Coming up on the Garden Scene

You can experience the first breath of spring at the biggest indoor garden show in Canada from March 12 - 16 at Canada Blooms. This year there are six acres of creative gardens in a dazzling display of colour, texture and fragrance designed by Canada's best landscaping talents. There will be over 200 hours of gardening demonstrations and the usual garden market paradise to browse through. The event takes place at the South Building, Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For more info call 800.730.1020 or visit the website: www.canadablooms.com.

The third annual Wine & Trees Gala & Garden Party will be held at the Kingstec Campus (NSCC) in Kentville, on March 27 from 7 - 10 p.m. Close to 700 are expected at the joint fundraising event, which is sponsored by the Rotary Club of New Minas and NSCC's Kingstec Horticulture/Tourism Management/Culinary Arts programs. Booth attendees consist of horticulture/landscaping companies, and products, private wine stores, wineries around Nova Scotia, breweries, and microbreweries. The culinary arts students will be showcasing food and wine pairings for each of the booths. Horticulture students will be showcasing their lavishly decorated greenhouses. Tourism students will be serving and managing the evening as event managers. Tickets are $35 each. For more info contact Nicole Robinson at (902) 679-7441.

PEI Garden Show 2008 is scheduled for

April 19 & 20 at the South Shore Actiplex, Crapaud, PEI. This is the fifth year for the event, which will showcase a full spectrum of gardening related exhibits, vendors, expert speakers and demos to get you started on your gardening season with new plants and products available. Show times are Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Elmer MacDonald at 902-855-2382, or e-mail him at annmerdon@pei.sympatico.ca, also Paula Sark at 902-658-2885, or email: Southshoreactiplex@pei.aibn.com.

You can also visit the website at: www.southshorechamber.pe.ca

On the same date, Saturday, April 19, the Annapolis Royal Historical gardens is holding their annual Dinner & Auction at Champlain Hall, Cornwallis Park. This event comprises a dinner, live auction, silent auction, and an assortment of raffles. Items up for bid in the past have included original works of art, gift certificates, gardening equipment, and a wide variety of merchandise. Tickets are $30 per person.

Saltscapes Expo will be held the weekend of April 25 to 27 at Exhibition Park on Prospect Road, Halifax. It has a “unique retail emporium” with 250 exhibitors and many showcases including a DIY, home décor, and gardening section. The How To" stage features many seminars on these topics, including interior design & container gardening. The Savour the Flavour section features a prominent and busy stage where chefs from Atlantic Canada prepare some of their favourite recipes. There’s also plenty of information and demonstrations on Culture, Music & Travel. Entrance fee is $10. Check it out at www.saltscapesexpo.com or call 1-877-311-5877, ext. 237