Cornell hort group plans trip to 2014 Chelsea Flower Show

Cornell University's Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center has organized a trip to the Chelsea Flower Show and gardens of London next May 17-24 as a fundraiser for their Student Internship Fund at the Center. It has been organized with Collette Vacations, the only travel agency that is approved by the Royal Horticulture Society. Dr. Mark Bridgen, Professor of Horticulture, and his wife Margot will be the guides during this trip.

 

The main highlight of the tour is a Members-Only tour of the Chelsea Flower Show on May 20. You will enjoy full access of the Flower Show on this Members-Only day, and will be amazed at the sheer number and variety of gardens and plants on display. Another highlight of this tour is a day at the majestic Hampton Court Palace where you will explore one of Britain’s most important historic buildings. You can lose yourself in the world-famous yew tree maze and stroll in their riverside formal gardens. Another day will be spent at the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew. This 300-acre site houses one of the world’s great plant collections and is featured as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can visit the Victorian Palm House or tour Kew Palace, former home of George III.   One morning will be spent at Windsor Castle, which William the Conqueror built back in the 1070’s. That afternoon, the group travels to Wisley Gardens, a stunning 60-acre estate that is the flagship of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Wisley houses an astounding array of common and exotic flora. That night you will enjoy an exclusive RHS gala dinner at this world-renown garden beginning with cocktails in the glasshouse. Additional stops on the tour include Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.   

 

If you book before November 17, you will save $200 per person. The cost of this trip includes round-trip airfare from JFK, air taxes, fees, surcharges, hotel transfers from the airport, first-class hotel accommodations, admissions to the events that are listed, bus transportation, and nine meals. 

 

For additional information about the trip go to: www.LongIslandHort.cornell.edu and click on the link under EVENTS. Feel free to share this information with your friends and family.

 

For more information about this trip or a copy of the complete brochure, feel free to email or call Dr. Bridgen at 631-765-9650 or mpb27@cornell.edu.