Yesterday we went to the Portland Flower Show in the Portland Company Complex, on the waterfront in Portland. This year's theme for the show is "Gardens Gone Wild," which has resulted in a very colorful display. Last year's show seemed to be more focused on shrubs and trees, without as many flowers in bloom as I'd hoped to see. This year's show is alive with color.
The first thing I always notice when we walk into the flower show is that rich, pungent smell of warm earth. I don't realize I haven't smelled it for months until I arrive at the show.
As you can see, there are many clever exhibits to enjoy. The gnome house below, by O'Donal's Nursery in Gorham, won Best of Show.
In addition to the garden displays, there are several amazing stonework creations: walls, patio floors, an archway, etc. I would LOVE to have the money to hire a stone mason to create some of the garden accents I saw yesterday.There are also many vendors at the show: handmade jewelry, soaps and lotions, garden accents, seeds, gardening books, gardeners' supplies, tote bags, potted herbs and flowers (including orchids), etc. The vendors have quality products, so there's no danger of spending too much for a disappointing item.
I came out of the show, into the crisp March air, desperate for spring to arrive. This morning I raked leaves from some of my perennials and discovered several primroses are budded. That gives me hope.
Oh I love Garden Shows - they give me so many ideas.....and then again I dislike them - they tell me my bank balance is big enough for what I would like to do..........and then again they Do make me think about what I Could do with limited funds lol
ReplyDeleteOh lucky you!!I wasn't able to get to this years flower show!!A few of my girlfriends and I usually go, but things didn't work out!! I know what you mean about the smell. I just love that too. Thanks for the pictures I did see some of the show!!!
ReplyDeletehope springs eternal...
ReplyDeleteI am so envious!! I almost asked you if you would be interested in going, earlier in the week and then promptly forgot all about it. Darn. Well I have been "uplifted" by all the lovely photos. I too love that "smell" of spring. Definitely will make plans to go next year.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to read about Portland, Maine when living in Portland, Oregon.
ReplyDeleteIs the new header picture on your blog of your home? It's a lovely picture. You must have a very short growing season.
Enjoyed looking at all the pictures to remind me there really is a spring.
Oh, I love it! This looks like so much fun. I remember going to something like this in Chicago. I wish they had something like this in Hawaii. All those displays look wonderful.
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