Flower Shows Good Places to Get Succulents?

11 years ago

Okay, it's not even 2013 yet, and already I'm jonesing for some more plants. My 89 year old mother lives in NJ, and I was thinking of taking her to the NJ Flower and Garden Show in Feb. My dad used to take her every year, but now that he's gone, she doesn't get out as much. She can't garden like she used to (but can't tell her that), and it would be good for her to get out mid-winter. So, I was wondering, would that be an opportunity to pick up some new plants? 90%+ of my purchases are done on-line, and, while I have had some great successes and built some nice relationships across the country, it would be cool to be able to actually see and physically pick up a plant before buying it (what a concept!). Thoughts/recommendations?

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Comments (6)

User
11 years ago
I really don't know, perhaps take a look.

I've experience the fact that Florists Shops aren't great places to buy living plants. The retailers only seem to know cut flowers there, not living plants.

For instance, I made the mistake of buying a plant there w/out checking its care requirements first & it turns out it goes dormant in winter. Not knowing that, I thought it was dying & I threw it out.

Perhaps just look & maybe buy one or 2 things & then perhaps make notes &/or lists of what you see that you like & buy it elsewhere?
narcnh
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks pirate_girl. The website shows over 125 vendors for the Garden Marketplace, and at least a few of them are nurseries. So, I'll probably end up going, if just to take my mother someplace for her birthday, and then I'll report back on what I find.

Here is a link that might be useful: NJ Flower & Garden Show Marketplace Vendors
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norma_2006
11 years ago
If you want sussulents take her to a succulent show and sale. Sansevieria is a house plant and easy to grow without much care it likes the same temperatures that she like to live in, and a thorough watering one a week in the summer and once a month in the wanter, and perhaps a teasspoon of fertilizer once a year when it is growing which you can do when you go to visit. It may or may not flower until it is fully mature. Norma
narcnh
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks, Norma. Mom's already got a bunch of houseplants she maintains. I plan to take her to the Flower and Garden Show because 1) that's where my father used to take her every year, so she has fond memories of the experience, 2) she loves the garden displays, and 3) she could use the exercise. If there are any good succulents for sale, then it will just be a bonus for me. Sorry, if that wasn't clear from my post.
woodnative
11 years ago
I like to go to the NJ show as it is close for me and a good winter break. That being said, there usually is not a lot of plant vendors there......less than I would expect anyway. If you can, go to the Philly flower show which is not much further and usually a much larger show and a larger group of vendors. Even better, do both!.
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
11 years ago
narcnh

I think that is a great idea - take your mom to the show. (You just mentioned 3 very good reasons). It is a great break in middle of the winter...displays are usually great, lots of new ideas to amuse one with.

I would consider byuing any plants as a side benefit - so you won't be dissapointed in case you don't see anything you would like to get.
I used to go to spring show here in Toronto. Some years are better than others, but there is always something interesting to see. The show tends to cater more to outdoor gardening & landscaping, but it's still about plants, right?
I found that most what was selling were sort of 'run-off-the-mill' plants that you can get anytime, but haven't been to a show for past 4-5 yrs, so maybe things changed, and they probably do it differently where you are.
Out of 125 vendors, at least few should have something interesting. (I would make sure that I am familiar with pricing, just in case - sometimes they price stuff higher at these kind of shows.)

I think your mom would really enjoy it...Have fun.

Flower Shows Good Places to Get Succulents?

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Flower Shows Good Places to Get Succulents?

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