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“A Bridge to the Future”​


2026 AHS Region 4 Summer Regional

July 24 -26, 2026

Registration has CLOSED

The 2026 American Daylily Society Region 4 Summer Regional—“A Bridge to the Future”—will take place in the heart of the Thousand Islands. This event marks a new chapter for Region 4: reuniting members, introducing the new Thousand Islands Daylily Club, and celebrating the area’s gardens, youth leadership, and natural beauty.

The Thousand Islands: A Living Landscape

Stretching along the St. Lawrence River between the U.S. and Canada, the Thousand Islands region is known for its scenic charm, historic sites, and vibrant communities. Attendees will enjoy a guided 2 ½ hour boat cruise including a visit to Boldt Castle on Heart Island, offering a mix of gardens, architecture, and waterfront views.

Open Gardens will be suggested including community plots, private gardens and public landscapes that you may encounter in route.


Registration has CLOSED

For registration via mail, please download and follow the instructions in the event brochure.

Tickets:
Adult Registration Fee: $150.00 USD
Youth Registration Fee: $100.00 USD
Optional T-Shirt: $20.00 USD

Make Checks Payable to:
AHS Region 4

Mail payment to:
Cheryl Fox, 27 Duncaster Rd., Bloomfield, CT 06002

Registration Brochure

Event Schedule

Join American Daylily Society Region 4 in Alexandria Bay (Thousand Islands) for a full weekend of learning, touring, speakers, and auctions.

July 24

Day 1 – 2026

Friday

  • 6:00 AM – Open Time, Enjoy what the 1000 Islands has to offer
  • 12:00 PM – Registration Opens
    Check in, pick up badges, programs, and welcome materials.
  • 2:00-4:00 PM – Judges Clinics
    Garden Judges and Exhibition Judges classes held
  • 5:00-6:00 PM – Business Meeting
    Held in Home of the Stars
  • 6:00-7:30 PM – Dinner
    A relaxed opening meal with time to reconnect and welcome new attendees.
  • 7:30–8:30 PM – Guest Speaker: Curtis Cerillo, Innovative hybridizing insights and a look
    at the future of late diploids.
  • 8:30-9:30 PM – Curtis Cerillo Auction & General Auction
    Curtis’s introductions followed by the evening’s general auction.

July 25

Day 2 – 2026

Saturday

  • 6:30-8:30 AM – Breakfast
    (Or 7:00-8:30 AM, depending on final hotel schedule.)
  • 8:45 AM – Begin Boarding for Boat Tour, Board at the Uncle Sam Boat Line docks.
  • 9:00-11:30 AM – Thousand Islands Narrated Boat Tour, A scenic cruise through the islands with history,
    views, and photography opportunities.
  • 11:30 AM – Arrival at Boldt Castle
    Attendees may explore the castle and grounds at their own pace.
  • Time TBA – Boldt Castle Gardens Tour, A guided walk highlighting the plantings and restoration work.
  • 6:00-7:30 PM – Dinner
    Relaxed evening meal before the program
  • 7:30 PM – Guest Speakers: Heidi & Charles Douglas, A dynamic presentation from two of the most beloved voices in the daylily world.
  • Following Presentation Douglas Auction & General Auction, Heidi and Charles’s introductions, followed by the general auction until all plants are sold

July 26

Day 3 – 2026

Sunday

  • 6:30 or 7:00-8:30 AM – Breakfast
    Final morning meal together.
  • 9:00 AM – Guest Speaker: Charlie Gomer, Fresh perspectives and forward-thinking hybridizing
    insights followed by Charlie’s introductions offered to attendees.
  • 10:30 AM – Basket Drawings & Silent Auction Winners announced and items distributed.
  • 11:30 AM-12:00 PM – Regional Closing, Final remarks, thank-yous, and farewell until next year.

Live Speakers

This year’s lineup brings together some of the most engaging voices in the daylily world:

Blue Creek Daylily Garden

Curtis Cerillo

Co-founder of Blue Creek Daylily Garden (Maryland) and known for his work with late diploids and unique genetic lines, will share his journey from New Jersey to building a working garden that bridges old and new.

Browns Ferry Gardens

Heidi & Charles Douglas

Heidi and Charles Douglas of Brown’s Ferry Gardens are beloved figures in the daylily community, known for their exceptional hybridizing, warm hospitality, and deep knowledge of Hemerocallis. Their Georgetown, South Carolina garden features cultivars from Charles and Heidi Douglas, have served as both a Regional and National tour garden. Join us as they share their experience, insight, and passion for growing and hybridizing remarkable daylilies.

Browns Ferry Gardens

Charlie Gomer

of Gettysburg Daylilies (Pennsylvania), is a rising star in the daylily world. With a garden that blends historical reverence and modern flair, Charlie is known for his passion for education, his love of peafowl, and his commitment to making horticulture accessible to all.

Fun Places to Visit during the 2026 Region 4 Summer Meeting PDF

Dear Friends, As you make plans to attend the 2026 Region 4 Summer Meeting, “A Bridge to the Future,” we hope you will take extra time to enjoy the beauty, history, and attractions of the Thousand Islands region. The scenic area between Alexandria Bay and Clayton offers breathtaking river views, unique shops, historic landmarks, and unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.


Youth in Action

A highlight of the 2026 Regional is the involvement of young gardeners. Supported by the Northern New York Community Foundation, the Ogdensburg Youth Gardeners are excited about being involved in the event.

Explore the Region

Beyond the gardens, attendees can experience the best of Thousand Islands tourism:

  • Charming downtown Alexandria Bay
  • Sunset cruises on the St. Lawrence
  • Thousand Island Bridge crossing
  • Local wineries and craft beverage distillery tasting rooms
  • Scenic parks for hiking, kayaking and biking
  • World-famous Antique Boat Museum in nearby Clayton, NY.
  • Some of the best fishing in the country (according to Bassmaster Magazine)
  • The Thompson Zoo in Watertown, NY

Local tourism boards, including the Northern New York Community Foundation, and local businesses are partnering with Region 4 to make this a memorable experience for all visitors.

A Regional Reunion

With participation from both U.S. and Canadian members, this regional reflects the spirit of cooperation and shared enthusiasm that defines Region 4. This isn’t just a regional, it’s a reunion, a new beginning, and a celebration of everything that connects us—our gardens, our friends, and our future.

Join Us

Whether you’re a hybridizer, a gardener, or a newcomer to the daylily world, “A Bridge to the Future” welcomes you. Come for the gardens. Stay for the people. Leave inspired.

We are currently working on our online registration system. For immediate registration, please download and print and follow the instructions in the event brochure.

Registration Brochure

Have a Question?

Thank you for your interest in American Daylily Society Region 4! Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. We are always willing to help answer your inquiries.


Location Details

Bonnie Castle Resort
Phone: 1-800-955-4511
31 Holland Street
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
United States

Local State Parks

KRING POINT STATE PARK – 10 miles

GRASS POINT STATE PARK – 10 miles

KEEWAYDIN STATE PARK – in Alexandria Bay

WELLESLEY ISLAND STATE PARK – 15 miles across the bridge

Local RV Sites

SWAN BAY RV RESORT – 6 miles

1000 ISLANDS CAMP GROUNDS – In Alexandria Bay

MERRY KNOLL CAMPGROUNDS – 15 Miles