BOISE - Spring officially arrived in Idaho two days ago, and one of the sure signs of spring is the return of the Boise Flower and Garden Show, which runs this weekend at the Boise Centre.
It’s a great way to get a jump start on your gardening season. And our garden master Jim Duthie has a look at last year’s show, for an idea of some of the things you can expect to see when you go this year.
Spring is finally here. The days are getting longer and warmer, the grass is turning green, buds are swelling on the trees, and spring flowers are starting to bloom.
And if you really want to get your spring gardening projects off to a quick start, the 22nd annual Boise Flower and Garden Show has all the ideas and advice that you need. Again this year, lots of beautiful displays and the newest garden products, miniature and pocket gardens for small spaces, and as always, great ideas and expert advice.
As you enter the lobby of the Boise Centre, you’ll be greeted by spectacular flower gardens, with bright, colorful blossoms, as well as a judged flower show.
There will also be whimsical displays and examples of fun and creative patios and outdoor living spaces, all to get your imagination stirred up on how you can transform your own backyard into an outdoor getaway.
Thinking of building a new patio, or remodeling your existing one? Local contractors and garden supply stores can show you how to do it, from incorporating fun and soothing water fountains.
To incorporating fire pits, where you can gather with friends and family on those cool evenings after the sun goes down?
Perhaps you’d like to create a more exotic look, like this interesting rock garden, filled with native plants from the Idaho landscape,
Or the classical design of a Mediterranean villa, complete with columns and terra cotta sculpture.
They’ll even have the latest in outdoor furniture designs.
Step inside the main hall and you’ll find dozens of eye-catching displays that will turn any thumb green with envy, with a myriad of colorful spring flowers. And while time might be running out to plant tulips and daffodils.
There are many other flowering bulbs that you can buy and plant now that will provide beautiful blooms through the upcoming summer.
Learn how to create unique container gardens and flower beds to add a splash of color to your home landscape.
There are also seminars and workshops on all kinds of garden topics, including flower arranging.
Decorate your garden and other outdoor living spaces with interesting artwork and other garden decor, along with vintage items, garden gadgets and tools, and even jewelry.
Several local growers are on hand to display and sell seeds for your flower or vegetable gardens.
Some even have whimsical names like “lipstick on a pig.” The seeds are freshly packaged and guaranteed to grow.
If you’re into growing your own food, and want to get an early start, there are lots of ideas for you do-it-yourself-ers, as well as finished products for sale, such as these handy cold frames. They’ll protect tender plants from chilly spring weather, until the warmer days of summer arrive, and then they’ll extend your growing season later into the fall.
Finally, if indoor gardening is more to your liking, learn how to assemble micro-gardens. Miniature plants will create the perfect setting for gnomes and fairies.
Take a few minutes to stroll through the bonsai display. Bonsai is the art of growing miniature trees and shrubs. You’ll be amazed at the beauty and assortment of bonsai creations, some older than you are. You can find out how to learn the art of bonsai yourself.
As you can see, there’s something for every gardener, or gardener wanna-be, at the Boise Flower and Garden Show. You don’t want to miss anything.
The Boise Flower and Garden Show is Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Boise Centre. Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for youth ages 12 to 17, and children under 12 are free.