PHOTO GALLERY: Countryside Draws Crowd

Gardening seminars drew large groups at in Crystal Lake April 16 despite the rain and snow.

There were three seminars throughout the day, Best New Plants for 2011, Grow Your Own Fruits and Invasive Insects. 

Kim Hartmann was the speaker for the first seminar, and she began, "I am very excited about this turnout. We have more than double the amount of people expected." 

The crowd first filled out a quiz with some of the results surprising them. For example, the most widely grown plant in the world is wheat, not corn or rice. The average American eats 33 pounds of tomatoes a year. Washington State grows the most tulips in the world.

Hartmann went on to introduce the best new perennials, annuals, vegetables, roses, trees and shrubs. She pointed out, "These are always plants that Countryside sells. Part of our responsibility is to bring new plants to you."

Hartmann started doing research from July 2010, going to trade shows, and industry shows to gather information for 2011. She revealed the trends for 2011. 

This year's trendy color is Honeysuckle Pink. She explained, "The color Honeysuckle Pink reflects the mood of society, looking forward to the future. It is more subtle, cautiously optimistic."

The trend of growing your own food continues, along with buying and growing locally.

"You can grow your own apples, plums, etc. Also farmers markets are thriving. People want to know where their food comes from," Hartmann added.

Everybody who attended her seminar received a complimentary fairy primrose.

For more information, visit www.countrysideflowershop.com or call (815) 459-8130.