Popular National Garden Shows
Garden and flower shows are a popular way for the public to enjoy spectacular gardening displays and shop for supplies. Cities across the country host annual shows that are open to the public. Stop by one of these exhibitions during the spring to prepare yourself for the planting season. You’ll find inspiration in the show gardens, learn from the educational seminars and buy supplies to transform your own garden.
The Oregon Association of Nurseries' Garden and Patio Show
Since 1988, this show has grown into the largest consumer gardening exposition in the United States staffed by volunteers. Scheduled for February 18th to 20th in 2011, it celebrates the accomplishments of the OAN’s members, and allows the public to learn skills and techniques from the experts. Educational seminars include “Solving Problems in the Vegetable Garden Before They Get Started” and “Fifty Favorite Shrubs.”
The Northwest Flower and Garden Show
A little further north, Seattle has offered this show since 1989. Scheduled for February 23rd to 27th in 2011, the theme for the show is “Once Upon a Time.” The show gardens, created by regional designers, cover six acres in the Washington State Convention Center. The Marketplace is home to over 300 exhibitors. The show claims to offer the largest roster of free educational seminars of any garden show in the world. Offerings include “Planting a Scripture Garden in the Pacific Northwest” and a “Guide for Beautiful & Effective Erosion Control.”
The 19th annual Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show
This show takes place in 2011 from February 24th to 27th in Providence. Touted as New England’s premiere flower show, over 25 Rhode Island and neighboring Massachusetts exhibitors celebrate the theme of "Gardening with Heart.” The show also includes a marketplace of vendors, lectures and seminars such as “Sustainable Roses for New England Gardens” and “Edible Landscaping: Transform Your Yard into an Edible Paradise.”
The Tennessee State Fairgrounds' Nashville Lawn and Garden Show
From March 3rd to March 6th in 2011, themes for show gardens in the 22nd anniversary show include “Here We Grow Again!” and “Backyard Family Fun!” Displays include gardens, blooming flowers and 250 exhibitors in a marketplace of products and services. Educational lectures include “How to Construct Ponds, Streams, and Waterfalls” and “Edible Landscaping: The New American Garden.”
The Chicago Flower and Garden Show
Designed to get you inspired, educated and motivated about gardening, this show is scheduled for March 5th through 13th in 2011. The displays center on a theme for the year titled “The Sport of Gardening.” There are 30-plus gardens showing off the skill of top Midwest designers. For a $20 charitable donation, you can take part in a “potting party.” Under the eye of a professional, participants plant assorted foliage in their own pot and walk out with their own garden creation. The marketplace will house over a hundred vendors offering gardening, landscape and horticulture products and services. Educational seminars like “Designing with Hydrangeas” or “Landscaping the Urban Garden” will provide vital information to help you garden better.
The 2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show
This show celebrates the season with the theme “Springtime in Paris” March 6th to 13th. Ticket sales benefit the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. This show is one of the premiere events of its kind. Garden designers fool their trees, shrubs and perennials into bloom for the week of the show by manipulating temperature and lighting controls. There are about 60 different displays to take in. Nearly 200 retailers offer their wares and services in the Marketplace. Educational lectures and demonstrations include “Healthy Houseplants” and “Composting for Healthier Soil.”
The San Francisco Flower and Garden Show
This show takes place in 2011 from March 23rd to 27th. New for 2011, the show has added information on edible plants, cooking and wine. California experts in landscape architecture and garden design judge the show gardens the day before the show opens to the public. Participants are also eligible for the “People’s Choice Award,” too. Educational seminars include “Palms for the California Landscape” and “Composting for Climate Change.” Sproutopia is the show’s area for children and includes gardening and art activities to get the little ones involved.
Other states and cities offer their own flower and garden shows. These displays, competitions and seminars are the perfect way to celebrate the coming of spring. You can learn more about plants, flowers and tending your garden. You can buy the necessary supplies or hire providers to help you overhaul your home and garden. And most of all, you can see a beautiful display of blooming flowers that will remind you that warm weather is on the way.
