Learn To Grow Things At Annual Flower/Garden Show In Hartford

HARTFORD, CT — For New Englanders used to Jack Frost's revenge every winter, this season has been a mild one to say the least.

Stil, an annual event in Hartford this weekend promises to remind us what's really ahead as the calendar of time ticks forward.

The 41st “Connecticut Flower & Garden Show” will take place Thursday, Feb. 23, through Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford.

The dates and hours are as follows: Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Discounted admission tickets are on sale now: $17 for adults and seniors at www.CTFlowerShow.com.

This will be New England’s only 2023 flower exhibition show, covering almost 2 acres, and offering ideas for house, apartment and condo dwellers.

“Gateway to Spring” is the theme of this year’s show that features expansive live gardens, a nonstop schedule of seminars and demonstrations, the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s annual Standard Flower Show and hundreds of vendors displaying and selling all types of items.

Over 80 hours of seminars and demonstrations will be presented by more than 20 horticulturalists, landscapers and industry professionals and they are free with admission.

Hundreds of booths will showcase displays, activities and shopping.

People can, even, bring a half cup of soil for free testing at the UConn Co-op booth.

Event organizers said the pandemic has played a major role in getting more people to grow things.

“During the Covid experience of isolation, hands-on gardening and outdoor living became increasingly important for reducing stress and elevating our moods,” said Kristie Gonsalves, president of North East Expos, Inc., the show’s longtime producer and a past president of the National Association of Consumer Show Producers.

“We are thrilled that our colorful show offers opportunities for people to discover new ways to enjoy their homes and growing spaces – indoors and out.”

Admission is $17 for adults and seniors and they are on sale now at www.CTFlowerShow.com and can be purchased online through the last day of the show.

Tickets at the door are $20 for adults and seniors; $5 for children 5-12; Free for Children Under 5.

Daily parking in the Connecticut Convention Center Garage: $9 all day; or $3 for the first hour and $2 each additional hour.

On Thursday and Friday only, there will be free parking with free shuttle service at Propark South Surface Lot, 63-89 Capitol Ave. (and Hudson Street) in Hartford (several blocks south of the CT Convention Center).

Saturday and Sunday features $5 all-day parking in the Front Street North and South garages (across street from CT Convention Center).

For more information on the event, click on this link.

For the event's Facebook page, click on this link.