FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – The 40th annual Fort Wayne Home and Garden Show runs Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Memorial Coliseum.

In honor of the show’s 40th anniversary, Home and Garden Show workers will be giving away $100 to random people in attendance throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.

The event features more than 650 home and garden exhibitors. Experts will also be on hand, including celebrity Jeff Holper, known as “The Mole Hunter.” Jyll Everman, a 2011 Food Network Star finalist, and Erica Glasener, host of HGTV’s “A Gardener’s Diary” will have sessions throughout the weekend. Alex Babich, popular morel mushroom hunter, is also slated for a 2013 appearance.

Guests can tour various gardens and landscaping areas at the show.

Children are also welcome at the event. The kids’ area features an interactive themed “Old McDonald’s Farm” with hands-on exhibits, a petting zoo, adoptable pets, and ballet and martial arts demonstrations.

Becky Williamson, the show’s producer, said Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days for the show.

“We’re getting a lot of compliments this year. Our exhibitors have been stepping up their displays and making things bigger and more beautiful,” Williamson said.

Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors (65 years and older), and children under 15 are free. Parking at the Coliseum is $4.

A $2 coupon off admission is available by clicking here .

NewsChannel 15 is a proud sponsor of the event and will broadcast LIVE from the event Thursday and Friday on First News, Noon, First at 5, and at 6. WANE-TV will also have a booth at the event with free giveaways. Make sure and stop by to meet your favorite members of the NewsChannel 15 team on Saturday and Sunday.

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Saturday, March 02, 2013

Frank Crandall, GoLocalProv Landscaping Expert

Can the principles of organic land care be used in your own backyard? From soil care to lawn care and landscaping, Frank Crandall will show you how.

The Green Movement has found new momentum the past few years, especially with the escalation of energy prices, local regulations prohibiting pesticides and chemicals on public athletic fields and school grounds and the increased awareness of the effect that excess nitrogen and phosphorus can have by polluting our fresh and salt water ponds, streams and oceans.

The resulting “Going Green” initiatives include reducing the use of pesticides, using least toxic and non toxic alternatives for insect and pest control, adopting organic lawn care, composting, recycling plastics, bottles and paper, using rain barrels and in-ground cisterns for reusing water runoff, installing landscapes with sustainable plants, brewing and applying compost tea, exploring wind, solar and alternative power sources, expanding use of bio-diesel fuels and building with nontoxic materials.

In a three part Organic Landscape Series, I will examine the basic principles of organic land care, components of an organic lawn care program and steps you can take to become more eco-friendly in your landscape, at home and in your office, and ways you can obtain an organic education through workshops, conferences and land care programs.

Introduction to Organic Land Care

My introduction to organic land care principles began in January, 2005 by attending the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) 5 Day Land Care Training Course in Wellesley, MA. The comprehensive course; taught by experts in the fields of soil health, organic pest and disease control, composting, organic lawn care, native plants, invasive plants and numerous other topics, changed my life. I have adopted many of the Organic Principles into my business and personal life. I teach at the Land Care Courses and serve as Educational Chair of NOFA’s Education Committee. For more information about NOFA’s Educational workshops and courses go to www.organiclandcare.net or www.ctnofa.org.

Basic Organic Land Care Principles

The four basic principles are:

1. Work to improve the health of water, soil, air, plants, animals, humans and the planet.

2. Ensure that ecology, the relationship between living things; plants, animals and the environment, are in balance and working sustainably.

3. Care for social, ecological affects in our environment by doing no harm and restore and remediate disturbances.

4. Exhibit fairness in our Stewardship of the Planet Earth including our creatures, plants, environment and extending this philosophy to our employees and business philosophy.

Organic landscaping means not using any synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or soil amendments and following standards set forth by NOFA (or other organic organizations) including using only organically approved pesticides, appropriate cultural practices and landscaping for water conservation.

