The largest orchid show in the United States, the Pacific Orchid Exposition, is returning to San Francisco on February 23-26 at Fort Mason Center. The visual wonderland features 150,000 orchids from around the world, many local, national and international vendors, as well as special speakers, docent tours and horticultural tips. In honor of the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, the show's theme is "A Salute to the Golden Gate" and will feature an exquisite replica of the Golden Gate Bridge made entirely out of orchids. The Pacific Orchid Exposition is hosted by the non-profit San Francisco Orchid Society and is the organizations largest fundraiser. The show opens with a glamorous Gala Benefit Preview on February 23rd, offering live music, delicious hors d'oeuvres, celebrity appearances and wine tasting from over 20 of Northern California's premiere wineries. The Gala Benefit Preview also offers guests the first chance to purchase the most prized orchids before the general show and plant sale opens to the public. For tickets and additional information, please visit www.orchidsanfrancisco.org or contact the Larose Group at 650-548-6700 or via email at info@orchidsanfrancisco.org Hope to see you at the show!

Thanks for the invite, Robert. We would love to visit. (West Coast...Unable to attend this year.) However... Did you know that the Heritage Rose Foundation may hold next year's meeting in either Washington,D.C. or Charlottesville,VA.(Monticello)? If you are interested in hosting a garden tour, maybe you could contact Gregg Lowery at Vintage Gardens. Just a thought for next year. Best Wishes, Ann & Stephen

Hi, There are 20 gardeners coming to the Kansas City Metro plant swap on May 17th. If you missed the previous invitation you still have time to e-mail me for information and join us, we'd love to have you come to the swap and picnic. We are having a lot of rain right now so everything is lush and green. Just hope the clouds get quiet by the 17th. Let's think positive. Happy gardening! Tina or trowelgal

Hi gals. Trish, I'm sorry I didn't see your posts until today, I thought this thread was gone... I am so happy it is spring myself! Daffs are finally open. I like the pic of you smelling your first spring bloom. Jess sent me a lovely package from bath & body works with my favorite fragrance --sweet pea--. It is so nice, has body spray, bubble bath, gel, hand lotion, etc. it's in a pretty green ceramic planter too! Jess == you are very thoughtful and this was very sweet of you to do. Thanks a bunch. Trish - thanks for the iris. Glad it's warming up for you. It did start to warm up here, then yesterday the rain turned to snow for a while ??? it's arpril isn't it? Hugs Maureen