Spring This and That

The Van Bourgondien family has been growing and selling Quality/Heirloom flower bulbs for over a century. "The world of mail order nurseries suffered another hit this month with the bankruptcy of K. Van Bourgondien, which first filed for Chapter 11 protection on January 26.  It remains unclear at this time if the company can find a way to remain viable."  We don't always think hard financial times involves in the garden world - this should be an indication it's not insulated from the economic pressure of small commercial business.   

Hort Couture: Flowers and fashion have a lot in common. Vibrant colors. Rich textures. The power to inspire—and make jaws drop. This year at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, March 10-18, 2012, the worlds of fashion and horticulture will collide, creating an experience that rivals the hottest runway show or A-list after party

Chicago Botanic Gardens "Antiques and Garden Fair" Friday – Sunday, April 20 – 22, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Celebrating 12 years, the Antiques & Garden Fair continues to offer the best in classical and contemporary garden furnishings, botanical art, and home and garden design from more than 100 exhibitors from the United States and Europe.  www.chicagobotanic.org 

The Chicago Botanic Garden website has a spot on page for a monthly checklist of things to be done in the garden.  For those of you chomping at the bit to get outside - March's list provides some tasks for those nice days.

http://www.pantone.com the fashion industry's "all things color" business has decided "Tangerine Tango" is the color for 2012.  Expect to see it in clothes, furnishings and perhaps garden flowers.  It does rather make me want to sink my teeth into some citrus.  As far as rushing out to pick up some vibrant orange for the garden - well maybe not in my garden.  Granted, it does pop.  The trick is ~ I have enough orange considering I'm not an orange fan.  Although, I do have a couple of stunning orange daylilies.  Then there are the some great orange annuals - OK OK OK - so maybe I don't dislike orange all that much.

Don't forget the Galva Arts Council will be bringing back their garden walk this summer.   We have some pretty awesome gardens lined up with completely different styles located from Galva to Bishop Hill.  I'll have more on the dates and gardens.  More about other area garden walks and fun events for the summer. Fun in other gardens and in your own gardens.  Who ready?  Raise your hand and let's get this Spring show on the road!!!!

Top photo is mine - other three are from open web sites.  Dress is available from prom stores should you want to purchase to wear at your next garden party - in theme, in fashion, in color - what more could a girl want?   Not the prom dress kinda person: orange tux?  Orange t-shirt?  Orange shorts?  Orange flip-flops?  Orange hair?  Perhaps just a really good Dreamsicle!