The Basics of Soil Health

Healthy landscapes, gardens and crops begin with fertile soil. Healthy soil is free of compaction, pesticides, toxins or excess salts and possessing a degree of organic matter, humus and balanced, available nutrients. Soil can be nourished with compost, manures, organic fertilizers and cover crops. The first step in the soil improvement process is to conduct a soil test! A basic chemical test will reveal the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of the soil, nutrient levels (phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium), the amount of organic matter and recommendations to improve your soil. For soil testing contact www.umass.edu/soiltest for specific information on how to take a soil test and mail it to UMass for results and recommendations.

Along with the soil chemistry, knowing the level of biological activity in the soil (fungi, bacteria, nematodes and protozoans) is important to understanding the soil food web. The soil food web is the community of organisms that inhabits soil including worms, insects and countless microscopic creatures like bacteria, fungi, flagellates, amoeba and other protozoans that indicate a healthy soil. Bioassay testing for living organisms in the soil is expensive but if the yard is large or the project is a commercial or public property then more detailed biological soil testing may be in order. Contact www.soilfoodwebnewyork.com for detailed information and costs for bioassay testing.

Enhancing Soil Fertility

How do you improve soil health organically? Soil fertility is managed by feeding the soil, not the plant. Carbon, nitrogen and organic matter are added to the soil as rotted manure, finished compost, organic fertilizers and compost teas. The soil food web then breaks down the organic materials into nutrients that plants can use to grow, flower and remain healthy. Horticultural methods that short-cut this natural process by supplying synthetic nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium directly to plants can lead to damaged soils and weak root systems…leading to a greater susceptibility to insects, disease and drought. Repeated application of excessive amounts of synthetic fertilizers may inhibit the development of mycorrhizae…symbiotic fungi that help plant roots gather nutrients in the surrounding soil. (NOFA Standards for Organic Land Care, 5th edition, January 2011.)

Soil Building Program Benefits

A carefully managed soil fertility program that increases soil organic matter and humus can provide numerous benefits: It recycles nutrients, improves water retention, balances minerals, and buffers pH. Your soil is the key to successful gardens, landscapes and lawns! The first step to improving your soil is by taking a soil test and following the recommendations on the test results to enhance your soil fertility and increase your soil food web.

In the second part of the Organic Landscape Series I will detail the steps you can take to transition from a traditional lawn care program into an organic program!

“The health of soil, plant, animal and man is one and indivisible.” Lady Eve Balfour

Frank Crandall is an RI resident specializing in coastal landscaping, organic land care, small business consulting, writing, speaking and photography will be submitting articles about Landscape Solutions. With over 40 years in the horticultural field Frank will write about pertinent, seasonal landscape topics including effective solutions. Comments about Frank’s articles are welcome by contacting him at FrankCrandall3@gmail.com.Frank Crandall, Horticultural Solutions. 

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The world’s “Most Beautiful Theme Park” announced today (March 1, 2013) that they have plans to make someone’s yard the most beautiful in the neighborhood. Starting today (March 1), Facebook fans of Busch Gardens Williamsburg can submit their yard to be beautified by their award-winning landscaping team. In order to enter, you must submit a photo of your yard and a short explanation of why you need the expert team’s help. On March 11, voting opens for fans to choose the winner. The winner will be notified on March 18.

Despite the park being located in Williamsburg, Virginia, the contest is open in three other states and Washington, D.C. Legal residents of North Carolina, Maryland and Delaware can enter as well. For more information, official rules and to enter, visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s official Facebook fan page.

In addition to the landscaping giveaway, the park is also gearing up to open its gates for the 2013 operating season on March 17. Earlier this year, Busch Gardens Williamsburg shared the return of the Season Street Forest of Fun Preschool Pass, which now also allows entry into Water Country USA. For more information on the preschool pass and how to register, visit 757 Lifestyle.

Hi, I’m Terri Higgins, Group Manager of the Calgary Home + Garden Show. When the sun is shining you can find me in my yard, either barbequing with friends, tending to my azaleas or just enjoying a good book. For many of us, our backyards are summer sanctuaries; offering an escape from otherwise hectic lives.

