Explore a World of Gardening During the Arkansas and Flower Garden Show

First posted on 02-23-2010

The groundhog may have predicted six more weeks of winter, but now the perfect time to plan your spring garden.

“A World of Gardening” is the theme for the 19th annual Arkansas Flower and Garden Show. The show will be in full bloom Feb. 26-28 at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock.

Whether you’re a green thumb, or all thumbs in the garden, the show is guaranteed to inspire. It will feature seven display gardens and numerous vendors with everything you need for a beautiful and colorful garden. “We’ve got some new features as well as the show standards people have come to expect,” said Krista Quinn, executive director of the show.

First, spend an evening with Susie Coelho from HGTV on Friday, Feb. 26, at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion. Hear Coelho’s tips for success on creating exciting outdoor spaces. Next, enjoy a special lunch Sunday afternoon with Kip McConnell from the “Southern Living” Plant Collection. McConnell’s afternoon talk will focus on plants that are specially created to grow and thrive in the southern garden. Both events require a special ticket.

The display gardens are an annual highlight and this year is sure to please. Local nurseries and landscapers create indoor display gardens on the show floor using live plants, flowers and grasses.

“Walking through the display gardens is a great way to get the first sight and smell of spring while getting new inspiration for one’s own garden,” said Quinn.

The show will continue Family Day on Saturday. Family Day will feature several activities for children in The Big Backyard Family Learning Center.

“Capture the Magic” is the theme for the 2010 Advanced Standard Flower Show presented by the Arkansas Federation of Garden Clubs. Be sure to find out who takes home the blue ribbon for their entries.

Visit the professional florist competition and see if your favorite tablescape takes home the top prize. The Arkansas Florist Association sponsors the annual competition that consists of tabletop floral designs using the Arkansas Flower and Garden Show theme.

“The flower and garden show is a great way to help people explore how gardens stroke the creative side of nature and enhance the quality of life in our communities,” Quinn said.

Attendees can park at War Memorial Park in Little Rock and Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock and a ride a shuttle to and from the show for $1 roundtrip.

Tickets for the show are $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens; $1 for children 6 to 12, and free for children under 6. Save your Arkansas Flower and Garden Show ticket to receive $1 off at the 2010 Home Show held the same weekend. If you attend the Home Show first, save this ticket stub to receive $1 off at the Arkansas Flower and Garden Show.

The show runs Feb. 26 and 27 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more details, visit http://arflowerandgardenshow.org, or call 501-821-4000.

2010 sponsors: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Clark Trim and Henrik Thostrup, Steve & Merilyn Tilley, Central Arkansas Water, Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, Ken Rash’s Casual Furniture, Mendel Capital Management, The Southern Living Plant Collection, Centennial Bank, Plant Services and River Valley Horticultural Products

Proceeds from the Arkansas Flower and Garden Show provide educational scholarships in horticulture related fields to students in Arkansas colleges and universities and for the Greening of Arkansas Mini-Grant Program.

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