for immediate release

Flower Arrangers Gather from All Over the World

for World Association of Flower Arrangers USA Seminar, Oct. 12

Media Only:
Julie McCaffrey
(847) 835-8213, direct
jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org

GLENCOE, Ill. (August 6, 2009)—Experienced American floral arrangers will display their best arrangements at the show, "Botanical Inspirations," as part of the World Association of Flower Arrangers (WAFA) Seminar at the Chicago Botanic Garden on Monday, October 12. This is the first time that WAFA is holding its conference in the United States. This competitive show features 48 exhibits inspired by several display gardens at the Chicago Botanic Garden and judged by 93 WAFA delegates from 24 countries. The arrangers are members of advanced study groups from The Garden Club of America and the National Garden Clubs, Inc. The foreign delegates who are judging represent floral groups in their countries. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The cross-cultural conference provides an international forum for the exchange of information about flower arranging, reinforces the bonds between various members, promotes the care and conservation of our natural resources and environment and provides educational events. For more information, visit www.wafausa.org.

Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden is free. The WAFA Seminar Show is free. Select event fees apply. Parking is $20; free for Garden members. For information about Garden programs and events, call (847) 835-5440, or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.

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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden's newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the green treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 23 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. Through the Division of Plant Science and Conservation, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. The Garden's Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening programs provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. A program of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Windy City Harvest is an organic vegetable and plant production enterprise that provides instruction in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture to residents of Chicago’s North Lawndale and West Side neighborhoods.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Chicago Botanic Garden is also host to Botanic Gardens Conservation International-U.S., and a member of the Center for Plant Conservation. In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.