January 19
2008 APS CONVENTION PLANNING MEETING
This meeting has been cancelled.

February 16
2008 APS CONVENTION PLANNING MEETING
9 a.m.
Byerly's Community Room
3777 Park Center Drive
St. Louis Park
952.929.2100
(Byerly's St. Louis Park is east of Highway 100 and north of Excelsior Blvd.)

Grab a cup of coffee at the Byerly's Caribou Coffee shop and join us in the Community Room as we discuss our plans for this year's APS Show.

March 1
WINTER EDUCATIONAL MEETING AND SHOW DEMONSTRATION
Open to the Public
Bachman’s Heritage Room
6010 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis

Noon: MPS Business Meeting

Members are encouraged to come and hear about our exciting plans for the 2008 American Peony Society Convention.  As this year's hosts, MPS has a real opportunity to shine and we have many events planned in conjunction with this year's biggest peony event.

1PM:   "A History of Minnesota Peony Hybrids" Speaker, Harvey Buchite

This is an exciting year for the Minnesota Peony Society as we make plans for hosting this year's American Peony Society Convention.  We have invited Harvey Buchite, the current American Peony Society president to share his perspective on the rich history of peonies in Minnesota as well as the new hybrids you might expect to see at an APS Convention. 
 
Entering stems in a peony show is fun.  If you've been thinking that this might be the year that you enter a peony blossom or two at our APS Convention flower show, Harvey will show you just how easy it is to groom and stage a blooming peony for the judges.  From observing and selecting show peony possibilities in your garden to preparing them for the show floor, Harvey will share his experience and best advice.  The Peony "Queen" of this year's show may be sleeping in your garden right now.  MPS would be very proud to have this year's Best in Show be a Minnesota grown peony.

March 15
2008 APS CONVENTION PLANNING MEETING
9 a.m.
Byerly's Community Room
12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka
952.847.8800

Grab a cup of coffee at the Byerly's Caribou Coffee shop and join us in the Community Room as we discuss our plans for this year's APS Show.

April 19
2008 APS CONVENTION PLANNING MEETING
Chaska, MN

May 17
2008 APS CONVENTION PLANNING MEETING
9 a.m.
Hennepin County Ridgedale Library
12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka
952.847.8800

(The library is across the street on the south side of the Ridgedale Mall)
Conference Room 172
Come in through main entrance and turn left.  Conference Room 172 is the first room on the right. Grab a Dunn Brothers coffee in the library cafe and join us as we make our plans.

June 6 - 8
2008 AMERICAN PEONY SOCIETY CONVENTION

The Sheraton Bloomington Hotel
7800 Normandale Blvd.
Bloomington
952.893.8419

This is the show that shouldn't be missed!  Peony growers from around the U.S. will be joining us and showing the cream of their peony crop.  From historical favorites to the latest hybrids, the American Peony Society show will be a feast for the eye!
Tours, seminars, a banquet and peony auction will be held for registered participants.  
Show floor open to the public:
Saturday, June 7: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Sunday, June 8:   9:00am - 4:00pm 
Here is the APS weblink to Convention info: http://www.americanpeonysociety.org/index.php?moduleId=JFCWiBQA&pageId=DQW8ZtL9  

September 27
MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND PEONY ROOT AUCTION
Open to the Public
Bachman’s Heritage Room
6010 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis

Noon: MPS Membership Meeting
1PM: Peony Root Auction begins

Fall is the best time to plant peonies and if you are thinking about adding more peonies to your garden, be sure to check out our favorite September event! A collection of peonies will be assembled from the donations of members and friends of the society along with peonies acquired from some of the best professional growers. Our past auctions have included species peonies, tree peonies, herbaceous, lactiflora and intersectionals. From Minnesota's heritage peonies to some of the newest, hard to find hybrids, you'll have an opportunity to bid on, win and bring home some great peony roots at our largest society fundraiser.