Welcome to the American Horticultural Society’s newly designed online newsletter, the AHS E-Bulletin! Along with gardening tips, this monthly publication will give you a window into the Society’s activities and events. Please let us know what you think by emailing membership@ahs.org.

Horticultural Legend Dr. Cathey Passes Away
American horticulture recently lost one of its greatest proponents when Dr. H. Marc Cathey died October 8, two weeks shy of his 80th birthday. An internationally renowned horticulturist whose career spanned more than half a century, Dr. Cathey served two terms as president of the American Horticultural Society and was a longtime member of our Board of Directors. For more about his life, click here. Also, see below for details about this year’s fourth annual celebration of Dr. H. Marc Cathey Day on October 23.

Supporting Legislation for Getting Kids Outside
The American Horticultural Society recently became a member of the national No Child Left Inside Coalition (NCLIC). Currently, the NCLIC’s key goal is passage of the Federal No Child Left Inside Act (H.R. 3036 and S. 1981). This legislation would help fund various environmental education initiatives. In September, the House of Representatives approved this bill—an important step as the NCLIC continues to lobby for the bill in the months ahead. If you would like to voice your support, contact your representative in Congress. Sample letters and information on how to get involved are available at www.nclicoalition.org.

Exciting Travel Destinations for 2009
Making plans for next year’s vacation? From New Zealand to Costa Rica to the Netherlands, Florence, and Chile, the AHS Travel Study Program’s upcoming trips will explore a diversity of gardens highlighting landscape design, local flora, and culture. Join us to experience the beauty and uniqueness of gardens across the world. For more information, click here.

Call for Educational Session Proposals
In preparation for next year’s 17th annual National Children & Youth Garden Symposium, Common Ground: Gardens for a Greener Tomorrow, we are seeking proposals for presentations on how gardens bring together diverse communities and foster curiosity, wonder, beauty, understanding, and acceptance. Educators, garden designers, parents, volunteers, and children's gardening advocates of all ages are encouraged to submit proposals. Deadline for receipt of proposals is December 15, 2008. Next year’s symposium, hosted by the Cleveland Botanical Garden, will take place on July 23-25, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. For more information about the Symposium and the Call For Sessions, click here.

Lecture at River Farm: “The Science and Magic of Flowers”
In celebration of Dr. H. Marc Cathey Day, you’re invited to join us on October 23 at 7 p.m. for “The Science and Magic of Flowers,” presented by AHS President Emeritus Katy Moss Warner. Pick up ideas for your garden as Katy describes some of the newest and most exciting plant selections that have been introduced to the horticultural market. She will also discuss the science behind how breeders create these outstanding new selections that feature longer lasting, larger flowers in a full range of colors. Space is limited; pre-registration is recommended. Click here to register or call (800) 777-7931 ext. 137.

AHS memberships make great gifts for the gardeners and garden lovers on your list, and giving a membership couldn’t be easier! And for a limited time, give a gift membership for $35/Individual or $50/Sustaining (Dual), and we’ll give you a free membership too! Membership benefits include six issues of The American Gardener, and complimentary or reduced-priced admissions to more than 220 public gardens and arboreta throughout North America as well as discounts to flower shows and participation in our 50th Annual Seed exchange.  The AHS is a (501)(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Offer ends on December 12, so call (800) 777-7931 ext. 140, and cross something off your holiday to-do list!