A SECOND INSTALLMENT for 2013

A SECOND INSTALLMENT for 2013 on places to go and plants to see this winter and spring. PINK is the hue today with three good ones on the docket. And 'tis the season for Flower Shows and Garden Talks, certainly there is enough in the area to whet your whistle. 

Here are three upcoming events that I will be attending with a recommendation to you as well.

2013 Philadelphia Flower Show
BRILLIANT, in coordination with Royal Hort is should be a stunner. Yours truly is judging on the first Friday, Begonias, Terraria, and Wardian cases. Here is the link, mark your "shed-yule," http://theflowershow.com/

2013 Philadelphia Flower Show

2013 New York in Bloom 
State Museum in Albany---a nice little floral design show of which I have participated in for the past 12 years or so. The link will give you the dates and details, http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/programs/nybloom/

2013 Berkshire Botanic 
winter lecture, Great Barrington MA.  Each year the "other" BBG hosts a February lecture that gardeners and horticulturists flock to from far and wide. This year is no exception as the Head Gardener from Hidcote Manor will be on hand to regale us with anecdotes and stories about the gardens’ recent 10 year renovation. Why not click here to let them give you the "skinny," http://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/index.html

First, Begonia 'Whopper Rose' 
is getting all kinds of press since its recent introduction. We will be growing it here for the first time and comparing it to Begonia 'Big.' Both these bedding types have shown sun tolerance and have a robust growth habit much like 'Dragon Wing.'

Begonia 'Whopper Rose'

Find them near the red and pink crayons.

Crayons

Secondly, Gomphrena 'Fireworks' 
this variety has already been around a while although many guests have not been introduced to it yet. Certainly it towers over "garden variety" gomphs and the cluster of flower heads is kind of groovy. Well it will be back in 2013.

Gomphrena 'Fireworks'

Last, but not least, Gerbera 'Big Horn' 
is another of the new landscape Gerbera named for National Parks. Magenta is the color (or red-violet in the crayon box) with an anemone -like center. Boy, do I love these varieties, pricey but long season bloomers and rich flower form.

Gerbera 'Big Horn'