The garden center awakens… The Annual IFS

This year we did not go to the Flower Show in Boston. We did however go to preview the annual IFS last week. While it does not have all the fancy displays and throngs of attendees it was Inexpensive. Admittance to see the Flowers was free . Show parking was very convenient, right outside the entrance. We were a couple of weeks early, there was hardly anyone there, so the worker bees were busy opening pallets loaded with boxes of flowers and a lot of the merchandise was awaiting unpacking. Weaving in and out of the rows of displays we could see that there was a lot to do in the next two weeks. The crowds were absent and we had the run of the place. The actual opening will be April 4th and 5th with many many more flowers and the pallets will disappear. We talked with several of the workers who were excited that warmer weather was just around the corner.

For those who may not be able to see all the pictures, here are the pictures without commentary: View Photo Album: Annual IFS 2014

We were greeted at the entrance by several orchid displays…
















Gerbera daises brightened another display







On to more pictures… sometimes I took pictures of signs and sometimes not hopefully they are in sync























This epiphyte stays in a glass container with only water



More pictures, you may even meet up with this guy



This one bites



More pictures



































The ZZ plant was nteresting but the pots only had sprouts





























The merchandise area was deserted, too early for customers and a lot of items weren't even unpacked

We had the whole area to ourselves but it will not be this way in two weeks. :-(









We found these ceramic birds hiding among the pots



This one wanted us to take him home









The woodpeckers have gotten bigger this winter, must be the birdseed






Then we met up with these





Some spent the winter in the snow and they show it





Watering cans ready for duty








Solar powered butterflies, bumblebees and humming birds will keep any garden active









Gives new meaning to the use of drones

These will give you a hand gardening this summer



A display of instruments reminded us it was time to eat



We headed to the door, passing by yet some more lighting for the night time garden





We will be back, hopefully it is warmer and we will have a place to put flower





We escaped without buying anything, we may not be so lucky next time.

Jerry

 

Well mate, I reckon that you looked your eyes right out of your head.
You have a good showing on this thread. How in the world you two were able to come and go without buying a thing, is beyond me.

Shall I call Guinness?

 

Sjoerd, my wife said something of a similar nature as we exited the greenhouses. I replied, " Wait to April 4/5th." I am interested in the direction rechargeable devices are taking. I saw several unique devices. But there have to be more on the horizon, ones with more practical uses. More pictures next week.

Jerry

 

I shall keep my eyes peeled for the results of a return visit 4/5 april. Go for it!

 

Great photos Jerry!

 

That place looks awesome and cute ceramic bird... how could you leave it behind? How could you NOT buy anything? It's mind-boggling.

 

The Houston Home Garden and Style Show is this weekend in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center. I plan to attend, but you can be assured I won't come home empty handed! LOL

This will be my first time attending this one. My daughter and I annually attend the Houston Home and Garden Show at Reliant Arena. The show this weekend should have lots and lots of goodies! Getting excited thinking about all those plants!

 

Can't wait to see/hear about all the goodies you two will find at the show.

 

Great photos and it makes me anxious for spring time to arrive here...what a great way to spend a day looking at all of the beautiful plants.

 

Great photos Jerry Sullivan. Thank you. I really enjoyed the tour.

 

That is just what I needed. The bright spring colors made my day. Thanks Jerry.

 

Just looking at your pictures brought a smile and ideas!! Thanks!!!

 

Wait...that was a year ago. I guess we in the North are really starved for spring!

 

Every once in awhile someone finds an older post with some uplifting content. I will appreciate going to the IFS this year, it is less than a month away. With 3 feet of snow still on the ground I don't know if it will be delayed a couple of weeks. I will have to watch their web site. Hmmm.....wait a minute......don't go away......Nope, they are having a sale to get rid of stock to make room for new stuff. Their timetable may not be effected by the snow. I will have to lurk about their web site......

Jerry