Yet for all the time spent enjoying this space, when it comes to design and décor, the backyard is often an afterthought.

Landscaping and gardening require a different set of skills than interior design, which can make the process intimidating.

Enter Joanne Dafoe who specializes in ‘client-inspired’ garden design. Her expertise and eye for beauty takes the unknown out of landscape design, with the result being stunning yards tailored to those enjoying them.

A backyard can, and should, be as inviting as your living room. Joanne is at the 2013 Calgary Home + Garden Show giving her tips and tricks for picking, planting and harvesting your backyard oasis.

In the meantime, let’s get to know Joanne:

Joanne Dafoe; Landscape Consultant and Designer

1. How did you get started in landscape design?

I was an accountant for many years, and took a few part time courses in horticulture and landscape design on the side. My passion grew with every class, and then one day I decided it was time to take the plunge into the industry. I’ve never looked back!

2. What inspires you when creating landscape designs?

When I see a client’s eyes light up as I am expressing my ideas it really charges me up. It frequently occurs that one particular element or view in the yard will inspire me. From there, the design will flow and evolve from that one component that struck me first.

Garden Design by Joanne Dafoe

3. What’s the best advice (creative or business-related) that you’ve ever been given?

Mike Lin – Leader in architectural rendering methodology, once said to of his classes: “Don’t hesitate, go with your gut.”

4. What are your design pet peeves?

When every landscape created by a specific designer looks the same, a designer needs to look at each project with a brand new set of eyes. Every client should know their design is a one-of-a-kind creation.

5. How would you describe your signature landscape style?

I like to call it ‘client-inspired!’ I believe that if a designer has a ‘signature style’, they have stopped growing.

Garden Design by Joanne Dafoe

6. Can you describe one of your favourite landscaping projects you worked on?

My favourite project came a few years ago and included an unlimited budget (almost!) and creative collaboration. I was allowed to DREAM BIG! The end result included a one of a kind pergola design, flowing pathways, a two story play house for the kids, a gazebo, grand entrance and dozens of planting themes.

It was truly a dream project that challenged every facet of my knowledge. Once in a lifetime!

7. What is a key tip you would give to those of us who are more ‘brown-thumbed’?

Do your research and ask lots of questions, stick with plants and products that are tried and true for your area, and don’t stress, it’s just landscaping!

8. Social media handles:

Website:
www.dafoedesign.ca

Twitter:
@JoanneDafoe

Joanne will be presenting on the CREB®Now Garden Stage at the Calgary Home + Garden Show, taking place from February 28 – March 3, 2013. For detailed stage schedules please visit www.calgaryhomeshows.com.

Follow Terri Higgins on Twitter:

www.twitter.com/@HomeShowsAB

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By a large margin, metal mutated into the hottest trend of 2013 in all three spring garden shows. Taking shape here: A fire-breathing lotus flower in the Autumn Leaf Landscaping display at the Portland Home Garden Show.
DOUG BEGHTEL/THE OREGONIAN

 

Metal hit the mania stage at all three garden shows this year, showing up in significant ways in display after display and topping the trends for 2013.

Eight of 12 gardens at the Portland Home Garden Show included metal, including a curved, three-paneled screen of rusted steel and a stainless steel fireplace by Portland landscape architect Richard Schultz of Schultz + Long and a towering, fountain that resembled an elongated jellyfish by Southwest Landscape.

At the Northwest Flower Garden Show in Seattle, metal was ubiquitous, too. As I walked with a friend through the displays, I repeated “metal” so many times it became an inside joke.

Surprisingly, edibles largely disappeared from exhibits — but not seminars, where the topic grew to 34 out of about 100 talks at the Seattle show. The only garden this year that spotlighted vegetables and fruits was the incredibly detailed, ecologically sound Urban Edible Garden at the Yard, Garden Patio Show, created by Carol Senna of Melingo Studio Landscape Design and built by Matt Sander Landscape Services.

