Contact: Jill Sherman, Horticulture Gardening Institute, (314) 434-2939, jillsherman@earthlink.net
Lunch will be served in the Grand Hotel�s Tea Garden followed by a private tour of the hotel�s world-renowned gardens with Steve Bernard, an MSU graduate and head of grounds. The remainder of the afternoon is open to explore the island. Guests will meet up again in the evening for a special banquet in their honor.
Tuesday morning features breakfast and a tour of private gardens on the island. The event will end at noon; however, guests who choose to spend more time on the island can take advantage of special hotel rates being offered for Tuesday and Wednesday evening.
�Mackinac Island is a true gardener�s paradise,� said Mary McLellan, co-executive director of the Horticulture Gardening Institute and state master gardener coordinator for Michigan. �I am fortunate to be leading this inspirational trip and to have the opportunity to work with Allan Armitage launching the institute�s new online program and hosting him during this special event. He is an inspiration to all gardeners.�
For additional information about the event, or to register, contact Mary McLellan or Sharon Conley at (517) 355-5191, Ext. 407, or mg@msu.edu.
Founded in 2002, the MSU-based Horticulture Gardening Institute develops unique hands-on gardening events for a national audience of gardening enthusiasts and master gardeners and pairs these events with a matching online curriculum. The institute is an initiative of MSU Extension�s Master Gardener Program, the MSU Department of Horticulture, MSU Gardens and the MSU Global Institute. For more information, visit www.gardeninginstitute.com