I stopped by the CanWest Horticultural Show last week (“Western Canada’s premier nursery, landscape and floriculture trade show”). Like most hort shows, the types of exhibitors don’t vary all that much from year to year, so what I look for – in addition to anything really different – are the overall trends.
Not exactly a new trend, but worth noting because it’s still going strong, is a little rule of (green)thumb I call “foliage first.” (Well, maybe “good bones” should really be first, but foliage is definitely my personal weakness!) Bold/vibrant/dark/textural foliage ruled the display gardens again this year, making for some lovely green oases under cover at the convention centre – such a treat at this time of year. These two photos are of Garden Grove Nursery’s display garden, which, not surprisingly, won Best Nursery Display Garden.
Green roofs and living walls also featured prominently. NATS Nursery really impressed me with their huge selection of BC native plants and Live Roof display. I wonder how long we’ll have to wait to see green roofs really catch on.
As usual, chemical fertilizer and pesticide manufacturers were on the scene, but organic-based product manufacturers made a good showing too.
Tomorrow: bucking the trends.
Robin (Bumblebee) says
Testing 1,2,3. Testing 1,2,3.
Andrea Bellamy says
Cute! Thanks Robin!
Shawna (Garden Grove Nursery says
Hi Andrea,
I came upon your website this morning and was surprised to see our booth photos on your home page. Thank you for using these pictures on your site. I’m assuming that you liked our booth design (or else it wouldnt be there…..)
I just thought I would let you know that our booth won 1st place as “Best Nursery Exhibit”
If you could make mention that these pics were taken of “Garden Grove Nursery’s Exhibit” that would be greatly appreciated.
P.S. I love your mission statement!
Shawna Zurowski
Garden Grove Nursery
Andrea Bellamy says
Sharon, I’m so glad you commented! I was feeling sick that I didn’t write down who created that exhibit. It was my favourite – I’m not surprised you won. Thanks for letting me know – I’ve updated the post.
ena says
I have just discovered your blog and I enjoy it so I added it to my blogroll.
I am an Organic gardener and I am pleased to note that at the garden show, there were representatives of the Organic way of life, in the garden.