A Garden Show for the East

Although presented on a much smaller scale, Blooms by the Sea will provide many of the same attractions including display gardens, a wide range of seminars and speakers, exhibitors, garden cafe and children’s programs.

Gil Dares, chair of the Yarmouth Garden Show Association says things are coming along very well for the show, the first of its kind in Nova Scotia. “Planning is going very well and while the last few weeks will be extremely busy, we are all confident that we will be ready,” he said. “Everyone is working with the knowledge that we will only get one chance to do it right. We want everyone who attends this year to look forward to the next show.”

Garden clubs across the province have been notified of the event. At least 50 exhibitors have been booked to date and presentations include the popular Neville MacKay as keynote speaker talking about the importance of “stopping to smell the roses”. Container gardening, “cool tools”, backyard composting, bird watching, bees and honey, herbs, native plants, whirligig workshops, wine tasting, tropical plants, wine tasting and garden journaling are other highlights to look forward to.

There will be a gardening challenge whereby local groups design their own gardens in an attempt to win against competitors. A silent auction will feature exquisitely decorated birdhouses submitted by local artists, businesses and celebrities.

A centrepiece showpiece garden set up in the middle of the largest arena will have six separate designs including seaside, evergreen, formal, cottage, tool shed, and entryway (water), built from inventory donated by Canadian Tire.

There will be many door prizes and a grand prize of a lawn tractor.

The website www.bloomsbythesea.com contains a full list of presenters and times as well as other information, including a blog.

Cost for the show: Adults daily $7, weekend pass $12; children (5-12) daily $3, weekend pass $5; seniors (55+)/students (13-18) daily $5, weekend pass $8.