Thanks to your enthusiastic responses to the 2017 International Master Gardener Conference, we have filled more than 1,230 conference registrations and over 700 tour slots.

	Rose Gardens

 

Of course, if you have not registered, please act NOW! Don't miss a constellation of amazing speakers, film series, trade show and the experience of delighting in all Portland and Oregon has to offer!

If you have registered but wish to make a change - be it selection of a session or meal, or buying a ticket to the opening reception or a film show -- please contact conference registration as soon as possible. We can neither make any changes nor sell any tickets after May 26.  

Have you downloaded the free conference app? With conference schedule, maps, session and speaker info, exhibitor profiles and Search for Excellence winners, it is designed to help you navigate the conference with ease.

The last two issues of our newsletter acquainted you with a few

	Waterfall at the Japanese Gardens

districts close to the Oregon Convention Center. Now, we will take you to Portland's signature park, Washington Park, two miles west of downtown.  

This 159-acre park offers a zoo, two museums, a spectacular rose garden, one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in the world and more, all bordered by Forest Park - at 5,100 acres, one of the country's premier urban wildernesses.

The recently expanded Portland Japanese Garden is a 5.5-acre haven of tranquil beauty nestled in the scenic west hills of Portland. The garden is composed of five distinct garden styles - the flat garden, the strolling garden pond, the tea garden, the natural garden, and the sand and stone garden.  

Next to the Japanese Garden is Portland's International Rose Test Garden. Founded in 1917, it is the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the US. The garden features over 10,000 rose bushes representing more than 650 varieties. Portland Parks and OSU Master Gardeners™ offer free guided tours daily at 1:00 p.m. during peak season.

Pittock Mansion was built in 1914 and tells the story of Portland. With panoramic views of mountains, river, forests, and downtown, it is the perfect place to learn about Portland's transformation from a small "stumptown" to bustling modern city.

	Elephants at the Oregon Zoo

 

You can see the world in one afternoon at the Oregon Zoo. Renowned for its conservation work and elephant breeding program, the zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals which include 21 endangered species and more than 30 threatened species.

Add Washington Park to your Portland itinerary. It offers memories to last a life-time!

Key dates for the 2017 IMGC:.

Register through May 26

Change session/meal selection through May 26

Sign up for day tours through May 19