I've heard lots of good things about the Philly Flower Show but have never been and that goes for Chelsea too. Seen the news and some video of Chelsea which looks like a dream for gardeners to visit. Atlanta used to have a flower show which was a big deal at one time. It was basically the same thing every year and I vowed I wouldn't go after 2004 due to the same old show, one rude vendor, and the fact that I only bought one plant that year - my most expensive begonia - a $30 hanging basket of 'Thurstonii' (even if it was a big pot, I hate to spend that much on what might be an annual for me). In 2005 we drove to Miami to see their annual begonia show and sale at Fairchild Tropical Garden. What a delight! I learned a couple of lessons - make sure you take multiple batteries with you for whatever you have for a camera (my battery died 15 minutes after entering and the spare was back at the hotel) and buy at the sales booth before touring the garden. Anyway I was told that PHOE was only 10 minutes away and they had plenty of begonias. I visited Atlanta's begonia club's sale the following week and it was pitiful compared to Miami. The next year I went to my first ABS convention. It was in Miami. I had joined the local club and it would be 2007 or 08 when I went back to the Southeast Flower Show to enter a few begonias and in following years had found myself as a passer at the begonia booth at the SFS. I don't remember the year that they quit having the flower show as the economic downturn affected so many things. They started having the show every other year and eventually abandoned it altogether until they revived it this year - very small though. I entered two plants from a little arm twisting as it is a hassle to remove any pot from a shelf, clean it up, transport it, and fill in the blanks. Then go back to the show after it closes to pick up your plants. It's a big amount of work to do even if you are just a small part of it. One of our members won first place with this entry. He has a big greenhouse and I want to go see it soon. His U512 won a blue ribbon as well. An entry that looks like it got a red ribbon. One of my two entries that got a red ribbon My other entry (Cowardly Lion) got 3rd place after I had 4 of the largest outer leaves removed because of another "expert's" opinion that it would look better. I don't think it did but at least 3 people got a leaf (I took the 4th one with me). GRRR! There were a few from the "pro's corner" which are not judged. I don't remember seeing any canes in our show this year. February is not a good time for showing begonias in my opinion but you do what you feel you can do. Here are two of mine in the 2008 SFS at the GWCC (Georgia World Congress Center). 'Black Coffee' is the one on the glass table and got first prize and the bigger pot of 'Cachuma' on the floor got second. and my U309 got first for terrarium There used to be a lot more entries back then. My how the times have changed.

Looks like a mulberry to me...which means weedy.

I have heard great things about Stone Masters in Kennett Square. I am likely going to use them for my kitchen cabinetry and countertops, but not 100% sure- but I am very impressed with them and they have a good reputation. Editing to add, a stone's throw from Longwood Gardens so there's a delightful incentive!!

We have had very good service from Gerhard's. I'd go with them the next time I want something that they carry.