With the advent of spring comes the unbridled desire to get outdoors and begin a new season of gardening. Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate. The weather might not yet be optimal for working the ground, and the temperatures might not be conducive to planting when gardening desires takes hold. If you're chomping at the bit to begin, this is an excellent time to explore your options and prepare for the seasons ahead. Flower shows, botanic gardens, arboreta and even local garden centers are all gearing up as well. They are an invaluable resource for gardeners, from the novice to the most experienced.
Flower shows
Shows, such as the world-renowned Philadelphia Flower Show, afford acres of flowering plants, shrubs and trees for viewing as well as artistic competitions and horticultural classes which showcase some of the most spectacular species of plants, from cacti to orchids. There are exhibits geared towards educating the public about ecological matters and some that bring exotic flora and fauna to awe and inspire. Shows are, in short, an oasis in the midst of winter/spring limbo. They spark ideas and creativity and bring together like-minded people to share their passion for all things that grow. There is a sense of camaraderie and fellowship in an almost carnival-like atmosphere. There is a Mardi Gras feeling that is infectious. The exchange of ideas and information is a wonderful learning experience for gardeners of all ages and expertise.
Arboreta
Arboreta are excellent venues for the entire family. Many universities and colleges make them available for public viewing. If you're lucky enough to be in an area where a school offers programs in horticulture, you will likely find they also have some type of gardens they grow and maintain as a living laboratory for their students and they encourage the public to partake as well. These are a natural resource for learning about plants native to the area in which they reside. They often offer workshops, lectures and tours about gardening, pruning, and pest management, not to mention programs geared specifically towards children. Some have annual plant sales or swaps where you can trade something you have for something you long for. The staff is usually happy to answer questions and offer advice as well as some history about the gardens and the collections within them.
Botanic gardens
Botanic gardens can be found in major cities across the country. They usually charge a fee, but the cost is well worth the gardens that lie beyond their gates. They are filled with ideas from simple to grand. They have specialty gardens of herbs, grasses, flowering annuals, perennials and collections of trees from native to exotic. As with arboreta, they're rich in history and there no shortage of staff willing to regale visitors with it. They showcase new varieties and cultivars of plants. They display gorgeous combinations of plants with water features, music and lighting. Many sponsor concert series, classes and workshops. Some have restaurants on site or tables available for picnics. It's an entertaining and educational day for the entire family.
Garden centers
Garden centers and plant nurseries are another invaluable source of ideas, information and, of course, materials. They too offer workshops and lectures that highlight the season's latest plants, landscapes, outdoor furniture and tools. They have how-to and hands-on classes and cater to working people by offering them at nights and on weekends. They carry plants native to your specific area and are familiar with your geographic pest and disease problems. Some even rent equipment that you might need to make a job easier. They offer re-potting of plants and can help you determine your needs based on your garden size. Some of the more sophisticated establishments offer computer-generated landscape designs specific to your yard or the project at hand. They are most definitely worth visiting and availing yourself of the extras they offer.
I urge you to try any or all of the above suggestions throughout the upcoming growing season. Check your local phone book for listings of public gardens, universities, colleges, garden centers, garden clubs and cooperative extension services. An online search using any of those as keywords will definitely yield results. For as much as we might think we know, there is always something to be learned about plants and nature. Sometimes the best teacher isn't to be found in a classroom, it truly is experience. Gardeners are always happy to share what they know. It's an exchange of wisdom, whimsy, wonder and awe that makes gardening a greatl activity.
Flower shows
Shows, such as the world-renowned Philadelphia Flower Show, afford acres of flowering plants, shrubs and trees for viewing as well as artistic competitions and horticultural classes which showcase some of the most spectacular species of plants, from cacti to orchids. There are exhibits geared towards educating the public about ecological matters and some that bring exotic flora and fauna to awe and inspire. Shows are, in short, an oasis in the midst of winter/spring limbo. They spark ideas and creativity and bring together like-minded people to share their passion for all things that grow. There is a sense of camaraderie and fellowship in an almost carnival-like atmosphere. There is a Mardi Gras feeling that is infectious. The exchange of ideas and information is a wonderful learning experience for gardeners of all ages and expertise.
Arboreta
Arboreta are excellent venues for the entire family. Many universities and colleges make them available for public viewing. If you're lucky enough to be in an area where a school offers programs in horticulture, you will likely find they also have some type of gardens they grow and maintain as a living laboratory for their students and they encourage the public to partake as well. These are a natural resource for learning about plants native to the area in which they reside. They often offer workshops, lectures and tours about gardening, pruning, and pest management, not to mention programs geared specifically towards children. Some have annual plant sales or swaps where you can trade something you have for something you long for. The staff is usually happy to answer questions and offer advice as well as some history about the gardens and the collections within them.
Botanic gardens
Botanic gardens can be found in major cities across the country. They usually charge a fee, but the cost is well worth the gardens that lie beyond their gates. They are filled with ideas from simple to grand. They have specialty gardens of herbs, grasses, flowering annuals, perennials and collections of trees from native to exotic. As with arboreta, they're rich in history and there no shortage of staff willing to regale visitors with it. They showcase new varieties and cultivars of plants. They display gorgeous combinations of plants with water features, music and lighting. Many sponsor concert series, classes and workshops. Some have restaurants on site or tables available for picnics. It's an entertaining and educational day for the entire family.
Garden centers
Garden centers and plant nurseries are another invaluable source of ideas, information and, of course, materials. They too offer workshops and lectures that highlight the season's latest plants, landscapes, outdoor furniture and tools. They have how-to and hands-on classes and cater to working people by offering them at nights and on weekends. They carry plants native to your specific area and are familiar with your geographic pest and disease problems. Some even rent equipment that you might need to make a job easier. They offer re-potting of plants and can help you determine your needs based on your garden size. Some of the more sophisticated establishments offer computer-generated landscape designs specific to your yard or the project at hand. They are most definitely worth visiting and availing yourself of the extras they offer.
I urge you to try any or all of the above suggestions throughout the upcoming growing season. Check your local phone book for listings of public gardens, universities, colleges, garden centers, garden clubs and cooperative extension services. An online search using any of those as keywords will definitely yield results. For as much as we might think we know, there is always something to be learned about plants and nature. Sometimes the best teacher isn't to be found in a classroom, it truly is experience. Gardeners are always happy to share what they know. It's an exchange of wisdom, whimsy, wonder and awe that makes gardening a greatl activity.
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