It’s not just posies that attract people to the shores of Lake Como and the manicured grounds of Coney Island every April for the Cincinnati Flower Show. It’s the annual spring rite of visiting with friends in a very pretty place, shopping for something new to help tend and beautify one’s own yard and garden and listening to horticultural experts passing along tips for being “green.”

The 18th annual Flower Show begins Saturday, following the Friday night opening gala.

Weather this weekend is predicted to be beautiful, but a little rain or snow doesn’t stop gardeners from gathering. They just put on slickers and bright clogs.

The trick this year is to determine which days to attend the show. All details are online at the Horticultural Society’s Web site: www.cincyflowershow.com.

The home page offers a two-day, $25 show pass; otherwise, adult tickets at the gate will be $20.

Here are the show highlights:

Grand Marquee: This giant tent shelters spectacular gardens, new plant varieties, single genus displays and urban-living courtyards.

Dramatic Table Settings: Fantasy tablescapes combine art, extravagant centerpieces and table covers using every type of botanical decoration.

Container Gardens: Creative concepts to inspire better balconies, decks and patios around the tri-state.

Window Boxes: An annual pleaser that allows show visitors to study different plant combinations, colors and designs in real window boxes.

Environmental Education: Tips on composting and creating a backyard habitat for desirable wildlife.

Professional Florists: A chance to see the best work of this region’s floral designers, from contemporary work to traditional.

Artists Studio: A gathering of art inspired by nature - on canvas, in photography, fiber art, porcelain and sculptures.

Jean-Robert’s Café des Fleurs and Coney Island Cafes: Lovely places with floral decorations to sit and sip, snack and yack.

Afternoon Tea: Some show visitors are sure to make reservations in order to don their prettiest garden hats to enjoy a traditional English tea, complete with scones, finger sandwiches and tiny sweet pastries.

“Around the World” Fine Food & Wine Tasting Event: Sample the latest of fine foods and wines at more than 30 exhibits - two days only, April 21-22. Free with admission to Flower Show.

Gardener’s Market: More than 130 vendors line a few wide aisles where show visitors can buy horticulture-related goods, from tools and clothing, vases to garden sculptures.

Plant Market: Those people pulling wagons have purchased annuals, perennials and shrubs of the newest varieties from tri-state growers.

Ask the Experts: These informal listen-and-learn opportunities are a chance to hear people with a passion for horticulture and cooking. All times, speakers and topics are listed online at www.cincyflowershow.com.

source : cincypost.com

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