Indoor flower shows are a very unique American phenomena. It all started in Philadelphia when gardeners got tired of winter and began holding events to show off their prized indoor houseplants and flower arranging skills. What started as a simple get together among garden clubs has bloomed into a huge industry. The biggest show is the Philadelphia Flower Show, but I like the smaller local shows like the one in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Flower & Garden Show in Hartford is a good place to relax and get a taste of the sights, sounds, and smells of spring. Over one acre of gardens transform the convention center into a garden paradise. Themed gardens featuring pollinators, native plants, vegetables, herbs, containers and landscapes give us ideas for what to grow in our yards. I love this show because the demonstration gardens are small and approachable for my yard. Plus, seeing daffodils, lilacs, crabapples, and hyacinths in full bloom in February is a treat!
While the gardens are inspirational, there are more than 300 booths selling gardening and craft products and plants and seeds as well.
The flower show's roots in flower arranging and plant design still exists with the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut having a competition featuring botanical art, photography and flower designs. There's also over 80 gardening seminars on a variety of topics from tomatoes to roses.
Come get a taste of gardening at the Connecticut Flower and Garden Show and hopefully walk away inspired for an early spring.