Ann Murphy, marketing director for the Oregon Association of Nurseries, sponsor of the Yard, Garden Patio Show, theorized that show themes focus designers in a certain direction, one that may not include edibles or other trendy things. The Northwest Flower Garden Show went Hollywood this year, and the Yard, Garden and Patio Show looked at gardens through the ages, so that could be the case.

Still in the running as super trends are miniature gardens, vertical and hanging gardens and the use of salvaged materials. Choosing a color of the year is difficult; nothing rose to the top except white, which I don’t think was intentional.

Photos in this story, Tumblr and on oregonlive.com/hg illustrate my picks of trends and cool things. If you’ve gone to any of the three shows — or, like me, all of them — weigh in with your observations and opinions.

Kym Pokorny: 503-221-8205; kpokorny@oregonian.com; oregonlive.com/pokorny; twitter.com/diginwithkym; facebook.com/homesandgardensnw

PHOTOS BY KYM POKORNY, DOUG BEGHTEL, ROSS WILLIAM HAMILTON/THE OREGONIAN

 

Before you spend a lot of money on landscaping, you may want to educate yourself on how much you will need to water your yard.

David Rice, conservation program coordinator for the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, said many times people overwater their plants and then wonder why they didn’t survive.

“Landscape irrigation is overdone by many well-meaning people,” he said. “They will go out and buy a $300 tree and then drown it because they loved it too much.”

Rice said most plants and lawns don’t need as much water as we might think.

“Sprinklers are running too often and too long for what the true need is,” he said. “We offer several free courses to the public and have free programs to help educate them about the amount of water they should be using in their own yards.”

Not only can you take a free class on landscaping and watering, the district will come out to your home and do a free audit on your sprinkling system, Rice said.

“We spend about an hour or so going over your yard and then leave you with a customized watering schedule,” he said. “There are a lot of free educational tools for the public to take advantage of, so they can take responsibility for their own water usage.”

While Weber and Davis districts have a great supply of water, it’s not endless, Rice said. That’s why it’s so important to use it wisely.

“Our nurseries are full of experts who will help you pick out the right plant for your yard and tell you how much water you need to give it,” he said. “There are no good or bad plants out there, but in order to have successful gardens and landscapes we need to know how to give the proper care.”

Rice will be at the Standard-Examiner Spring Home and Garden Show to hand out material and answer questions about water conservation. For a list of classes offered, go to weberbasin.com.

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Video: Home Garden Show opens today – 6:30am interview

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) — There are still a few more weeks before spring officially arrives, but the annual West Michigan Home and Garden Show kicks off Thursday to get people in the mood early.

“Everyone walks into DeVos place and it is just fantastic. All the indoor gardens all the color smell of the flowers, it is just fantastic,” said Andrew Alt, publicist for ShowSpan Inc.

The event, in its 34th year, is always a big hit for homeowners looking to make indoor and outdoor improvements around the house. However, Alt says the show appeals to the public at large.

“I think certainly home owners are going to benefit. It is the one time of year where homeowners can come in and meet with over 300 different local businesses about all aspects of their home and landscapes in one place,” he said. “They don’t have to drive all over town. They don’t have to make a bunch of phone calls. They can actually talk to people right at the show. It saves a lot of time and a lot of energy.”

The show has more than a dozen indoor gardens, indoor landscapes and vendors offering information on the latest products and techniques for home improvement. The Home and Garden Show also offers seminars, demonstrations and other activities all weekend.

“We have a stage that is staffed by experts from Frederik Meijer Gardens and other places in town. There are all kinds of gardening techniques they can learn. The newest trends in flowers for the year, perennials for the year, all that sort of thing,” said Alt. “The thing that we are real proud of in this show is we have 350 exhibitors. Over 300 of them are local businesses. They are people that live in our community that are interested in doing a good job for the people in our community. So it is a great way to support local business.”

The show times are Thursday, February 28th at 3 pm – 9:00pm; Friday, March 1st at Noon – 9:00pm; Saturday, March 2nd at 10 am – 9:00pm and Sunday, March 3rd 11 am – 6pm.  Ticket prices are  $10 for adults, $4 for children (6-14) and children 5 and under get in free.

