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New England Gardening

Hartford Flower Show

Sue W (CT zone 6a)

18 years ago

Yesterday afternoon I went to the Hartford Flower Show. Maybe I've been going too many years in a row but I thought it was just OK-same old, same old both in live exhibits and vendors. Despite that though it is still worth it to me to go and see and smell green in February.

Here are a few pictures...following the link below to see the rest.

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Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Hartford Flower Show 2006

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Comments (6)

cloud_9
18 years ago
Thanks for the pictures Sue! I'm going on Sunday. I can't wait. I'm going to Philly for the first time this year. Good thing I am going to Hartford first.
Deb
ginny12
18 years ago
Thanks for posting the photos, Sue. Great job. I especially liked the "cool combo" grouping tho I agree with you about the show in general (from your photos). I think it illustrates exactly how difficult a great show is to achieve. I do think Mass Hort does a wonderful job and is as good, and in some ways better, than Philly, which I've been to twice in recent years. Will be interested to hear what you think.
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I cannot compare, Carol, but can tell you that the Hartford show over the 20+ years I've attended, now has many more 'other-than-gardening' types of vendors and the few garden displays, although nicely landscaped, do not seem as robust or extensive as they once were. I see people leaving with new mops, earrings, vibrating pillows, but few bulbs or flowers. A GW member commented to me a few years ago at the Philadelphia show that that show's focus seemingly had turned toward a more stylization of gardening with more emphasis on floral arrangements and art with flowers versus down in the dirt gardening and growing, if you will. I think it is fair to say the same is true, on a much smaller scale, of the Hartford show. We go to the Hartford show because it is close and it's a nice way to spend few hours on a cold day and to have lunch out with the girls. Personally, I wouldn't drive from Boston to attend if Providence is easier for you. I'm guessing the shows are quite similar. Kindly, Jane Here is a link that might be useful: Hartford Flower Show-Why Attend?
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Hello We are all craving flowers, plants, green and Spring! Can't wait for all the NE Flower shows. I will be at the Worcester MA Flower & Patio show March 4, 5 and 6 - stop by The Right Jack and say hello if any GW members come by! I was outside today looking for ANY sign that winter is coming to a close, but everything is still under frozen snow here in NE CT. Providence and Hartford Flower shows are both this week. Enjoy the flowers! Susan
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We are back from the Providence Flower Show and can say that, judging by floor space, the Providence show was probably one-third landscape displays and two-third vendors, which was also true at the Hartford Show I attended last time. The one difference I noticed with Providence, compared to Hartford last year, is that here there were more outdoor garden 'rooms'. Many of these had wonderful walkways, patios, water features, stonework and pathways that led the viewer into and through the gardens rather than being full-on displays as I remember from the previous year in Hartford. Some were reflective gardens set up as tranquil retreats. There was also a 'woodsy' feel to quite a few gardens. One of the most beautiful was a pink-themed Garden of Hope sponsored by the Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. Done in shades of pink, white, and blue, it contained several waterfalls and ponds. There was a white adirondack chair with a hat, as if left by its owner, placed on a patio in front of a pond and an area in the front where visitors placed written memorials to survivors or victims of breast cancer. It was a very moving display; I left a card in the name of one family member. Maybe some one who went to Hartford today can fill us all in on that show. Molie
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Monique z6a CT
18 years ago
Thanks for the photos Sue! I went Friday evening with hubby and enjoyed the displays and vendors. I wouldn't drive a long distance to the show, but it is definitely worth the 30 minute drive. The displays were nice and I was happy to see that a few local nurseries had booths(Natureworks, Broken Arrow, Van Wilgens, etc). We only bought a couple small items, but I got my Natureworks catalog, so I'm happy.
deanneart
18 years ago
Thanks Sue for posting these. They look pretty and inviting 'Same-O' or not. I wish I lived closer. Right now I really could use a dose of green growing things. Like you I'm really drawn to that statue! Was it for sale? LOL Maybe it is a good thing I didn't go. I did enough damage to my wallet at the orchid show last weekend.
Deanne
peregrinekt
18 years ago
I went on saturday and spent most of my time in talks, Orchids (very good), Meadows (eh, ok), Zen Gardening (good)
I agree the displays are sort of same old same old, a lot of concrete pavers, and apparently fog machines are all the rage this year ? But, they were green, and smelled good.
One of these days I will get to Boston or Philly!

Here is a link that might be useful: my photo set of the show
Sue W (CT zone 6a)
Original Author
18 years ago
Nice shots, Peregrinekt. I tend to take overall views and don't always capture some of the neat details. Those fish in the A&R display kept swimming under the bridge every time I tried to take a shot. If I had been more on the ball as far as the lectures I would have gotten to the show a half hour earlier to hear Ken Druse.

Ginny, unfotunately I won't get to Philly. It always falls the weekend before I leave for an annual vacation. Deb, bring your camera.

I agree with you all, despite the "same old" feel, it is definitely worth the look-see just to see live, blooming landscapes in February. I imagine there is a limit to the plants you can force for a mid winter bloom time but it would be nice to see hardscapes that rely on something other than a waterfall. What was with the CHS display this year? Usually they do something much more elaborate.

Oh well, before you know it the green will be in our own gardens.

Sue

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