Offering getaways to educate about landscaping

 

Ironton In Bloom is offering two garden-themed educational opportunities in 2012.

“All of the journeys that we’ve taken or are taking focus on learning and education,” Steve Call, head of the travel and tourism committee, said. “We want to focus on learning how other places use landscaping and we want to continue developing fellowships.”

IIB is visiting the Biltmore Estate and Gardens of North Carolina, Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29. A roundtrip deluxe motor coach is scheduled to depart from Ironton. Additional pickup locations are available upon request. The package also includes lodging for one night, admission and guided tours through the Biltmore Estate and North Carolina Arboretum, two lunches and one breakfast. The total price of the package is $300 per person, with two people sharing one room. Trip reservation and payment deadline is Friday.

“We want to put the fun back in fundraising, in addition to education, learning and fellowship,” Call said.

The Gardens of Aloha air, land and cruise tour departs Thursday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 16. The package includes roundtrip airfare to Honolulu, surface transportation, lodging for two nights in Waikiki, a seven night Norwegian cruise, a Pearl Harbor tour and optional gardens tours in Honolulu and the neighboring islands. Rates for the air, land and cruise package are $2,700 for an inside stateroom and $3,000 for a balcony cabin.

“Anyone who would like to go is more than welcome,” Call said.

IIB is a local volunteer group that focuses on making Ironton more attractive and colorful with plants, pots, planters and education.

“Our ultimate goal is personal enrichment, personal education,” Call said.

Ironton In Bloom is a 501(c)3 organization and a portion of trip fees may be tax deductible.

“We are supported by donations. We receive no local, state or federal funds,” Call said. “We are always fundraising.”

Anyone can become a member of IIB, there is no membership fee to join. Meetings are on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. at the city building twice a month. For more information or to make reservations, contact Steve Call at (740) 550-9540 or scall@callstravel.com.

 

Follow Chris Slone on twitter @Slone_Tribune.