This time of year I start to get really excited.  The San Francisco Flower and Garden Show is coming up; this year it runs from March 21-25.  It's been a tradition for my mother and I to go together.  Usually we go on a Friday. Some years we run into a group of Solano County Master Gardeners who also have a tradition of going to the show together.  I have great memories of the shows.  

When I first started going they were at the Cow Palace, their home for many years.  I continued to go when they moved to the San Mateo Event Center. Further changes occurred when the management changed hands, but it has continued to be a wonderful experience.

Why go?  After all it's a long drive.  First of all the exhibits, you will see plants you've never heard of in colors you've never dreamed of. Secondly new ideas for plants you are familiar with, sod and grass roofs, succulent walls, or edibles grown decoratively in your front flower beds. Thirdly, go for the intoxicating experience of being surrounded by people just as enthusiastic about flowers and gardening as you are. Lastly, there is the shopping.

The shopping deserves its own paragraph. There is usually the most wonderful collection of vendors:  dahlias, succulents, orchids, drought tolerant, you name it.  There are also handy garden tools, garden inspired clothing and jewelry, and garden art.  There is just about anything garden related that you can think of.  Just touring my back patio reminds me of various years at the flower show. I love my Harry Lauder's Walking stick, Corylus avellana 'Contorta", with it's wonderfully twisted branches.  Then there is my weeping pussy willow that I haven't seen elsewhere.  Finally there are my wonderful blueberries that are special varieties that can do well this far south.  They are wonderfully tasty as well as pretty and in full bloom right now.  Who knows what I will find this year; did I mention I was excited?