US: California Spring Trials open for registration

A guided bus tour of the California Spring Trials, formerly called the “California Pack Trials,” is now accepting registrations. With more than 17 locations scattered throughout California, guests can visit each of the major horticultural companies that distribute plant materials and supplies and get a first-hand look at the products and new varieties that are available to the floriculture industry.

This excursion is designed specifically for members of the greenhouse and floriculture industry, other horticulture professionals, and academics.

The purpose of this horticultural trip is to attend the 2013 California Spring Trials from April 6-8, 2013 (formerly called the Pack Trials). The excursion is designed specifically for members of the greenhouse and floriculture industry and other horticulture professionals.

This is the 3rd time that floriculturists Dr. Mark Bridgen and Dr. Neil Mattson of Cornell University and Dr. Roberto Lopez of Purdue University have organized this trip. This guided excursion is an intense, educational, and very entertaining way to visit several of the key Spring Trial locations with fellow horticulturists. It allows attendees the convenience of not having to arrange for their own stops, hotels, and transportation. The itinerary is jam-packed with three full days of tours with the days beginning early and continuing at a fast pace late into the evening. The cost includes hotel accommodations, bus transportation, lunches, and shuttle service to and from the airports.

Attendees should plan to arrive at the San Jose Airport on Friday, April 5, and will stay at the Holiday Inn San Jose (breakfast included) near the airport. The journey begins on Saturday morning, April 6, when the bus departs from the hotel. That first day, the group will visit Syngenta Flowers, Garlic World, Speedling, Inc., Golden State Bulb Growers, and Sakata Seed. Participants will stay in the Holiday Inn Express Salinas (breakfast included) on Saturday night.

Sunday, April 7, will be a busy day with visits to Dümmen USA, Inc., Ball Horticultural Co, and a commercial production greenhouse. That night will be spent at the Crowne Plaza Ventura. Monday, April 8, begins with a visit to Skagit Gardens, GroLink Plant Co., and Fides/Oro, which will include Ecke. Overnight accommodations at the Ramada Plaza West Hollywood. On Tuesday, April 9, Super Shuttle will provide the transportation to either the Los Angeles Airport or Burbank Airport where participants may return home or travel on their own to other locations (flight itineraries need to be provided to Travel Concepts to confirm pick up).

This package trip includes the cost of first class hotel accommodations for four nights from April 5-8, bus transportation from San Jose Airport on the first day and from West Hollywood to LAX or Burbank Airport on the last day, lunches on travel days, and 3 experienced horticultural guides. Participants need to arrange their own transportation into San Jose on April 5 and out of LAX or Burbank Airport on April 9, and cover their own dinner costs. A travel agency is available to assist with these reservations (see the website listed below). The cost of the trip will be $690 per person in a double room (we will help you to find roommates if needed) or $995 per person for a single room. These rates are based on 40 participants and will be adjusted slightly if minimum capacity is not met. The trip is subject to change and may be cancelled if minimum capacity is not met.

Click here for more information on the trip