Quebec

**N* S* <N*@PlantSoup.Com>**

Dear list members

I've just returned from the Quebec symposium and am checking email.  Am I really the first person to report back on the symposium?  If I have missed other reports, my apologies.  If I am really the first, then let me start off by thanking Larry Hodgson and the organizing committee.  It was an absolutely wonderful event in a region that was even more beautiful than I had dreamed it would be.  

I am sure others will report back on what their favorite part of the event was - as much as I enjoyed the sessions (and there were some great ones) and of course loved the networking, I have to say that the sightseeing and the time we had to explore the city were absolutely the highlights for me.  I can't wait to go back to Quebec and visit those places again.  

The all day after tour to Ile d'Orleans was incredible.  I'm so sorry that the island was not close enough to be part of the symposium tours.  On the way, we took the gondolas to the top of the falls at  Montmorency which is 100 feet higher than Niagra Falls. 

>From there, we visited a black currant farm where they make creme de cassis and a variety of other products using the currants.  We visited an apple grower who makes ice cider (ala ice wine).  We visited one of the most beautiful private gardens I've ever seen - 11+ acres designed and maintained by the owner, who has six children under age 15 (and toured us around in a sundress and heels with no problem at all).  

We had a traditional meal that I will leave to others to describe - except to say that we were regaled with traditional accordian music the entire time and had pancakes with maple syrup for dessert. 

We stopped at two garden boutiques on the way back.  It was just a magical day!

Thank you Larry and thank you to all the people who made the event happen, including Larry's wife Marie, or as she was called more than once this past week - Saint Marie!

I hope you all get some well deserved rest.

Nan

PS  GWA 2014 will be in Pittsburgh and includes a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Waters.  August 8 - 11 (plus pre and post events).  It will be another fabulous time.  Mark your calendars!

*****************************************
Nan Sterman, Plant Soup, Inc TM
Garden Journalist • Speaker
Gardening Coach • Garden Designer • Horticulture Consultant  

Host of A Growing Passion on KPBS telelvision in San Diego and online at video.kpbs.org/program/growing-passion

Phone 760 634-2902
Mail PO Box 231034, Encinitas, CA 92023
Web www.PlantSoup.com

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