If the arrival of spring and the promise of all the new blooms have you in a tizzy, you may not only enjoy these fabulous flower shows, but might also get some major inspiration for your garden plans this year!
Florida: EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL (March 6-May 19)
With giant topiaries of favorite Disney characters, including Anna and Elsa, Bambi, Buzz Lightyear, Tinkerbell, and Simba, this is a truly magical event. There are also the gardens that display flora from around the world including Japanese bonsai, Chinese bamboo, and Italian herbs. There is an educational exhibit that details the importance of honeybees and a Shakespeare Garden where the games afoot as you try to match famous Shakespearean quotes to flowers found in this lovely English garden. For all the details, visit www.disneyworld.com
California: Coronado Flower Show (April 18-19)
Held at Spreckels Park on Coronado Island, this show is the biggest tented flower show in the US and runs an entire city block. Floral competitions, lectures, demonstrations, live music, food and drinks, and, of course, plant sales round out the many reasons to attend this blooming event. Don’t miss the whimsical animals created from fruits and vegetables showcased in the children’s area. More information can be found at www.coronadoflowershow.com.
Texas: Dallas Booms (Through April 12)
More than 500,000 blooming bulbs from tulips to daffodils and the April blooms of 3,000 azaleas are the stars at this annual show held at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This year’s show will feature “Sounds of Springs,” which will display six towering topiaries depicting six different musical instruments. The show also has cooking demonstrations, live music, children’s activities, book signings, and speakers. Check out dallasarboretum.org for more information.
Virginia: Virginia Garden Week (April 18-25)
An annual event for 80 years, this show features more than 250 gardens on display throughout the state of Virginia. Visitors have the opportunity to view the gardens in all their spring splendor as well as the more than 2,000 flower arrangements created by The Garden Club of Virginia. The show began as a fundraiser in 1927 in an effort to save trees planted by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. Visit www.vagardenweek.org for details.
Washington: Skagit Valley Tulip Festival (April 1-30)
This show is brought to you courtesy of Mother Nature herself! The venue is field after field of blooming tulips throughout the Skagit Valley. Of course, there are special events scheduled all month that include everything from a chili cook-off to parades, special markets, and a wine festival. Download a brochure for this truly beautiful event at www.tulipfestival.org and learn all about the festival and its events.