This is termed “one of New England’s largest and most prestigious flower shows” but with the demise this year of the Boston Flower Show, where does the CT Flower and Garden Show rank? Have we become the largest?
We believe that we are the largest in New England this year, because of the amount of square footage of our show (Feb. 19-22 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford) and the wide variety of attractions and different activities on site. The 28th annual show covers more than 140,000 square feet of space, and includes 25 beautiful and fragrant gardens, the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s Advanced Standard Flower Show which features more than 200 judged entries from all over the state, more than 80 hours of free seminars led by horticulturists and experts, and rows and rows of booths overflowing with plant materials and gifts for sale.
Any estimates on how big the flower and garden business is in Connecticut? After all, there seems to be no shortage of thriving gardening centers, as well as the big box stores.
Connecticut’s “green industry” is more than half of all agriculture in the state, with green industry companies holding more than 42,000 acres of land, much of which is open space. This includes the 3,000 companies that grow, sell or install plants and flowers – greenhouses, florists, nurseries, garden centers, and landscapers. Annual green industry sales in our state surpass $1 billion, according to the Connecticut Green Industries Council, and the industry employs 48,000 people with an annual payroll of more than $630 million.
What are some of the latest trends in flowers and gardens that folks can see at the show? What is going to make people open their wallets and buy?
There is great interest in going back-to-basics and growing our own fruits and vegetables. This way, you know that your food is fresh, while also being able to save money on groceries. Another trend is Organic Gardening at home – gardening without pesticides. In response to this kind of interest, some of our free seminars at the show are designed to help attendees to do it themselves. For example, HGTV’s Roger Swain will hold two seminars on fruit and vegetables, and Anita DaFonte, associate publisher of People, Places & Plants will focus on raised vegetable gardens.
OK, free soil testing is being offered, but only one-half cup of soil. Is there a limit per customer? What can you learn from a half-cup of soil and how much did people used to bring before the limit was set?
People may bring as many soil samples as they wish for testing. We tell them to bring ½ cup of soil to make sure that there is enough soil to test, after stones and other residue are removed. From the ½ cup sample, the UConn Soil Testing Lab can take a tablespoon or two, mix it with distilled water, and then read the soil PH. From the PH, they can learn about the soil acidity or alkalinity. This will help gardeners to determine how much lime or sulfur they must add, depending upon the type of plant they are growing.
How are shows and expos like yours doing in this economy? Do people still turn out and just not spend money (i.e. window shop)?
Flower Shows usually do well in most economies because they are a form of entertainment that appeals to all senses: the dazzling look; fragrant aromas; even the audible sound effects of water fountains are a pleasing change from a gray winter’s day. There also is so much so see and do in this show that many people plan to “make a day of it.” All of the seminars are free, included in the cost of admission. There are 25 huge gardens to enjoy. Our predominantly female audience loves the rows and rows of shopping – plants and flowers to be sure, but also garden furniture, and handcrafted garden art and sculpture, fine jewelry, and fashion accessories. And, the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s design competition is a great place to find floral and garden ideas for the spring.
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