Introduction:2nd International Czech Rock Garden Conference - 2-5 May 2013

[Lesley Cox]

I know there's a long way to go yet before all the Conference planning is in place but I'm finding it very frustrating that so far there is not a hint - not that I've found anyway - of how much the Conference, accomodation, tours and everything else, will cost. Here I am all set to make the decision, but can't until I know what the costs will be, or at least something pretty near. As said elsewhere. "Lack of information leads to lack of interest."

Whatever else is involved, there certainly won't be any cheap flights from this end of the world.

[Jiri Papousek]

Dear all, I am really pleased to see more new names. Sorry for delay, I just return from skiing holidays. I put on my distribution list Angela, Liz, Lesley, ChrisB, John W, Jozef and Luc. As promised I will keep all informed immediately once more details will be available. I believe that Liz will see some progress made since 1972, at least in rocky gardening . Regarding possible flight connections there are 3 options - Prague (PRG), Brno (BRQ) and Vienna (VIE), see example of flights to Prague http://timetables.oag.com/PRGRouteMapper/default.asp?lang=en
As Conference should be also extensive opportunity for networking, it has been already agreed with hotel, that lecture hall will be available also after lectures and it should give enough space for all Forumist to share also their own pictures.

[Lesley Cox]

Thank you Jiri, for this update. I am hoping...hoping and hoping I can make the trip.

A good idea to have after-the-lecture lectures. It is the great advantage of many people staying at the one accomodation venue, as they can all continue the Conference after hours. Who needs to sleep?

[Diane Whitehead]

I'm also going.  I emailed to the address as soon as it was given.  I hope it arrived.

[Jiri Papousek]

Hello Diane, of course you are on the list. It looks I rather confuse some people. Best way is just email to conference@czrgs.cz  like you did.
You just remind me, that we should devote some lecture with memories to Joyce, as she was great contributor to first conference and we really miss her now.

[Maggi Young]

You just remind me, that we should devote some lecture with memories to Joyce, as she was great contributor to first conference and we really miss her now.

 Some tribute to the late Joyce Carruthers would be a fine idea, Jiri .

[Lesley Cox]

I have already started a quite comprehensive list of things to pack and things which must be done before this Conference. (I love lists ) One item is "go to optometrist" and this one had to be brought forward to the top of the list as on Saturday when I put my specs on, they disintegrated totally.

Went to see him this morning and yes, I need new lenses, new frame and these plus consultation will cost enough to pay off half of Greece's debt. Never mind, at least it will be one of the most expensive items I can tick off the list.

[angie]

I have already started a quite comprehensive list of things to pack and things which must be done before this Conference. (I love lists ) One item is "go to optometrist" and this one had to be brought forward to the top of the list as on Saturday when I put my specs on, they disintegrated totally.

Went to see him this morning and yes, I need new lenses, new frame and these plus consultation will cost enough to pay off half of Greece's debt. Never mind, at least it will be one of the most expensive items I can tick off the list.

Sounds as if you are going to come Lesley  . It will be so nice if you can. You also sound more organised than me. I usually leave everything else for the last minute and then I wonder how things go wrong. My friends Bill and Helen McGregor told me that they are also going.

Angie 

[Olga Bondareva]

I'd be happy if every forumist come. Wish I met all of you in real life. 

[sippa]

Hi Jiri,

I just sent you an e-mail to register for the conference and the bus tour afterwards, I hope you will get it.  My husband Roland and I had such a wonderful fun time at the last conference in Beroun, so please count us in for this one.  Roland and Marianne Kuchel Fairlee, Vermont.

The tour and the gardens were great.

[Julia]

I would recommend everyone to go. I flew from Edinburgh airport last time with Susan and Jean Band and we had a great time looking at all the amazing gardens, lectures and the flower show. I will try and sort some pic's out and post them this week

[Lesley Cox]

Angie, I'm still hoping but can't be sure until Jiri tells us the costs of the Conference itself plus accomodation and tours etc. Then I can raid what's left of my super fund. At least this time I wouldn't be bringing home plants which would just about halve what I had to pay in 1981 and 1993 to the UK.

[Jiri Papousek]

Marianne and Roland, it will be pleasure to meet you again, you are on the list now.
Julia hope you will come as well.
Lesley, even I don't have yet final pricing, for sure it will be far cheaper then in UK and plant prices copy this as well .So in fact to come here means to save a lot of money 

[Maggi Young]

Margaret and Anton Edwards are also looking forward to the conference..... looks like a potentially large and happy turnout!!

[Lesley Cox]

Thank you Jiri. I was hoping that would be the case, and with that in mind, I'll ask you to save a place for me on the post-Conference tour. It may be necessary (before the cut-off date) to cancel but I am a little more hopeful each day.

Now we have to make sure of a loving and reliable baby sitter for Maggi's girls.