All things green and growing

Annual celebration of spring nearly ready for visitors Augusta — Despite the late snowfall, the scent of spring is filling the sun-drenched conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds as exhibitors prepare for the 14th annual Springfest Flower & Garden Show on March 11 to 14. The show is produced by volunteers that share a passion for plants and gardening with proceeds benefiting agricultural initiatives and scholarships. Known as The Garden Lover’s Flower Show, Springfest showcases garden displays, quality merchants, lectures, Kid’s Zone, design competitions, and a Café with wine bar. New show highlights eco-friendly gardening trends while popular annual events will return to the warmth of the 30,000 sq. ft. venue. The 5000+ sq ft. custom glass Springfest conservatory, donated by Bruce and Bev Gordon, was designed and built in consultation with LEED green building guidelines. The Conservatory is an icon for the Fairgrounds and is a setting for functions throughout the year. Entries in the window box competition, winding paths, waterfalls, arbors, and innovative gardens will give visitors plenty of ideas to use in their own gardens. From backyard escapes, curb appeal ideas, intimate sanctuaries to classical designs; the gardens are built and the plants are forced to be in full bloom just for the four-day show. The garden designers are on hand to answer questions and share their visions. Garden shops and landscape services are tucked among the displays. Vendors selling seeds and plants, tools and equipment, birdhouses and statues, arbors, fences, books, outdoor furniture, floral art and more. Arborists, designers, irrigation, and green energy specialists are among the many service providers exhibiting at this years show. The lecture roster offers everything from veggie gardening to garden photography. Lectures are free of charge with paid admission to the show and the entire line-up can be viewed at www.springfestgardenshow.com. The new Friday Family Fun Night will feature Children and Nature: Growing up Green and programs throughout the evening will help teach curious kids environmentally friendly ways to garden and care for the earth. Priscilla E. Hayes, of Luna Productions Environmental Education will make composting, recycling, and worms exciting for all ages. For more family fun, the Summer Blossoms 4H Club returns with their popular Treasure Hunt and ‘Kid’s Plant Your Own Zone’ sponsored by Cerbo’s Parsippany Greenhouses and Hautau & Sons Greenhouses. A special visit by Lori Day with newborn zoo babies. Other events debuting at this years’ show include the newly formed Jersey Highlands Orchid Society, presenting a display of orchids. Visitors can catch a lecture by orchid expert Dr. Ron Midgett and consult with an array of orchid experts and merchants. Also, Toni Chaplin, a well-known local watercolor artist will be painting the gardens plein-air throughout the day on Saturday. Both Balic and Hopewell Wineries will be representing NJ’s finest wine makers. The Garden Café will offer dishes by Krave Café and Caterers of Newton for brunch, lunch and dinner. Springfest is sponsored in part with donations from Presenting Sponsor Eastern Propane as well as The Morville Agency, Lakeland Bank, Agens Stone, Appleby’s, Pellow Family, Blue Ridge Lumber, Design NJ, The Gardeners News, NJ Herald, Clear Channel Radio and NJ Travel and Tourism.

If you go
Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta.
Show dates: March 11 to 14, 2010.
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday to 8 p.m.
Admission: Adults $11. Seniors $8.
Children under 15 free Thursday is Seniors Day (65+) $6.
973-948-9448
www.springfestgardenshow.com