Homestead Gardens Prepares for Tonight's Opening of Annual Garden Show

Homestead Gardens will open the doors tonight to one of the most anticipated events on the calendar in Davidsonville: their annual Garden Show, which is free and open to the public. The show will run from March 11 through March 20. 

Tim Hamilton, marketing director for the Davidsonville plant retailer, said that it takes the Garden Show crew about six months for planning and construction. In all, they expect between 10,000 and 15,000 people to visit—most on weekends.

"We want people to be inspired by what they see. Then they can come back and decide what they want to the plant," Hamilton said.

This year's show theme is Mediterranean Retreat, with three distinct gardens, a Tuscan, a French and a Grecian. Each garden not only has plants, including perennials and annuals, but also vegetable gardens, herbs and evergreens, fully constructed sets and garden decor. 

During the course of the next ten days, the Garden Show will also play host to a number of classes and community events.

Tonight is Ladies Night, with selected vendors on site, including free tastings and even bra fittings. On Saturday morning, radio and television personality Andre Viette will broadcast his weekly radio program live from the Garden Show (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.).  On Tuesday, the show will be the backdrop for the Londontowne Symphony Orchestra's Spring Fundraising Gala.

In addition, each weekend will feature classes and lectures for the gardener (or soon-to-be gardener).

Hamilton said that about 80 percent of what is showcased at the show is grown by Homestead at their local nurseries, but that everything in the show is either available, or when seasonally appropriate, will be available.