Sunday, March 06, 2011

The Ultimate Gardening Experience

I was able to secure a press pass as a garden writer/blogger to the Chicago Flower And Garden Show at Navy Pier.  The day was cloudy, with little snow flurries whirling for the early morning trip downtown.


Lake Shore Drive Chicago

Parking was filling up quickly and the show had not even opened yet.  I was allowed to go into the show before the public and there were only a few people milling around taking photos and videos.

It was a tulip extravaganza, tulips I never heard of before and so exciting to see them close up rather than in a catalog.  Labeling is so important when displaying plantings.  I will definitely be keeping a list of the bulbs for  ordering during the summer.








Tulip Cape Town




Daffodil Great Expectations

The show was quite open this year with plenty of walking room between the displays but lots of retail booths towards the back of the show.  Many were garden and plant related but some were not, like wall switch cover plates.

Branches in planters define one of the pathways.











Coral Gerbera Daisy


Yellow Gerbera Daisy

La Bella Snapdragon


I think it is evident that one trend this year is INTENSE COLOR!
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23 comments:

  1. BonnieSun Mar 06, 09:34:00 AM 2011

    Your flower show looks much better than the one I went to this weekend. I was very disappointed. Posted about it on my blog. That is a very clever tactic to get in with a press pass as a blogger!!

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  2. Gatsbys GardensSun Mar 06, 09:47:00 AM 2011

    Hi Bonnie,

    They actually reach out to writers/bloggers in the Chicago Area as part of the media. We do not get paid by anyone but it feels good to be included.

    Eileen

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  3. scottweberpdxSun Mar 06, 10:19:00 AM 2011

    Intense color for sure...I think I may need some sunglasses this year!

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  4. Gatsbys GardensSun Mar 06, 10:39:00 AM 2011

    You said it, Scott, Wait until you see the container combinations they are showing, at least in this area.

    Eileen

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  5. Cher' ShotsSun Mar 06, 01:06:00 PM 2011

    Beautiful - thanks for sharing the hope of spring!
    'hugs from afar'

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  6. LonaSun Mar 06, 01:14:00 PM 2011

    Thanks Eileen for all of the beautiful color this morning. Fabulous tulips! Gerbera Daisies are always a favorite in my Summer containers. I really like the snapdragons. I just put some into jiffy packs to seed.Of course I always love looking at the garden decor and whimsy.It must have been wonderful to get a look and take some pictures before the crowds were let in.And with the lights on. Our flower show is always in the dark.

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  7. Gatsbys GardensSun Mar 06, 02:50:00 PM 2011

    Thanks Cher,

    It was uplifting for such a dreary day.

    Eileen

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  8. Gatsbys GardensSun Mar 06, 02:50:00 PM 2011

    Hi Lona,

    It was a little dim at the show, but in the retail areas the light were up.

    Eileen

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  9. MAYBELLINESun Mar 06, 04:49:00 PM 2011

    THAT is Disneyland for a gardener!
    Although, Disneyland is great for gardeners as well.

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  10. meemsnycSun Mar 06, 05:32:00 PM 2011

    Wow, the colors are amazing. It's like a candy store in there.

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  11. Diana LaMarreSun Mar 06, 06:00:00 PM 2011

    I love intense color!

    I have had Princess Irene tulips for a few years. As an orange lover, they are one of my favorites.

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  12. BalishaSun Mar 06, 06:35:00 PM 2011

    Hi Eileen, Could that first orange group of tulips be the Orange Angelique? I planted them last fall and I'm anxious to see them blooming. What vibrant colors...you must have been like a kid in a candy shop. Balisha

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  13. BernieHMon Mar 07, 04:47:00 AM 2011

    How lucky you were to see these beauties first hand. The tulips are simply stunning ... of course, not something I see here. Those Gerberas are beautiful ... love the colours. I did really like those framed butterflies too ... what stunning collections!

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  14. CyndyMon Mar 07, 05:14:00 AM 2011

    Intense color looks so good right now after the frightful winter we've been having in CT.Love all those warm, sunshine-y tulips. Looks like a very good show.

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  15. Gatsbys GardensMon Mar 07, 08:08:00 AM 2011

    Hi Maybelline,

    It was a bit overwhelming to see all of those plantings in one place.

    Eileen

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  16. Gatsbys GardensMon Mar 07, 08:09:00 AM 2011

    Hi Meemsync,

    Yes, just like a candy store, wanting it all and not being able to do it.

    Eileen

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  17. Gatsbys GardensMon Mar 07, 08:10:00 AM 2011

    Hi Zoey,

    I tend to go for the hot colors also, but I do like pink (all shades).

    Eileen

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  18. Gatsbys GardensMon Mar 07, 08:12:00 AM 2011

    Hi Balisha,

    It is labeled Orange Princess, but maybe it is related to Orange Angelique. I have had the pink one, did not come back for me.

    Eileen

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  19. Gatsbys GardensMon Mar 07, 08:14:00 AM 2011

    Hi Bernie,

    My next post on the show will be slanting your way, lots of tropicals and hot colors.

    Eileen

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  20. Gatsbys GardensMon Mar 07, 08:15:00 AM 2011

    Hi Cyndy,

    I am looking forward to this year. If we get the heat like last year, all those hot colors should look great.

    Eileen

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  21. garden girlMon Mar 07, 09:54:00 AM 2011

    Lots of eye candy there for winter-weary gardeners and others! Enjoyed your photos Eileen.

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  22. MrBrownThumbMon Mar 07, 04:24:00 PM 2011

    Eileen, Nice photos you got here. Were you wearing a dark (black or gray)sweater and black pants and carrying a brown purse? If so, it looks like you made it into one of the Facebook pictures posted by the Chicago Flower & Garden Show.

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  23. Catherine@AGardenerinProgressMon Mar 07, 11:13:00 PM 2011

    I love seeing the big groupings of tulips. One day I will plant big groups like that, makes so much more of an impact. I loved seeing all the retail they had and I even saw the rooster that I bought at our garden show!

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