Following is a guide to just some of the show’s special features and highlights, as provided by Showspan:

HGTV Star Cari Cucksey – Michigan native Cari Cucksey hosts the HGTV hit show Cash Cari. When she’s not on TV, Cucksey is an “Antiques Matchmaker” who gives dusty relics a new lease on life — she runs RePurpose Estate Services and operates The RePurpose Shop out of Westland Michigan. Come hear her story on the Home Stage, meet her in person, and be inspired to turn that old piece of furniture from your basement into a new treasure.

Joe Lamp’l – Growing a Greener World – Widely known as “Joe Gardener,” Lamp’l is one of the country’s most trusted authorities on gardening and sustainability. He is the host and producer of Public Television’s Growing a Greener World, where his passion for living a more eco-friendly life is evident to his nationwide audience. Join Joe on the Garden Stage to learn about the latest trends in sustainable living, mixed with traditional gardening know-how! Joe Lamp’l is presented by Farm Bureau Insurance.

Keeping It Local – We’re proud that over 300 of our exhibitors are local businesspeople and companies who care about and support our community, and who provide outsanding service to their customers. Come meet them, and feel good knowing they’ll be around to take care of you after the Show is over. The Show is also a proud member of Local First.

Garden and Art Market – A show within the Show!Come browse the most colorful booths in the show, full of unique and inspired garden accessories, plants, decor, art, food and gifts from the area’s best artists and finest local nurseries and garden shops. It’s shopping at its best.

A Garden For Joy – The AGRLP Feature Garden – Led this year by Mike Van Duine of Wabeke Lawn Service, the Association of Grand Rapids Landscape Professionals again creates a fantastic centerpiece for the show! This year’s Feature Garden is a tribute to Mike’s mother, and is an amazing retreat for families, including an infinity edge pool, a lifesize checkerboard, playscape area, and restful fire pit conversation area for when the sun goes down. Get inspired to create your own family retreat!

Saturday is Family Day – The whole family can get involved in activites from cooking and building to bird watching and fairy gardens. Children get in free until noon, and the morning is jam-packed with activitities that will entertain kids so Mom and Dad can spend more time with all the experts they need for their home and garden projects.

Pancake Breakfast – On Saturday, from 9am – 11am, kick off Family Day with all you can eat pancakes, sausage, orange drink and coffee. Cost is just $5, and proceeds benefit The Home Builders Association Foundation. The HBA Foundation builds hope and strengthens community by providing special needs housing for disabled individuals, and granting scholarships to college students in the building-related industries. (Note: the show opens at 10am).

Standard Kitchens Cooking Stage – GREAT GRAINS! – Our popular chef Angus Campbell, from GRCC’s Secchia Institute for Culinary Education, is presenting delicious foods made with high-fiber and nutritionally-rich grains. Whole grains are loaded with vitamins and minerals and may help fight heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more. Plus, they taste delicious! This year’s menu includes Toasted Barley Pilaf, Beluga Lentil Salad, Wild Mushroom and Quinoa Salad, and Millet Crunch.

Over a Dozen Indoor Gardens – Spring is definitely in the air at DeVos Place! In addition to the inspiring Feature Garden by the AGRLP, you’ll find more magnificent indoor landscapes at every turn. Our area’s premier landscapers are here to show off their best work, and the results will wow you. Whether you have acres for your own landscaping, or just a window box to work with, you’re sure to pick up plenty of ideas to take home.

Garden Stage – The Garden Stage is packed with back-to-back seminars starting every half hour all weekend long! Presented by the area’s leaders in gardening, landscaping, soil and tree care, and more, a visit to the garden stage is an opportunity to learn everything you need to know, in one place. Speakers are from Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Michigan Nursery Landscape Assocation and MSU Extension Horticulture Educators.

Smart Gardening – MSU Extension horticulture educators will be presenting “smart gardening” techniques in a variety of free seminars on the Garden Stage, as well as being onsite throughout the show to talk with visitors in their Smart Garden. Come prepared with all of your toughest questions and stop by their garden, by the Garden Stage, for their expert assistance.

