Annual General Meeting 2008
Monterey, California
The Annual General Meeting of the Mediterranean Garden Society featuring California’s leading horticultural authorities and visits to exclusive and private gardens, will be held between Thursday 9 October and Sunday 12 October 2008 at the Casa Munras Hotel in Monterey, California, USA. The symposium is offered in collaboration with the Northern California Branch of the Mediterranean Garden Society and Pacific Horticulture.
"Monterey was chosen as the general meeting location because of its picturesque setting, rich history, diversity of climates and access to exclusive gardens that are otherwise unavailable," says Co-Branch Head Nancy Swearengen. Nothing can prepare you for the jaw-dropping beauty along Monterey’s fabled coast. John Steinbeck was a frequent visitor, and drew considerable inspiration from area landmarks including Cannery Row, which he helped to immortalize in his novel of the same name. Today, restaurants, boutiques and attractions, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, have helped make Monterey a favorite destination for visitors from around the world.
The four-day event will begin with a Welcome Reception on Thursday 9 October featuring wines and produce grown or harvested in the Monterey County region. Friday’s schedule includes a tour along gorgeous vistas of the Pacific Grove Coast line, the famous 17-Mile Drive, and into the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, made famous by past mayor and actor Clint Eastwood. You’ll also enjoy a trip to the Carmel Mission and the living museum of Point Lobos, labelled the "greatest meeting of land and sea on earth". Saturday’s Symposium entitled "Gardening Under Mediterranean Skies VI: A History of California Gardens" will include talks by noted California horticultural authorities, and visits to private and public gardens in the Monterey area. The General Assembly of the Society will take place on Sunday with the afternoon at leisure and a closing gala dinner.
Post-program tours will be offered on Monday 13 October and Tuesday 14 October. These tours will showcase more of the beautiful California Coast including the famous Big Sur region, the Santa Cruz area, the Mediterranean-oriented Arboretum at the University of California at Santa Cruz, and a variety of preserves that are unique to California.
The host hotel, Casa Munras, is a four-star gem located in downtown Monterey. Casa Munras was built around the original hacienda of Don Esteban Munras, the last Spanish diplomat to California. Accommodation is scattered among 11 one- and two-storey buildings along the 4.5-acre landscaped property that includes beautiful floral gardens.
The cost of the 4-day program is $650 per person, not including accommodation. Please note that your travel arrangements are not included and must be organized by yourself. Travel insurance is highly recommended to protect you in the event of unforeseen cancellations. We also recommend that you take out adequate medical insurance.
Details on how to register for the AGM are now available here.
An Invitation to California
If you’re considering coming to the 2008 AGM in Monterey, we hope you’ll think of us as resources. California is a large and diverse state, with many beautiful scenic spots, interesting natural features, and wonderful gardens. We’ll be delighted to suggest public and private gardens, and other interesting places you might like to visit – before or after the AGM, or both.
We could accompany you on garden visits and make reservations and arrange for knowledgeable guides in certain gardens. We may be able to offer overnight hospitality in members' homes for those wishing it.
Please don’t hesitate to contact any of us at any time. We look forward to hearing from you.
Nancy Swearengen
Co-Branch Head, Northern California
nswearengen@hotmail.com
Seán O'Hara
Co-Branch Head, Northern California
sean@gimcw.org
Michelle Torres-Grant
Co-Branch Head, Central California
michelle@LGArchitecture.com
Patricia Cullinan
Co-Branch Head, Central California
patcullinan@tcsn.net
George Brumder
Branch Head, Southern California
brumder@earthlink.net
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