I don't think humidity is as big an issue as many people think it is. I think the only time it is a real issue is when the orchids bloom. As with the hippi blooms, if the air is very dry then they will in fact suffer-- no doubt about it. But like roots that grow into water are acclimated for the water, so too are roots that are exposed to much dryer air. They simply adapt. At least this has been my experience growing phals. I've been growing phals for about 9 months now and have had issues getting my plants to adapt but once they do, they really take off. Of course, I have all of my phals in semi-hydroponic containers--so when it comes to humidity, the roots have plenty. However, I have found that because of my very dry climate (its 10% inside today!), my crowns have had no issues with rot, like many do elsewhere where it is much more humid. Jodi how are you phals doing? I don't remember the total I have no, but I've got about 12 spikes growing! It's going to be a very colorful late Winter and Spring. Ryan

We went yesterday for the first time. Nice show, and while very well attended it wasn't as claustrophobically crowded as the Boston flower show--I actually got into the restroom with only about a 30 second wait! I'd say it was about 1/3 the size of the Boston show. The exhibits were creative and had a nice variety. The marketplace was similar to the Boston one, but with perhaps fewer actual garden/plant-related vendors. I didn't go to any of the lectures or demo's because I wasn't sure if we'd run out of time, though as it turns out I could have. I do wish that some show, some year, would require exhibitors to only use plant material that's in bloom or at a stage of maturity equivalent to all the other material. In other words, no daffodils alongside of full-size hostas and full leafed trees. I always worry that novice gardeners or homeowners will get a very false idea of what's possible.

I'm heading to the Philly show and wrapping a visit to my little brother's family into one visit. I was the designer for the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association's (RINLA) RI Flower Show exhibit both this year and last year. I find this chatter about the flower shows insightful and educational. I had taken the feedback I had read on here last year to heart for the design of this year's plan. I made sure that this year's design was something that the flower show visitors could feasibly do in their yard. My design was the little old garden shed with the artwork, pond with walk through bridge, and spring time theme. I knew there was some frustration that the previous year's exhibits were overblown and way beyond the reality of most of the visitors there. I almost would like to ask all of you visitors what would you like to see at the flower shows. I will pose the answers to the RINLA Flower Show exhibit committee when we meet next for next year's show (which is coming up soon.) Terry, you had commented on how the plant material was ordinary and run of the mill. Sue is completely right that we are limited by what is available in February. We get a lot of our flower material from Bay State and Lake Street Garden Center in NH. The woody plant material is donated to us by RINLA members and what can be forced to bloom and/or look decent for the show. Roses, hydrangeas, other summer material, and tropicals would be so cost prohibitive it wouldn't be worth it to bring them in. I had recommended some material my first year that wasn't run of the mill and was shot down by the committee because it would have cost a king's ransom to get it there. Oh well, live and learn.

I went last night. I had two complimentary tickets. It costs $30 per ticket. I have to be honest and say that I would have been very disappointed if I had spent that kind of money for the tix. The theme this year is Hawaii and I got real tired of seeing the same darn tropical plants over and over. Some of the large displays didn't entirely stick with the theme and they were very pretty. I love the pictures that are made of petals. Some of them were amazing. I would say the floor space is about 30 percent vendors. My son and I both noticed that the wonderful smell of spring was missing. I guess the tropicals are not as aromatic as other flowers. I really missed that. I have lots of pictures and if I get myself organized I'll post some. We got there around 4 pm and the crowds were not so bad. We parked in the street in Chinatown, on 10th St. From 4 - 7 you can park for $6, not so bad. I miss the old Convention Center, too. I loved riding the escalator down into the display and getting that fabulous overview of all the displays. If you go, be sure to wander down the long hallway outside of the large hall. There is a great place having a wine tasting. There was also vodka and Skinny Girl drinks. We were getting a buzz on in that place! All in all I was not as impressed with the show as in other years. It's been awhile since I was there. My pet peeve is that the displays always show flowers together that do not normally bloom at the same time.