SAR 2012 Convention – March 25-27, 2012
Fifty-First Annual Convention
“Timeless Traditions, Unforgettable Experiences”

Greenbrier Resort
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Click here to download the 2012 SAR Convention Registration Form.

Sunday, March 25,2012

Come early on Sunday to see the former US Government Relocation Facility known as the Bunker, a secret place completed in 1961 by the United States to house all of our Congress underground along with their families in the event of an attack on Washington, DC. Exposed by a Washington Post reporter on May 31, 1992, the Bunker is now open to the public but tours need to be arranged ahead of time since the spaces fill up fast. Make your arrangements when you reserve your room.
Arrangements can also be made ahead of time to experience a guided tour the famous Greenbrier kitchens or grounds. Every year famous chefs conduct renowned cooking schools in these kitchens. The spring bulbs and shrubs should be making an appearance on the grounds which are known for their vast tulip plantings. Don’t forget to check out the Spa or Casino and the beautiful shops and restaurants that have been added to the Casino area which are only available to guests at The Greenbrier. Make time for the hotel tea at 4:30 pm each afternoon.
Sunday’s banquet features our National Garden Club president, Shirley Nicolai, from the National Capitol Area. She and our SAR Director, Mary Dixon, are looking forward to meeting you personally at the reception following the banquet. If you still have energy left, check out the newest movie in the theatre about 9:00 pm or the Greenbrier Waltz in the Casino at 10:00 pm.

Monday, March 26, 2012

The official opening of the convention will be at 9:00 am in the Theatre. Karen Vuranch, who performed “Coal Camp Memories” at the 2007 SAR Convention, will become Pearl Buck at the opening luncheon that has an oriental theme. Karen has received many awards for her performances as a master storyteller and has performed at the White House’s Ellipse Theatre. Two workshops in the afternoon will feature landscaping specialists Tarula Avery and Barry Glick. Vendors will have pottery, wildflowers and landscape plants for sale and our special West Virginia General Store will feature items made in West Virginia including antiques, glassware, crafts, and baskets.

Monday’s Awards Banquet will see our state presidents receive awards for their clubs and a special program by NGC accredited Horticulture, Flower Show Procedure, and Symposium Instructor Darlene Newell on The Gifts of Spring showcasing new cultivars, old favorites, and gardening tips. Each SAR state will be recognized with arcane facts and implausible fables. Darlene serves on the NGC Horticulture Committee as Plant Society Liaison Chairman and is a member of the Orchid, Daffodil, and Chrysanthemum Societies, a Master Gardener, and a Landscape Design Consultant.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The Design Breakfast will feature The Greenbrier’s own floral arranger, John Gillespie, who will give us tips and ideas for creating the spectacular displays at this premiere resort. Following his presentation, the official SAR Convention will close but you are invited to stay Wednesday and Thursday for the West Virginia Garden Club Convention at the same special rates given our convention. You may want to explore the wild areas of the state with the Land Rover Driving School, see the falconry program, enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, golfing or the special mineral baths, visit the famous Greenbrier Clinic, swim in the gigantic indoor pool enjoyed by many movie stars and US presidents and attend free Culinary Arts demonstrations and historical interior tours. Children 17 and under stay free when sharing the same room as their parents and may be registered for special children’s programs during the day and evening.