Garden, floral, and landscaping professionals and enthusiasts look forward to the Capital District Garden & Flower Show every year. With this year marking the 30th anniversary of the popular show, the event is sure to be better than ever! The theme this year is “Diamonds and Pearls.”
The Garden & Flower Show is on Friday, March 24th through Sunday, March 26th at the McDonough Sports Complex at Hudson Valley Community College. Tickets are $14 at the door or $12 in advance with children under 12 free. A two-day admission pass is available for $20, and Friday is MVP Health Care Senior Day, when guests 62 and older can attend for $11.
“For 30 years, the Capital District Garden & Flower Show has marked the annual arrival of spring to Upstate New York,” Pennie Gonzalez, Event Manager for the show, told The Troy Record. “We are excited to once again showcase an array of picturesque blooming exhibits as we celebrate a milestone for the show.”
Here’s what you can expect from this fantastic event:
Health & Happiness Garden Party
Prior to the show on Thursday, March 23rd, there will be a Health & Happiness Garden Party. Attendees will get a special first look at the finished gardens, enjoy hors d’oeuvres by Mazzone Hospitality, and can participate in a silent auction. Tickets are $60 with proceeds to benefit Double H Ranch.
Show Highlights & Gardens
- More than 16,000 square feet of blooming gardens
- A Pirates and Pearls-themed sand sculpture
- A floral competition
- Presentations and lectures from professionals
- Wine tastings
- A playland for kids
Landscape exhibitors include Background Irrigation, NVS Landscape Services, O’Neil Enterprises, Seagroatt Riccardi, Weathered Wood, WildThings Rescue Nursery, and others.
Months of preparation has gone into this event to ensure flowers bloom at a particular time. The displays of gardens, flowers, trees, shrubs, lawns, waterfalls, and more will not disappoint!
Floral Competition
Garden & Flower Show goers can vote on their favorite floral designs for the People’s Choice winner. First, second, and third place winners will be chosen by an expert panel of judges, with ribbons to be awarded for Best of Show and Most Creative.
The categories included are incredibly fun and creative – here’s just a few of them:
- Walking Dead Down the Aisle: an interpreted bridal bouquet for a zombie
- Man’s Best Friend: a life-size replica of a dog using fresh or dried botanicals
- Game of Thorns: an all-rose arrangement with thorns fit for royalty
- Ballroom Botanicals: a botanical chandelier
Featured Speakers
Professionals from every field relating to gardens and flowers will be in attendance. If you’re a garden guru and love to be up to date on the latest trends and technology, this is the event for you! Or, if you’re new to the floral world, this is a perfect opportunity to learn tips and tricks straight from master gardeners and horticultural experts.
There will be over two dozen speakers in attendance, including Peter Bowden, one of the most well-known gardeners in the Capital Region. You may have seen his garden articles in local publications. Bowden will be presenting on “Spring Feeding Your Landscape.”
Other lecturers include horticulture educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County, David Chinery, speaking on “Growing a Great Lawn,” master gardener Denise Maurer presenting on “Colorful Flower Companions,” and so many more. Check out the full list here >>
So come out to the event, vote on your favorite floral designs, enjoy unbelievable displays, and leave with ideas on how to make your home garden or lawn thrive this spring and summer!
Sources:
- The Troy Record: Garden show to mark 30th anniversary at HVCC
