FYI Schedule of events for the Eastern Iowa Garden and Landscape Show: Main Stage 10:00 - Lee Zieke and Lindsay Lee, Willowglen Nursery 11:00 - Lucinda Mays, Heritage Gardening on IPTV 12:00 - The music of Mike Maas and Carlis Faurot 1:45 - The Mays and Lees Panel Presentation Formal Garden 12:00 - 2:00 - Master Gardener Presentations Courtyard of the Visitor Center 12:00 - 2:00 - Brucemore Cutting Gardens Demonstrations Brucemore Landscape Tours - 12:00 - 2:00 IronBelly

I cannot compare, Carol, but can tell you that the Hartford show over the 20+ years I've attended, now has many more 'other-than-gardening' types of vendors and the few garden displays, although nicely landscaped, do not seem as robust or extensive as they once were. I see people leaving with new mops, earrings, vibrating pillows, but few bulbs or flowers. A GW member commented to me a few years ago at the Philadelphia show that that show's focus seemingly had turned toward a more stylization of gardening with more emphasis on floral arrangements and art with flowers versus down in the dirt gardening and growing, if you will. I think it is fair to say the same is true, on a much smaller scale, of the Hartford show. We go to the Hartford show because it is close and it's a nice way to spend few hours on a cold day and to have lunch out with the girls. Personally, I wouldn't drive from Boston to attend if Providence is easier for you. I'm guessing the shows are quite similar. Kindly, Jane Here is a link that might be useful: Hartford Flower Show-Why Attend?

Feel free to post about upcoming garden events in Texas here too.

Well shoot...I guess we'll have to try to get together another time. My plan is still intact so if anyone has a change of plans just send me an e mail and we;ll find a place to meet. Cheers! Susie