Get Garden Inspiration From Flower and Garden Shows

Now that spring is officially here and you are motivated to get in the garden, you might not be sure where to start. Why not start with a visit to a flower and garden show for inspiration, ideas and even some practical knowledge?

There are shows of all types and sizes in most regions of the country. Regardless of whether they are big or small, all have similar features: vendors selling plants, tools, books, unique garden products and even garden art; garden landscape displays; floral and plant competitions; and workshops/seminars from garden experts to give you the practical information that you need.

Here’s a sampling of some garden shows taking place this week:

One of the biggest and best is the 25th Annual San Francisco Flower & Garden Show, taking place March 24 through March 28 at the San Mateo Events Center. The show is known for its beautiful garden demonstrations and increasingly large number of workshops and presentations.

This year, there will be 20 display gardens, an extensive garden marketplace, and special emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable gardening practices, growing edibles, farm-to-table programs, and for the first time, a full-sized outdoor Victory Garden.

Seminar highlights include noted author Rosalind Creasy presenting “Edible Landscapes: The New American Garden,” and Renee Shepherd, owner of Renee’s Garden, presenting, “Seed Starting for Beginners.” There are also workshops on recycling and sustainable gardening, and gardening in small spaces and containers.

The 14^th Annual Boise Flower and Garden Show takes place from March 26 through March 28 at The Centre on the Grove.

The show features a main theme garden with a water feature, outdoor kitchen, and cobblestone spa, as well as smaller display gardens. Highlights include “Idaho’s largest orchid sale,” a bonsai exhibition, and a Specialty Foods Pavilion and wine and jazz nights. Seminar topics include landscape design, and organic land and lawn care with garden expert Melinda Myers host of the nationally syndicated “Melinda’s Garden Moments.”

The Boston Flower and Garden Show (formerly the New England Spring Flower Show) runs from March 24 through March 26 at the Seaport World Trade Center.

This year’s theme is “A Feast for the Senses,” and includes 30 garden exhibits, daily gardening demonstrations, lectures, judged competitions, an English tea garden and afternoon teas, and a garden marketplace.

Show highlights include appearances by HGTV’s Anthony Gilardi of “Myles of Styles” offering a do-it-yourself demonstration “Master of Your Domain: Carpentry Projects for the New England Garden,” and gardengirltv.com host Patti Moreno will share tips on transforming an urban backyard into a sustainable living garden.

Some tips to enjoy your day at a garden show:

• Dress comfortably and wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Even though garden shows are indoors, bring a light jacket or sweater since they keep the temperatures on the cool side for those beautiful garden displays.
• Bring bags, carts, and wagons for hauling goods. If available at the show you are attending, take advantage of package check-in or holding areas.
• Bring a note pad and pen or pencil so you can make notes of ideas, resources, plant names, and web and email addresses.
• Bring your own water and light snacks.
• Make sure to bring cash to pay for items like parking and admission.

Related articles:
Join a CSA To Go Sustainable This Spring
Gardening Clubs and Classes
Organic Gardening 101