Photograph by Shari Kaplan
The Iceland poppy, above, and its cousin, the Shirley poppy, are popular choices for seasonal color in gardens and landscaping.
Flower and garden show is delight for enthusiasts
By Tony Tomeo
All the various fruit trees that are currently in full bloom have been most emphatically expressing their indulgence in the arrival of spring. Until now, however, it has actually been winter. March 20 was the spring equinox; we are finally into spring! Also this week, "Flower Power" returns to San Francisco--quite literally. The 16th annual San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, "Flower Power," has begun at the Cow Palace and continues through Sunday. (I am very sorry I did not write about this much sooner.)
This show is the largest in California and one of the largest in the United States. This year, the six acres devoted to Flower Power feature a new plant exhibit, orchid pavilion, garden living pavilion, bonsai show, ikebana show, floral arrangement exhibits, garden vignettes, 23 show gardens and a koi show. Many of these exhibits feature competitions in which entries are evaluated and judged by respective experts. Some also offer some of their specialty products for sale.
The more than 400 exhibitors in the Marketplace stock innovative garden tools, soil amendments, books, garden ornaments and garden art for the home. The Plant Market features many rare and exotic plant species from more than 30 nurseries and specialty growers. Those who purchase more than they can carry may leave their purchases at a check-in station to be collected when convenient. The Garden Cafe is a good place to stop for a snack, lunch or dinner.
The Seminar Series features over 50 lectures and hands-on demonstrations on a variety of horticultural topics. Some of the more popular seminars include, but are certainly not limited to, gardens from around the world, sustainable ornamental gardening, risk-taking in the garden, pond basics, living topiary and landscaping with roses.
The koi show is a new addition. This is an international competition in which amateur koi hobbyists enter their fish in a variety of categories, including color, pattern and size. Fifty tanks have been used to contain these impressive fish, which may live more than 75 years and grow as large as 3 feet long. (Did I mention that the "garden living pavilion" features grills?)
The California Horticultural Society presents the new plant exhibit, to display varieties of plants that have been so recently bred, or discovered, that they are only now becoming available to garden enthusiasts. Some varieties may currently only be available at the show.
Hours on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday are from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Extended hours on Friday and Saturday are until 9 p.m. Unless purchased earlier, tickets at the door are $18. Half-day tickets are available after 2 p.m. for $11. Children under 11 are admitted free. Parking is $7.
More information may be obtained by calling 1.800.829.9751, or visiting www.gardenshow.com on the Internet. The website also features a complete schedule of the seminar series.
Incidentally, attending a garden show is a good way to become acquainted with horticultural clubs, organizations and societies.
I am always amazed at the diversity of such organizations. It seems there is something for everyone. I am currently acquainted with the International Society of Arboriculture and American Rhododendron Society, and have been acquainted with the Rare Fruit Society. Other societies emphasize roses, camellias, dahlias, iris, daylilies, fuchsias, palms, bamboo, hollies and clematis; just to mention a few varieties of plants.
Flower of the Week: Shirley poppy
Although the Shirley poppy, Papaver rhoeas, is a summer annual, it may be planted from seed as weather begins to warm in late winter. If weather is conducive and seed is sown successively, blooms appear in early spring and continue through summer. Successive sowing provides new plants to replace older ones, as individual plants are short-lived. Plants may grow to 4 feet tall on hairy stems. Flowers may be double, but are usually single, and are about 2 inches wide, sometimes larger. Colors include white, pink, red, scarlet, orange and salmon; often they are bicolored. The Oriental poppy, Papaver orientale, produces similar, but larger flowers through winter, but is dormant in warm summer weather.
Horticulturist Tony Tomeo may be contacted at 408.358.2574.
Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
