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.
