Some Flings for Spring

The Brown County, Indiana, 26th Annual Wildflower Foray will be April 22-24, 2011.  Wildflower and bird walks, a Lake Monroe boat trip, an art trek, “wildflower yoga,” and programs about owls, medicinal plants and prescribed fire.  20-25 hikes and programs take place over a three-day period, including wildflower and bird walks, wetland hikes, a boat trip, nature photography and more!  http://www.browncounty.com/


The U of I Horticulture Club is planning to host more than 10,000 visitors at its 49th annual Mom's Day Flower Show on Saturday and Sunday, April 17 and 18, 2004.  Show hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, in the U of I Stock Pavilion at 1402 W. Pennsylvania Avenue in Urbana, Illinois.  The public is invited to attend. Plants used in the displays, as well as other items, will be for sale.

Peoria, Illinois, Luthy Botanical Garden's Lily Show will be April 8- 24.  http://www.peoriaparks.org/

Chicago, Illinois, Garfield Park Conservatory will be hosting their Spring Flower Show from March 28 to May 8.  http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/

On April 13-14, 2011 the Indianapolis. Indiana Daffodil Society will be hosting their Daffodil Flower Show.  http://www.daffodilusa.org/ 
 
Garden Traveler   http://www.gardentraveler.com/  is a good site to visit especially if you've a vacation in mind.  Easy to navigate and links to the gardens around the U.S.  Many gardens will start opening May 1st - enclosed or housed exhibits usually are open year round.
 
Chicago Botanic Garden has show dates set aside for Daffodils, African violets, Iris, Daylily, Bonsai, Rhododendron, Dahlia and Hosta.  http://www.chicagobotanic.org/     

The Midwest Morel Fest, Ottawa, Illinois will be held May 6-7, 2011.   That ranks right up on the yum yum scale with Chicago's Baconfest on April 9th although not terribly "gardenish".

Some of these special events along with just a visit is a chance to "stop and smell the roses (or whatever)" this summer.  Take a day and venture out  to the beautiful nature all around us in this always changing country.  Take advantage of our Blessings.

Side Note:  Popular Mechanics magazine usually has some interesting articles and test results for gardeners.  The April 2011 issue tests and ranks weed eaters, demos on a new safer chain saw, how to operate a backhoe, use a stump grinder, smash concrete, and an article on homemade "super sheds".