StandardFlower Show – Sponsored by District IV of the Michigan Garden Clubs. The theme of this year’s show is “”Follow the Yellow Brick Road.” Come enjoy stunning entries in the horticulture and design competitions, located at the back of the Grand Gallery.

HBA Pro Pavilion – The place to go for all your building and remodeling needs is the Pro Pavilion! “Start Here” to connect with expert members of the Home Builders Association of Greater Grand Rapids, who are committed to providing quality homes, buildings, renovations, products and services for the entire region through adherence to ethical practices, community involvement, advocacy, and education.

Home Stage – This is the stage to head for if you want new ways to make your home as beautiful and comfortable as it can be! Everyone’s favorite florist J Schwanke is back for Fun With Flowers and J. Great interior design ideas from Leslie Hart-Davidson Design, tips to get your home energy effiecient from the West Michigan Environmental Action Council, and much more!

MadDog and Merrill, known nationwide as The Grilling Buddies, presented by DTE Energy. Their fun-filled seminars will make anyone, pro or novice, a better griller. The duo has been featured on ESPN and The Travel Channel. Their demos include everything from vegetables to roasts to desserts to appetizers, proving their motto, “There’s nothing you can’t cook on a grill!”

Make a Rain Barrel – Using rain barrels is an effective and easy strategy for conserving water, managing community storm water issues, and improving water quality. The West Michigan Environmental Action Council provides low-cost rain barrels to the region as a means of addressing water conservation and pollution issues in West Michigan. WMEAC will have walk-up workshops onsite where you can make your own rain barrel for a minimal cost and take it home with you!

· Full year subscriptions to Better Homes Gardens Magazine included with your online ticket Purchase your tickets to the Show at www.GRHomeShow.com.  Discounted tickets are available at all participating area Home Depot locations. Discount weekday adult admission coupons are available online at www.GRHomeShow.com

The Ascension Parish Master Gardeners Association, under the direction of the LSU AgCenter, presents a four-part spring series of educational workshops with gardening and landscaping tips geared to both novice and advanced gardeners. These workshops, designed for adults, are hosted by the Ascension Parish Library on the following topics:

Growing Young Gardeners and Young Minds March 5 at 6:30 p.m. Dutchtown

Dr. Kiki Fontenot, Professor with the LSU AgCenter, will discuss how gardening with children can be an enjoyable and enriching pastime for both child and adult whether you are a parent, grandparent, or teacher. Discover the many ways gardening can help young minds to grow and learn strategies and activities that can inspire children to become gardeners. Call 673-8699 to register.

Too Darn Hot – But Not for Tropicals! March 19 at 6:30 p.m. Galvez

Dr. Jeff Kuehny, Professor with the LSU AgCenter and Director of the Burden Center will explore the use of colorful, dramatic tropicals in the south Louisiana landscape, and learn important information for growing these plants successfully. Don’t dream about lush gardens during the warmer – even HOT – months of the year. You can create your own tropical paradise in your own backyard. Call 622-3339 to register.

Top Ten Tips for Top-Notch Gardens April 23 at 6 p.m. Donaldsonville

Janis Poche, Past President of Ascension Parish Master Gardeners assisted by other local master gardeners, will discuss clever gardening tips. Every profession has its “tricks of the trade.” These clever tips and timesavers evolve from our gardening experiences and other gardeners’ discoveries. Learn to minimize maintenance and to maximize enjoyment in your gardens from a successful local gardener, who has quite a few “tricks up her sleeve.” Call 473-8052 to register.

Dirt Cheap – the Gardener’s Jackpot and Participate in a Plant Swap! April 30 at 6 p.m. Gonzales

You may think, “It’s only dirt,” but this easy and economical process generates a rich mulch that encourages healthy growth and bountiful harvests. The Ascension Parish Master Gardeners will discuss how to utilize an effective compost pile in your backyard to enrich your gardens and landscape. Also, bring your plants, cuttings, or seeds to exchange with other local gardeners. You will leave with a “jackpot” of new ideas and new plants for your spring garden! Call 647-3955 to register.

