A sure sign of spring is the annual Chicago Flower & Garden Show, presented by Mariano's, which took place March 18-26 at Navy Pier.
This year's theme was "Chicago's Blooming!"
As always, there was an Evening in Bloom presentation. This year's was "Fleurotica," presented in collaboration with the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance on March 17. Proceeds from Evening in Bloom benefited the Alliance as well as Pilot Light and the Illinois Restaurant Association Education Foundation.
Regarding the huge show itself, there were 20 gardens on display, including "Health and Healing," "Tulip's Blooming," "Below the 811 Bungalow Garden," "Rural, Urban Neighbors" and the ever-popular tablescape collection. Some of the builders included Ted's Greenhouse, Christy Webber, Leah Rogers and Aquascape Inc. There was also a kids' activity garden that allowed this writer/photographer to hold a giant African millipede and learn about composting.
In addition, a variety of speakers entertained and informed attendees about gardening, cooking and other topics. A few of the speakers included Seth Reed and Mason Day, Beth Barnett, Ahmed Hassan, Sacha Gee-Burns, William Moss, Didier Durand, Paul Kahan, Gloria Hafer, David Ringer, Steve Meyer and Max Rios.
Lastly, there was the marketplace, which is known for selling a wide variety of itemsand this year was no different. There were, of course, plant-related items, but other items ranged from lotions to inflatable beds to cheesecake.
Photos by Andrew Davis