Okay, this has not been the most horrible winter on record, but Old Man Winter has been teasing us for sometime, with temperatures well above the freezing mark that have lured shoots out of the ground and made us anxious for the spring equinox, the first day of spring on March 19.
Those of us that want to put a little spring in their step will be able to do so this year from March 11, to March 20 at Canada Blooms, canadablooms.com . Founded by Landscape Ontario and The Garden Club of Toronto in 1996, Canada Blooms has since been named one of Ontario’s Top 100 Events by Festivals and Events Ontario and One of North America’s Top 100 Events by the American Bus Association, and has blossomed into an annual right of spring that since its inception twenty years ago has grown to become Canada’s largest flower and garden festival, with over 200,000 enthusiasts passing through the garden Gates at the National Home Show located in the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place.
“Canada Blooms is an annual world-class festival that connects people to the joys and benefits of nature through experiences with gardens and flowers by promoting, educating, inspiring and celebrating all aspects of horticulture. Co-locating with the National Home show to create North America’s Largest Home and Garden event, Canada Blooms is a not-for-profit organization that gives back to the community throughout the year by funding community garden projects around Ontario, Canada Blooms is also dedicated to providing the community with horticulture expertise, education and resources on an ongoing basis.”
For the last twenty years, this spring festival has been connecting people of all ages to the benefits of nature, displaying the rejuvenation of the senses that occurs through the art of gardening. And to celebrate the twentieth anniversary, this year’s theme is “It’s A Party,” featuring “fantasy gardens” and displays that are sure to captivate your imagination and renew your spirit. Spring, after all, is a renaissance, a chance to start over and experience new growth.
“Plants have always been a way to symbolize beauty and life,” says Terry Caddo, General Manager of Canada Blooms. “As we celebrate 20 years of inspiring gardeners across the country here at Canada Blooms, we also want to take the time to celebrate life, and the many milestones it presents us with.”
Here’s what to look forward to at this year’s festival:
More than 25 feature gardenscreated by the expert designers, architects, builders and floral superstars inspired by the theme of ‘It’s a Party.” A stunning showcase of vibrant colours, alluring fragrances and captivating designs that will overtake your senses.
The design flair will also be evident in Floral Alley, to be designed and built by 6 professional floral designers focusing on the “Seasons of Life.” From day to day this display will change and bloom, but as the flowers wilt, they are refreshed to keep them beautiful and restored during the entire festival.
Enjoy over a hundred hours of gardening and floral advice from industry professionals such as TV gardening stars Frankie Flowers, and Mark Cullenduring the inspiring and educational seminars to take place throughout the festival.
The Plant and Product Showcasewill be back by popular demand showcasing equipment, innovative products, and a number of plants, including the new varieties of 2016.
This year’s festival will be held from March 11th to 20th, 2015, at the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Here’s a nice look at some of last year’s highlights. For tickets, click here. You may also want to Follow Canada Blooms on Twitter @CanadaBlooms and check out their Facebook page.
