This year that extra day meant it started in February. And that must have confused folks. Just look at these pictures.
What stands out?
The lack of people! Where is everybody? Usually there are people everywhere in the background of my (and everybody else's) images. But not this year. Cool.
The date? The cold? Corona Virus Fears? Whatever, it was nice not having to fight the crowds.
And the Bonsai tree is a Bougainvillea. We stayed at the Hotel Bougainvillea on our trip to Costa Rica back in 2014, and saw these trees, full size, in bloom.
Our plan at the show is, after enjoying the main entrance, which was much less ostentatious, and in my opinion much nicer, than prior years, is to head to the miniatures. To beat the crowds. And despite the lack of people when we got there there was a line. Hmmm ...
This was my favorite. Although as the theme of the show this year is "Riviera Holiday" it is not clear how the Everglades fits.
Two other pieces in this section that I liked, in this case in the flower arranging division, were these two.
Both won ribbons, but I didn't record which. It did seem that they all had ribbons. Maybe only the winners make the show? I think I ask that question every year. Maybe one year I'll look into it. Maybe.
The large displays as one enters the show are always good for ideas for our yard, Including the cacti garden for when we retire to Arizona.
They can also be educational. This year I learned where marshmallows come from.
And that someone had finally developed a hydrangea with just the good part.
And apparently that one can grow bottles. In a very nice shade of blue. My sister would love them.
The vendors are fun to visit. And we bought our annual pussy willow stalks. And this year we (where we = Patty) got instructions on how to grow them. Maybe we won't have to buy any next year.
There was a curious fire pit exhibit with steam bathed in orange light.
No-one was manning the area. Nor were there any brochures. But we had fun with it.
Other finds included this pistol chain saw. Only $149.99!
And it just wouldn't be the same if these folks didn't show up. Alas, they still didn't have any of the ferns in flower. Maybe next year ...
One nice thing this year was that there were several exhibits featuring native plants.
I blogged about I talk I went to recently, sponsored by PHS, about native plants and how they can help restore balance to the natural world.
This souvenir magnet hints at a major focus on habitat gardening for next years show. I hope so.
Several clubs focused on one or another aspect of gardening exhibit each year. Including the garden train society. As one member explained, they get to play with trains while their wives work in the garden.
As usual, the crowds did show up, especially once the members only period was over. Including one rather tall woman.
Patty and I agreed this was the best show in several years. I'm sure the lack of crowds helped. But things that stood out were native plant exhibits, the subdued nature of the entrance (no huge structures towering over us), and the lack of crowds (did I mention the ...).
We've already started planning, and working, on our yard. Hurry spring. Hurry.
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