 It seems like it has only been a few years since we at Bay Laurel Nursery exhibited rhododendrons at the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show when it was still at Fort Mason. It relocated to the Cow Palace when it became too large for Fort Mason, and the event continues to evolve. "Florapolitan," the 18th annual San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, will commence March 19 and continue through March 23, again at the Cow Palace, located at 2600 Geneva Ave. in San Francisco.
More than 400 horticultural establishments will exhibit and market newly available species and the most recently developed cultivars of familiar species as well as the classics. Distinctive and unique garden accessories may be purchased from a broad range of vendors. More than 30,000 orchids will be exhibited and marketed in the expanded Orchid Pavilion. Sunset Magazine will present more than 60 free lectures by a variety of horticultural professionals.
One of the most extensive collections of bonsai in the West will be exhibited, as well as ikebana (exquisitely refined Japanese floral arrangements) and a more contemporary floral design competition. Dirt Mama's Li'l Gardeners will display the horticultural creations of young garden enthusiasts. The most substantial portion of the Florapolitan area will be landscaped with 23 gardens composed by local landscape designers.
Florapolitan will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 8 p.m. each day except Sunday, when it closes at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20—or $13 after 3 p.m. or $17 if purchased prior to March 18. Tickets for children four to 11 are $7 at the door only. An all-show pass for all five days is available for $65. More information, including the locations of ticket outlets, can be obtained by calling 800.829.9751 or visiting www.gardenshow.com.
Two of the many workshops arranged by Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens will also commence during the next few days. The most imminent is the last of the Rose Workshop Series—"Propagation and Resources"—which runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon on March 15. Admission is $14, or $12 for members. The workshop will be at the Guadalupe Garden Center, located at 715 Spring St. (at Taylor) in San Jose. Checks can be sent to Friends of the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, 50 W. San Fernando St., Suite 1100, San Jose, 95113. For more information, call 408.298.7657 or visit www.grpg.org.
Nancy Garrison, Master Gardener Program coordinator of the University of California Cooperative Extension of Santa Clara County and Bracy Tiede, a master gardener, have also arranged a free integrated pest management (IPM) workshop on March 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at 525 W. Alma Ave. in San Jose. Attendance is limited, so reservations must be arranged by calling 408.298.7657 or by emailing education@grpg.org.
One of the most impressive displays of bearded iris that I have seen is currently being exhibited at an iris sale conducted by members of the Clara B. Reese Iris Society. The sale will continue on Fridays and Saturdays at 14950 Los Gatos Blvd. (at Terreno de las Flores) in Los Gatos until bloom finishes sometime in April. Most irises available are tall bearded iris, but a few are medium-sized. "No. 1" iris (in one-gallon cans) are $4, No. 2 are $6, and No. 5 are $8.
Flower of the Week: Madagascar jasmine
My sister carried a bouquet of roses and Madagascar jasmine, Stephanotis floribunda, during her wedding on March 1, when she became Mrs. Amy O'Brien.
This evergreen vine is sensitive to frost, so it is typically grown in greenhouses or garden rooms, where it may eventually climb as high as 10 feet. The 4-inch-long leaves are deep green and glossy. The 1- or 2-inch-long tubular flowers typically bloom in sparse clusters during the summer. They are white and not remarkable but are extremely fragrant.
Fertilizer and irrigation should be applied generously but sporadically so that soil may dry somewhat. Warmth, bright ambient light and support for climbing are preferred.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be
contacted at 408.358.2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.
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Photograph courtesy of