How to Use Flower, Garden and Patio Shows for Landscape Ideas

Every year, we attend various flower and gardening shows in the midwest. I used to come away from them with the creative juices flowing but limited by my short memory. Afterwards, I'd wonder what that particular shade plant was called (the one I swore I'd never forget) or which type of miniature hosta had the leaf pattern I liked. Since then, I've learned some tricks to help make the most of the garden design ideas and possibilities found at garden shows and come away from them both inspired and with information I can use.

Before Attending a Flower, Garden or Patio Show, Make a List and Double Check it

If you've got an area of your yard that is sorely in need of help, make a list of questions and design ideas you'd like to address. Maybe an area tends to collect too much water or drain poorly. There may be a combination of landscape and drainage solutions that can help you overcome the problem. If you have your list on hand, you can ask the experts at the garden shows and get free advice as well as ideas for plants that like wet conditions.

Take photos of your yard and have them on hand to show to the gardening experts. While it wouldn't be fair to take up too much of an expert's time at a gardening show (they're there to network with more than one person), you might get a quick tip or be able to set up an appointment for a job estimate.

Know Where to Find Lists of Flower, Garden and Patio Shows Online

By checking online for garden shows in your area, you can save valuable time and plan ahead to make the most of a flower, garden and patio show. For example, Indiana has an annual Flower and Patio show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and the information can be found here . An easy way to find potential garden shows is by calling local nurseries or garden stores in town. They are likely to be "in the know" when it comes to shows.

By clicking on the Visitor button at that site, potential attendees can learn more about the exhibitors as well as check out gorgeous sample gardens. They can also get a preview of the gardens that will be featured, as well as themes such as The Chronicles of Narnia, Little House on the Prairie or A River Runs Through It.

Another example? The Midwestern Herb and Garden Show in Mt. Vernon, Illinois which can be found here . Admission to this one is free, as are the seminars. It will start on February 12.

Buy a Simple or Small Photo Album to Hold the Cards of Landscape and Gardening Stores as Well as Potential Garden Designers

If you are looking for experts to visit your yard and suggest ideas, your best bet is a small photo album to keep business cards organized. Make sure it has enough pockets to hold the cards of various gardening stores, landscape designers and others who can help you plan your garden. It isn't unusual to find hundreds of companies at some of the larger shows.

Don't Forget to Attend Exhibitions and Displays of Specialty Plant Growers

While the large flower, garden and patio shows can be fun to attend, be sure to check out shows devoted to only one type of plant. Some people have a passion for African Violets or Hostas and may have shows devoted only to these plants. Not only can you learn plenty about how to grow these specific plants but it may be easy to incorporate design ideas into your landscape when focusing on only one or two main plants.

Make a Wish List of Plants and Landscape Design Ideas Found at Flower, Garden and Patio Shows

If you find a display that practically makes you swoon, try to figure out what appeals to you. Is it the way the plants are layered, with varying heights? Are you drawn to certain colors or garden accessories or decor? Perhaps the sound of an artificial brook or waterfall has drawn your attention. Flower, garden and patio shows can be perfect opportunities to be surprised and delight in learning about new plants or design ideas that are worth remembering.

Pay Particular Attention to New or Innovative Ideas

I'll never forget the first year I saw outdoor railroads running through a garden display. My kids were delighted with that design idea, too. Since then, I've discovered ways to hang plants from brick or stone walls, learned about eco-friendly hanging bags for growing plants on mailboxes and more. I keep an eye out for new ideas that might help me "tweak" my garden design and keep up with the latest trends.