Popular Flower Types
From spring through fall, these popular flowers add color and interest to your garden. Choose from blooming varieties that grow well in a range of climates and conditions, including low-maintenance plants for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
This is not a flower and garden show for gardeners only.
Visitors can educate themselves about houseplants, lawn equipment, sheds and gazebos, and there will be more than 75 artisans and craft exhibits selling a variety of floral-themed products and services at the 41st Connecticut Flower & Garden Show.
It takes place today through Sunday at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.
“It is just very nice to see spring in full bloom and enjoy the gardens,” said Kristie Gonsalves, the show’s producer and president of North East Expos.
“Gateway to Spring” is the theme of this year’s show that features expansive live gardens, vendors, seminars, demonstrations and the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s annual Standard Flower Show.
There will be more than 80 hours of seminars and demonstrations presented by more than 20 horticulturalists, landscapers and industry professionals; they are free with admission.
There will be more than a dozen live gardens in full bloom including naturalistic, low-maintenance, native, container, vegetable, organic, herb and pollinator gardens.
The live gardens, seminars and exhibits change every year, “so it’s always a fresh new look,” Gonsalves said.
Hundreds of booths will showcase displays, activities and shopping for artisans’ handcrafted gifts, fresh flowers, plants, garden ornaments, metalwork sculptures, herbs, bulbs, seeds, fertilizers, soils, gardening books, patio furniture, lawn and garden tools, equipment and more.
Bring a half-cup of soil for free testing at the University of Connecticut co-op booth.
“During the COVID experience of isolation, hands-on gardening and outdoor living became increasingly important for reducing stress and elevating our moods,” Gonsalves said. “The garden industry flourished during the pandemic as folks spent more time at home and in their yards. Gardening brings peace, joy and relaxation, and you can really see the fruits of your labor. “
In previous years, there have been flower and garden shows in Boston and Rhode Island, but due to facility and/or producer issues, this Connecticut show is now the only one left in New England, she explained.
The show “brings many a great happiness to get out of the doldrums of winter,” she said. “When walking into the show every sense is awakened. Smells of spring, sounds of spring and visions of spring are what people will discover here at the show.”
February is a good time for the show as gardeners begin to plan gardens and start seeds for a spring crop, and landscape designers are in the process of booking their schedules for the spring/summer work load.
Returning to the show this year is the popular Barnes & Noble Center selling flower, plant and garden books, including those written by the show’s seminar speakers.
The Connecticut Flower & Garden Show takes place today through Sunday at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford.
It will be open today from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Discounted admission tickets are $17 for adults and seniors at CTFlowerShow.com.
Tickets at the door are $20 for adults and seniors; $5 for children 5-12; free for children under age 5.
For more information, visit CTFlowerShow.com or call 860-844-8461.
Source: masslive.com
