Springfest: all things green and growing
Garden show in Sussex County begins on March 12 AUGUSTA, N.J. Sweet scents of spring are filling the magnificent new sun-drenched Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds as exhibitors prepare for the 13th annual Springfest Flower & Garden Show on March 12 to 15. Produced by volunteers that share a passion for plants and gardening, the non-profit show benefits agricultural incentives and scholarships. Fondly known as The Garden Lover’s Flower Show’, Springfest showcases garden displays, merchants, lectures, Kid’s Zone, design competitions, café, Winter weary visitors will be treated to more of everything at this year’s show. More new highlights and events, more exhibit space and parking, more lectures and demonstrations. More Ideas: The excitement builds as visitors stroll along winding paths, past waterfalls , under arbors, and through gardens brimming with ideas for visitors to use in their own gardens. Created by the area’s premier landscape companies, 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 ideas. Springfest is challenging the Garden Exhibitors this year by offering a competition from the American Horticultural Society. The AHS Environmental Award will be presented to an exhibit of horticultural excellence which best demonstrates the bond between horticulture and the environment, and inspires the viewer to beautify home and community through skillful design and appropriate More space: As visitors approach the show, the first thing they will see is the new 5000+ sqft. custom glass Conservatory. Beautifully crafted mahogany beams rise graciously to a height of 34’ and enclose a sun-filled space filled with garden exhibits. The building is an amazing gift to the Fairgrounds from Springfest friends Bev & Bruce Gordon from Sussex County. More Exhibitors: Garden Shops and Landscape Services are tucked among the garden displays. Visitors will come upon vendors selling seeds and plants, tools and equipment, birdhouses and statues, arbors, fences, books, outdoor furniture, floral art and more. Arborists, designers, irrigation specialist and Green energy specialist are among the many service providers exhibiting at this years show. More events: To kick off the debut of the Conservatory, Springfest will feature it’s first ever Orchid Festival . The American Orchid Society has sanctioned the exhibition to include garden displays, amateur and expert competitions, local orchid societies and orchid merchants from throughout the area. Visitors can catch ongoing orchid lectures for both the novice and experienced gardener throughout the four day Show. More Fun: Just when you thought you saw the whole show, it’s time to visit the Zoo’! Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! There are all kinds of creatures awaiting visitors of all ages. No petting allowed, since they are all made from plants. . If you go See more of everything green and growing at this year’s Springfest Flower & Garden Show at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, 37 Plains Road, Augusta NJ. 07822. Show dates March 12-15, 2009. Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday till 8 p.m. Admission: Adults: $11. Seniors: $8. Children under 12 - free. Thursday is Seniors Day -$6. Group rates by reservation. 973-948-9448 For more information, visit www.springfestgardenshow.org