We're Off to See the Wizard

Flower shows often give us ideas both grand and small. It's new things, construction of hard scapes and things for sale. Some are mostly for showing and others are mostly for selling.

Often local garden clubs and organizations will sponsor bus trips to some of the bigger shows. A way to leave the driving to them and bring some friends for a day of garden fun.

If you like this sort of thing, mark your calendars. I expect there will be many more shows and opportunities scheduled as the year officially gets started.

Chicago Flower Show - Navy Pier - March 6-14 - The theme this year will be Cultivating Great Performances - a collaboration with gardeners, builders and Chicago theaters. http://www.chicagoflower.com/ (Thanks to the reader who corrected the dates I had originally listed - appreciate your helping.)

Fleurotica 2010 - Garfield Park Conservatory - March 26 - http://www.garfield-conservatory.org

Midwestern Herb and Garden Show - Mount Vernon - Feb. 12-14 - http://www.midwesternherbandgardenshow.com/

Gateway Spring Home Show - Collinsville - Jan. 22-24 - Includes vendors of all things house and garden. www.acshomeshow.com/HGExpo/GCS

St. Louis Builders Home and Garden Show - St. Louis - Feb. 25-27 - speakers, exhibits and vendors. www.slhomeshow.com/homegarden

"Classic" Garish Garden Show - Peoria - Jan. 12 - Peoria Parks - What NOT to do in your garden. www.peoriaparks.org/calendar

Lily Show - Peoria Park Conservatory - March 19 - Lilies and other plants.

Orchid Show - Peoria Park - May 9 - Conservatory.

QCCA Flower and Garden Show - March 26-28 - Expo Center. http://www.qconline.com/

Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville - Feb. 10-13 - Nashville TN Convention Center. http://www.antiqueshowinsider.blogspot.com/ (January 1, 2010 page)

Indiana Flower and Patio Show - March 13-21 - Indiana State Fair Grounds, Indianapolis.

Pella Tulip Time Festival - May 4-9 - Pella, Iowa - Parades, tulip gardens, entertainment. http://www.pellatuliptime.com/

This is a site you might want to add to your favorites. It will have a running up to date list of shows. They are across the country and would be fun to incorporate into a vacation. http://www.flowershowandtell.com/

And now - as we wildly run down the yellow brick road towards a garden show slightly salivating at the prospect of the perfect and new flower - remember the wizard is waiting behind the cash register.