2003 Central Florida Flower Shows
 
A few things to know before you head for plant shows
 
Sherry Boas
Sentinel Correspondent

January 11, 2003

You've circled the date of your favorite plant show on the calendar. It's almost time to step out of the house and into a world of blossoms and blooms. But before getting into the car, take a few minutes to prepare yourself for the busy day ahead.

Six veteran garden show organizers offer some words of wisdom to help make your day efficient, productive and fun.

Do: Prepare your car before you go.

"Make room in your car before you leave home and bring a box or two, plus have an old sheet to toss over plants to keep the sun from shining on them directly," advises 30-year bromeliad society member Eloise Beach.

Fred Fallman, president of the Central Florida Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society, suggests using a protective cover on the floor of your car where plants are to be transported.

"I find an old vinyl tablecloth to be good for this," he says.

Orchid grower Jean Mitchell notes that because the potting mixture for orchids tends to be lightweight, containers sometimes are dumped, scattering the potting mixture. Mitchell advises orchid enthusiasts to take lots of old newspapers in the car to wad up between the pots to keep them upright.

Don't: Dress up or don fancy shoes.

"There's lots of walking," says Joy Prince, president of the Greater Orlando Orchid Society.

All the garden show experts emphasize the importance of dressing comfortably and wearing shoes that are easy on the feet.

Do: Arrive early and plan to stay long.

"The variety to choose from will be the greatest early in the show," says Prince.

The rare and unusual plants go in the first hours, adds bromeliad authority Beach.

The experts agree that you can expect to spend from one to three hours at a garden show.

"It is best to do an overview of vendors and displays and then go back more slowly looking for specific plants," suggests orchid aficionado Mitchell.

"Some of us can spend three to four hours and still want to look around more," adds Prince.

Don't: Touch!

"People should never touch or move plants," says Mary Jane DiLorenzo of the 1st Lakeland African Violet Society.

"Many plants are damaged by careless touching," says Beach, a master bromeliad judge. She urges people not to touch or pick up the show plants, tags or the awards.

Fallman adds: "Try to have children look with their eyes only and keep their hands off the exhibits."

Do: Take a wagon or a cart.

If you are planning to purchase many plants, it may be helpful to take along a small wagon or a cart.

"It's a must to have a wagon or cart to haul your own plants at the Leu Garden plant sale in March," says Fallman.

But other shows, like the Apopka Art and Foliage Festival in April, provide volunteers to tote purchases to the cars.

"We try to make it as easy as possible," says organizer Sherry Dahlstedt. "We have kids available to haul things and a plant-sitting service so you don't have to lug your plants around while you browse through the arts and crafts areas."

It's best to call ahead and check on the availability of on-site carts or staff assistance for transporting purchases to the car before packing your own wagon.

Don't: Expect bargains.

Finding bargains or discounted items at plant shows is not the norm.

"We discourage vendors from reducing plants because we feel it cheapens the show," says Prince. "But, if they have surplus plants on hand toward the end of the show, that may be when they may reduce them, but not always."

Do: Ask questions.

"We are always ready to answer questions and try to help people," says Prince. "Conversations about orchids have often turned into lasting friendships. I have met some of my closest friends because of orchids."

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