The Maple Lovers Extravaganza
October 28-30, 2022
Raleigh, North Carolina
Maple enthusiasts and professionals from across the world who share a common passion for these fascinating plants all got together on the east coast of the U.S. for our most recent Triennial International Maple Symposium—aka the Maple Lovers Extravaganza
We enjoyed an array of interesting workshops and speakers, covering such topics as collecting maples from the wild, the technical aspects of fall coloration, drone use in microclimate monitoring for long-term conservation, the historical journey of the genus Acer, growing maples from a commercial perspective, and more!
Attendees also enjoyed special field trips to horticultural gems including Duke Gardens, JC Raulston Arboretum, Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Plant Delights Nursery.
SYMPOSIUM HOTEL
Our host hotel was the Hyatt House RDU/Brier Creek, located close to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The Maple Society negotiated a special rate of $109 per night—not just for the symposium dates, but also for 2 nights pre- and post-conference, for those who chose to extend their visit.
Additional Guest Add-On Options
For those who had a spouse or partner accompanying them, but not planning to take any workshops, they had two options to register for a "meals only" pass, or a "meals + transportation" pass to join the garden tours.
OPTIONAL 3-DAY POST-SYMPOSIUM TOUR
October 31 – November 2, 2022
After the Symposium, we enjoyed a separate, 3-day tour of gardens located in and around Asheville, North Carolina. On Monday October 31, participants will board a van or bus (depending on the number of interested parties) which will take us to four different locations, returning to Raleigh by late afternoon on November 2.
Cost for this post-symposium tour is $110 per person, excluding meals and hotel. The Maple Society has negotiated a special rate of $89 per night with the Comfort Suites in Asheville (use the below "Comfort Suites Hotel" button to reserve).
Garden tours included:
Reynolda Gardens in Winston Salem
Mr. Maple in East Flat Rock, owned by Tim and Matt Nichols, where we can view and purchase trees from their outstanding collection of maples and other exciting plants
Private tour of the outdoor bonsai exhibit at The North Carolina Arboretum, led by Curator Arthur Joura
Mountain Meadows Nursery, where owner Michael Balogh specializes in dwarf conifers