PA Garden Show of York 2019

In general, I'm a pretty positive person when it comes to anything about gardening. However, this was my third visit to the PA Garden Show of York and it might be my last. Nothing was terrible mind you, the people are nice and we didn't have any problems. It was just, well, the same thing every year.

While my husband perused the large assortment of wineries (a definite plus) I got to meander around with my four year old daughter and it just didn't take long at all to see all the displays. Honestly, if you've been to any of these indoor garden shows then you've seen everything that was there. The same old, same old varieties of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and hellebore. No one is really putting any thought into plant selection and the displays are showcasing the same outdoor sheds and fountains that I've seen so many times before.





On the other hand, one display was a fun, over the top tiki hut display and I also enjoyed the old country house display. There's also something to be said for any blooming plants in the first week of March. My daughter also had a great time and enjoyed the kids activity table put on by the Penn State Extension office. She was bummed that they didn't have the play set display that had been there in years past.

Speaking of the Penn State Extension Office, there booth was by far the most interesting to me and I really enjoyed talking with one of the volunteers about the Master Gardener Program. They had some great information on native plants, but I really could have skipped the grumpy old man at the "ask a gardener" table. (Apparently, you shouldn't ask THAT gardener anything).

Naturally, they had a large room full of garden themed vendors. I appreciated the plant selection there and made a few purchases. Honestly, I think the vendors are a bigger draw to me than the landscaping displays.

Will I go again? Maybe. Depends how desperate I feel next March for some Spring flowers. Should you go? If you feel desperate enough for flowers yourself. Or at least, you can get some great wine.

The Pennsylvania Garden Show of York: A Review

By the end of February, most of us are pining for some sign of Spring. Consequently, the timing for the Pennsylvania Garden Show of York is fabulous as it occurs the first weekend of March. If it's a break from winter that you're looking for, then the garden show will not disappoint. Flowers and landscaping displays are everywhere and the over all ambiance is lovely. A very large room full of garden - themed vendors is my idea of shopping. Here are some of my favorite things from the show.

> We have really enjoyed the live music provided by Seasons Music. The musicians were very talented and friendly: even obliging my 2 year old daughter with a rendition of "The Wheels On The Bus".  www.seasonsmusic.com

>The landscape displays are lovely. It's very relaxing to meander through them and if you do have any questions about improving your own landscaping, the vendors are very willing to talk.

> The vendor room is fantastic. Flower arrangements take up an entire end of the room. The other tables are taken up by nurseries, home improvement companies, garden shops, local environmental groups and many artisans.

> Several area wineries have tasting tables set up. Need I say more?

> A large swing set takes up a corner and provides a place for young children to play.

If you go, I will say that you should definitely buy tickets online ahead of time as there is always a line to purchase them at the door and you'll get  a discounted rate that way. Also, the food available is nothing to get excited about. We always plan to go out for dinner afterward.

My interest in gardening has always been more about growing my own food then having pretty landscaping so it's not my ideal. (It's certainly nothing compared to the Mother Earth News Fair in the fall). However, given the time of year and the inexpensive tickets, I plan on going to the Pennsylvania Garden Show of York every year in the future. For more information, go to www.pagsy.com.