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| I love huge urns |
I should feel guilty about this. I should, but how will there be future improvements if everyone applauds a less than stellar performance? I was sent tickets to The Central Ohio Home & Garden Show this year, and I should give a thoroughly positive review of it, right? But the problem is that it left me somewhat indifferent.
I did buy seeds and take pictures, but whether it was the economy or the unusually severe winter, while the displays had some interesting ideas, overall, they lacked passion.
I was snowed in at the start of the show, and finally made it on Wednesday. The plants did not seem to be well watered, and were a little wilted looking. Later, I thought it might be due to the colder than usual weather, but I really don’t know what goes into creating the garden displays. Just from the viewpoint of a visitor, I had hoped for more.
Still, there are always benefits from seeing what professionals feel are design elements that create a great landscape.
I’d personally like to see some innovative plant material used in more of the presentations. “Art in Bloom” was the theme, which I expected would be more inspired in execution. Here are the photos and I’d like reader opinions. Granted, the crowded conditions and my less than wonderful pictures may be a handicap, but perhaps you could comment and tell me what you think…hot or not? Is the passion there for you? Or is what’s missing merely me?
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| A cute raised bed- but plain jane |
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| the newest trend- a green wall |
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| The busiest garden- the bee exhibit |
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| many elements- many sculptures |
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| iconic Ohio |
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| sculptured false cypress |
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| My own favorite -herb garden and wall art |
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| Overall seemed French and Classic, but not sure what is going on |
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| The pond in the sculpture garden |
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| Monet’s Garden Bridge |
The “Bee Garden” had the longest line for entry. It reminded me of the displays that Metro Parks has for educating the public about natural features or environmental issues. There were some cute resin bees attached to the tree branches, and a number of bee skeps around, but I didn’t get that the garden was for attracting or supporting bee life. It didn’t seem about the garden and its relationship to bees.
I hate to complain, but (now you know I’m going to) each year I think there are way too many azaleas and rhododendrons. They are hard to grow here, and while they look beautiful in bloom, other flowering shrubs might have given more individuality to the designs. The weeping cherry trees were certainly beautiful. You see, for me it was a mixed bag. And that is a shame, because if the landscape part of the show doesn’t bring in the most money for the exhibitors, it certainly is the biggest draw for the show. The garden displays are what most people go there to see.