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!

23 comments:

Bonnie said...

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!!

Gatsbys Gardens said...

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

scottweberpdx said...

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

Gatsbys Gardens said...

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

Eileen

Cher' Shots said...

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

Lona said...

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.

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Thanks Cher,

It was uplifting for such a dreary day.

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Lona,

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

Eileen

MAYBELLINE said...

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

meemsnyc said...

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

Diana LaMarre said...

I love intense color!

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

Balisha said...

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

BernieH said...

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!

Cyndy said...

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.

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Maybelline,

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

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Meemsync,

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

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Zoey,

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

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

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

Gatsbys Gardens said...

Hi Bernie,

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

Eileen

Gatsbys Gardens said...

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

garden girl said...

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

MrBrownThumb said...

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.

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

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!