Mt. Cuba Center Announces Trillium Symposium, April 17th and 18th, 2008

GREENVILLE, Del., March 17  /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Herald the arrival of spring at two of the Brandywine Valley's premier pastoral naturalistic gardens -- Mt. Cuba Center and Winterthur Museum & Country Estate.  This exciting two-day symposium focuses on trilliums of eastern North America. Coveted by woodland gardeners, admired by nature lovers, and the target of conservationists, this elegant group of plants has captured worldwide attention.

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the biology, ecology, conservation challenges, gardening use, and propagation/production issues surrounding trillium species from thirteen nationally renowned experts.  All attendees will be able to stroll through the spectacular, naturalistic gardens of Mt. Cuba Center where they can admire 26 trillium species -- a very rare opportunity indeed!

The Mt. Cuba Center Trillium Symposium is co-sponsored by Winterthur Museum & Country Estate, the American Public Garden Association, and the New England Wild Flower Society.

For more information and to register, go to http://www.trilliumsymposium2008.org/.

Speaker Highlights

Fred Case, world-renowned trillium expert and author of the book Trillium, will share his expertise on trillium morphology, classification, and distribution.  Fred will discuss the biology of 38 North American species.

Dr. Alan Weakley, author of The Flora of the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia and Surrounding Areas will discuss the evolution, distribution, and habitats of eastern North American Trillium taxa in the southeastern U.S., the greatest region of trillium diversity in the world.

Internationally recognized garden designer and award-winning author, Cole Burrell will illustrate the connections between trilliums and humans -- "Obsession and Exploitation: The Cultural History of Trilliums."  Cole has authored Hellebores: A Comprehensive Guide, Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants and A Gardener's Encyclopedia of Wildflowers.

Tony Avent, noted lecturer and owner of the highly successful mail order business, Plant Delights Nursery, will discuss his work with commercial trillium production from seed.  He will discuss how this illusive beauty is finally making its way into the commercial trade.

William (Bill) Cullina, acclaimed author and plant propagator, who has worked with trilliums for twenty years at the New England Wild Flower Society, will present the unique challenges of seed and vegetative propagation of trilliums.  Bill's works include Growing and Propagating Wildflowers of the United States and Canada and Native Trees, Shrubs, & Vines.

Registration is $220 from 2/1/08 through 3/31/08; $240 after 3/31/08.

Registration includes continental breakfast, refreshments, and lunch as well as a reception and tour at Mt. Cuba Center with its spectacular woodland gardens.

About Mt. Cuba Center

Mt. Cuba Center, the former home and gardens of Mr. and Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland, is a non-profit organization set on 650 acres in the rolling hills of northern Delaware.  Our mission is to foster an appreciation for plants of the Appalachian Piedmont and the conservation of their environment through garden display, education, and research.

  CONTACT:

  Julia Lo Ehrhardt
  302.239.4244 ext. 234
  jehrhardt@mtcubacenter.org



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SOURCE  Mt. Cuba Center