The Dog Blog

Karen will share a variety of information, including training tips, behavior, breed and health information, as well as heart-warming and comedic stories about her own dog and others.

Philadelphia is ready for a British invasion.

But this time, it won’t be about music, as it was in the 1960s, when British rock groups like The Beatles and Rolling Stones stormed the nation.

Instead, our friends from across the pond will share their love of horticulture and the beauty it has brought to our lives at the 2013 Philadelphia Flower Show, the largest flower show in the world.

The 184^th annual show, Saturday-March 10 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, will pay tribute to Great Britain, the one country that has had more influence on how we garden than any other in the world.

“Great Britain makes a great flower show theme, because gardening is a huge part of their culture,” says show designer Sam Lemheney.

Show presenter Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has partnered with Britain’s Royal Horticultural Society to ensure it would exhibit some of the best ideas Great Britain has to offer, from its colorful, free-flowing English cottage gardens and the perfectly manicured landscapes of Buckingham Palace to high-yielding vegetable gardens.

A goal of the show is to inspire gardeners to take home ideas to try in their own gardens and landscapes, Lemheney says. “And it’s especially easy to be inspired by Britain, because its temperatures and growing conditions are similar to ours, particular here in this part of the Northeast.”

Sharing a similar climate made it possible for major exhibiting nurseries to grow flowers here rather than importing them, says Lemheney.

But that doesn’t mean less work goes into preparing for the show, he adds. Forcing flowers and landscaping plants to bloom weeks before spring arrives is a science that requires nursery growers to artificially produce the climate conditions the plants need.

For centuries, Britain has collected cultivars from around the world to incorporate into its gardens and landscapes. So you can expect to see a broad variety of plants and flowers in the exhibits, including the tulips, daffodils, rhododendrons and azaleas that we look forward to in spring.

Whatever your cup of tea — gathering ideas that will inspire you to garden or simply enjoying the sight and fragrance of beautiful flowers — you’ll find it at the show, Lemheney says.

Nearly four dozen major exhibits by the region’s top landscapers will explore Britain’s heritage and culture, from royal events to fictional ones, such as the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

Among events planned for opening day on Saturday is a presentation by Mark Lane, gardens manager for Buckingham Palace and the Royal household.

Other nationally and internationally known speakers include: Raymond J. Evison, a nurseryman, lecturer, author, photographer and founder of the Guernsey Clematis Nursery, which introduced more than 100 clematis species cultivars; Melinda Myers, television/radio host, author and columnist, and Barbara Damrosch, weekly Washington Post columnist known as the “queen of organic growers.”

Two celebrities will be there for meet and greets — kitchen and homes expert Sandra Lee, 5:30-7 p.m. March 7, and “The Real Housewives of New York” star Ramona Singer, 2-4 p.m. March 9.

You’ll find gardening experts from the Lehigh Valley at the show, too. Sue Tantsits and Louise Schaefer, co-owners of Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery, will present “Bring Life to your Landscape with Native Plants” at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

As you enter the Convention Center, you’ll be greeted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s impressive exhibit featuring fragrant English roses and a digitally enhanced rendition of Big Ben. Don’t miss a 21-foot-long green wall planted in a Union Jack pattern.

Lemheney hopes the impact will be “Brilliant,” the title of this year’s show. Brilliant is a word used by the British to describe something that’s inventive, dazzling and extraordinary, and what could be more extraordinary than seeing how some of our country’s top landscape designers and florists can turn the convention center’s 10 acres of concrete into a floral fantasyland with a British Twist?

It’s not the first time the flower show has spotlighted England, says Lemheney. But this tribute won’t be like anything you’ve seen in the past. Instead you’ll see the traditional, centuries-old concepts with modern twist — cleaner lines and bolder use of color, he says.

You’ll also have more time to see the show. It will open a day early — Saturday rather than Sunday.