Horticulture tour in Israel open to retailers

John and Kelly Schroeder of Valleybrook Gardens, who have organized trips for green industry professionals for about 15 years, are hosting a tour of Israel in October 2016. Israel is a world leader in irrigation technology, and an exporter of a range of horticultural producs. The group will visit greenhouses, garden centers and nurseries, and there will be time to enjoy the incredible culture, history and sights of the country as well. Tour dates are Oct. 24 to Nov. 7, 2016, with an optional two-day extension to visit Petra in Jordan.

The Schroeders started the tours in 2001 and have been to a variety of places, inclduing Chile, Italy, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Each year, they invite horticulture industry professionals such as owners of nurseries, garden centers or landscape design companies to join, and usually they have a dozen or more people sign up.

"Although we've traveled extensively around the world, our group tours are among our favorite and best travel experiences of all," John Schroeder said. "Traveling with other horticultural business owners in a fun, relaxing environment provides plenty of learning experiences on its own. Combine that with seeing best practices or innovations in other countries, while experiencing the best of the country we are visiting, and you've got the great combination of business and pleasure."

For more information, contact John at js@valleybrook.com.

Photo: Valleybrook Gardens New Zealand tour, courtesy of John Schroeder.