REGISTER NOW!

The Garden Clubs of the Piscataqua District invite you to
join them for a two-day adventure exploring the local
flavor of southern Maine and absorbing a wealth of
information and education on our changing landscapes!

Tuesday, June 17th

• REGISTRATION – 8:30am – 5pm
• GARDEN TOURS – 10:30am – 3:30pm

10:30am & 11:30am – Free docent guided tours of the stunning, sculpture inspired seaside gardens surrounding the Ogunquit Museum of American Art.  Parking is limited; carpooling is suggested.
Guests wearing GCFM badges may purchase discounted admission to the museum for only $8.

2:30pm – Kokedama Demonstration (the Japanese art of growing plants in a ball of moss) at Snug Harbor Farm, Kennebunk.  Plan for extra time to enjoy all that Snug Harbor Farm has to offer!

4:30pm – Oshibana Demonstration (the art of pressing flowers and plants to create pictures) in the garden at Village by the Sea Resort

• RECEPTION & COCKTAIL HOUR – 5pm-6pm
• DINNER – 6:15pm
• KEYNOTE SPEAKER – 7pm – Dan Jaffe Wilder, “Kill Your Lawn”

Wednesday, June 18th

• REGISTRATION – 7-9am
• CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST – 7-8:30am  (must pay in advance with registration and present meal ticket)
• GCFM BUSINESS MEETING WITH LUNCHEON AND SPEAKER – 9:30am-3pm
  1pm – Kerry Ann Mendez, “Power Up Garden Beauty, Power Down Garden Maintenance”

Meet Our Convention Speakers!

Dan Jaffe Wilder

Author of Native Plants for New England Gardens and Director of Applied Ecology at Norcross Wildlife Foundation, Dan will speak on taking a second look at the idea we call lawn.  We’ll learn about various options available to us…imagine a native plant that could play the role of a lawn without any watering, mowing, or fertilizing, while supporting over eighty-five different butterflies.

Kerry Ann Mendez

Speaker, author, and garden designer, Kerry will talk about getting more bang for your buck and less backbreaking maintenance with amazing perennials and flowering shrubs that provide much more color than commonly planted varieties.  You’ll be able to enjoy more time relaxing with family and friends as they admire your handiwork!

HOTEL RESERVATION INFO

Reservations for the Village by the Sea Resort Hotel must be made directly through the hotel by phone at 207-646-1100.  Convention rates will apply.  Please reference GCFM.
One or two night stays permitted.  Village by the Sea is offering a two night special to GCFM members:  First night at convention rate/second night 50% off!
These are condominium units with kitchen, dining, and living rooms.  The two-bedroom units may offer a variety of additional sleeping options for occupants.
One Bedroom Suite – $149
One Bedroom Half Suite – $169  (Two Bedroom Unit with One Bedroom Closed Off)
Two Bedroom Suite – $199

PLEASE NOTE:  The condominiums at Village by the Sea are individually owned and do not have to meet all ADA requirements to be truly handicap accessible.  There are no elevators to upper levels, so there are stairs that must be navigated to all units including the first floor (from ground level).  For members who require true handicap accessibility, suggested hotels nearby are The Hampton Inn and the Holiday Inn Express, both within 1-2 miles of the Village by the Sea.

PLEASE BOOK EARLY! 
A block of 45 rooms has been reserved for the convention and the special rates are guaranteed only until April 15, 2025.  After this date, rooms will be available to the public at the going rate.

CLICK HERE FOR MAIL-IN 2025 GCFM CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM

ONLINE REGISTRATION