The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc’s (FGCCT) Standard Flower Show “April in Paris” will be held Thursday, February 21 through Sunday, February 24, 2019 at the Connecticut Convention Center on 100 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford. FGCCT’s impressive juried show is part of the “38th Connecticut Flower & Garden Show”. Show hours are: Thursday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“One of the largest, most prestigious flower shows in New England, the fragrant and colorful Connecticut Flower & Garden Show covers three-acres and offers an expansive variety of creative and practical ideas for house, apartment and condo-dwellers alike,” explains Kristie Gonsalves, the show’s producer. “National TV host and author Mar Jennings, America’s Top Lifestyle Expert, will lead an impressive list of horticulturalists and landscapers who will share their knowledge in over 80 hours of seminars that are free with admission. Speakers include: Roger Swain, TV’s The Man in the Red Suspenders and former host of PBS’ The Victory Garden and HGTV’s People, Places & Plants” (Friday/Saturday); and Mike McGrath, host of the syndicated Public Radio show, “You Bet Your Garden”, and former editor-in-chief of “Organic Gardening” (Thursday/Friday).
The FGCCT show will feature more than 12,000 square feet of design and horticulture competition and over 500 entries from across the state, all themed “April in Paris”. More than 6,500 members in 122 local clubs belong to the organization – now celebrating its 90th year – whose mission is to coordinate, stimulate and encourage higher standards in all aspects of Garden Club work, and to protect and conserve our natural resources, preserve our heritage and promote civic beauty. The FGGCT is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., the largest volunteer gardening organization in the world. For more information go to www.ctgardenclubs.org
Other highlights:
– Over an acre of gardens in full bloom by professional landscape designers and nonprofit organizations;
– More than 300 booths of displays, activities and shopping: artisans and handcrafted gifts; flowers; plants; ornaments; metalwork sculptures; herbs; bulbs; seeds; fertilizers; books; patio furniture; and lawn and garden tools and equipment; and
– At the entrance, a sculpture of illuminated oversized mushrooms, enhanced with various plants and florals by artist Shauna Shane of FentonRiver Studio in Storrs.
Admission: $18 Adults; $16 Seniors Age 62 and Over on Thursday/Friday only; $5 Children 5-12; Free under age 5. Admission payment by Cash Only.
Group rates for 15 or more people: contact 860-844-8461 or Kristie@northeastexpos.com.
Advance tickets are discounted by $2 and must be purchased by February 18 at Connecticut’s: The Garden Barn Nursery & Landscape in Vernon; Moscarrillo’s Garden Shoppe in West Hartford; Natureworks in Northford; and Woodland Gardens in Manchester.
For more information, visit www.CTFlowerShow.com or Facebook, or call 860-844-8461.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
2019 Connecticut Flower & Garden Show:
Laura Soll, 860-688-4499, cell 860-833-4466 or laura@sollpr.com
The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc.:
Patricia Dray, cell 203-285-0404