1912 and today, Longwood continues to honor our founder's love of camellias through an active collaborative cold-hardy breeding program that began 50 years ago. We are proud of the strides we have made in collecting virtually all cultivars that exhibit cold-hardiness and we are excited to host the best camellia breeders, growers and enthusiasts for this extraordinary event."

"The American Camellia Society is honored to have Longwood Gardens co-sponsor its 2008 Annual Conference," said Barbara Tuffli, President, American Camellia Society. "Longwood has a historic interest in camellias and continues to play a leading national role in horticultural education. Longwood provides the ideal location from which to promote the better understanding of, and wider use, of this outstanding landscape plant. We encourage the gardening public to join us for this historic gathering of camellia experts," said Tuffli.

Camellia Conference features noted experts

The annual meeting also includes a Conference featuring presentations by noted researchers and camellia enthusiasts. The Conference will explore cold-hardy camellias, which are well suited for growing in this area. Sessions will offer tips on how to grow and care for these camellias, as well as offer a progress report on cold-hardy breeding programs. Also of interest will be the exciting Camellia azalea, a species native to southern China and nearly extinct in the wild, which can bloom 12 months of the year. Longwood has been working with the Camellia azalea in hopes of producing hybrids with extended blooming seasons and will share its advancements and experiences with this rare plant. Presenters include camellia experts Charles Cresson, Dan Hinckley, Dr. Clifford Parks and Dr. Jim Harbage.

To register for the 2008 American Camellia Society Conference, or for more information on the noted speakers and events planned for the weekend, please visit www.camellias-acs.org or call 478-967-2358. Registration is $385 per person; $425 per person after January 15, 2008. Daily conference rates are also available.

Talks, tours & demonstrations throughout the weekend

Guests at Longwood can enjoy a wide variety of camellia demonstrations, take guided tours of the Camellia Show, meet renowned camellia expert and author Jennifer Trehane, and children can even pot a camellia to take home. The lineup of fun and interesting activities free with Gardens Admission include everything from a Japanese tea ceremony to a photography show. For a schedule of events, visit www.LongwoodGardens.org.

'Alice B. du Pont' camellia naming

In addition to the many learning opportunities, exhibits and demonstrations, grower and ACS member Gene Phillips of Savannah, GA will debut the hybridized 'Alice B. du Pont' camellia, which will be named in honor of Mrs. du Pont during a special Saturday evening ACS ceremony for Conference attendees. The stunning pale yellow camellia was created by Phillips and promises to be a show-stopper! Guests to Longwood can see the 'Alice B. du Pont' camellia on display throughout the weekend.

About Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens is the world's premier horticultural display garden, offering 1,050 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows; 20 outdoor gardens; 20 indoor gardens within 4 acres of heated greenhouses; 11,000 different types of plants; spectacular fountains; extensive educational programs; and 800 horticultural and performing arts events each year.