Spring Has Sprung at Raritan Expo Center

Disney and Broadway are coming to life at the weekend-long 9th annual Flower & Garden Show, being held at the NJ Convention & Expo Center in Raritan Center. The 2011 Garden Theme is "Gardens on Broadway," and this year's flower and garden arrangements undoubtedly shared the same excitement and enthusiasm of a Broadway show.

It was as if the song, the dance, and the performance of Broadway emanated through each set-up and through each perfectly arranged flower combination. Furthermore, nostalgia took over, and the magic of Disney made each showcase and its flowers come to life.

Some of the most memorable arrangements include: Mary Poppins, Wicked, Tarzan's Man Cave, Beauty & The Beast, and Barefoot in the Park.

Jeanne Giarrantano, a member of the Metuchen Garden Club, particularly loved the "Wicked" showcase. She said, "All of the designs were exciting. I thought the “Wicked” exhibit was really fun. It's entire set-up was delightful."

Her friend, also a member of the Metuchen Garden Club, enjoyed the "Barefoot in the Park" showcase.

"The sound of the water is very soothing," she said, referring to the fountain placed in the center of the Barefoot in the Park arrangement. "The benches are great for resting, and bringing the grass inside is a nice, refreshing touch especially because the grass outside still has snow on it." 

Aside from the wonderful flower and garden arrangements that one would have to see to believe, there were also fabulous shopping booths. Everything from jewelry to paintings, and wine to pottery was available for sale.

Joan Foster traveled from Pennsylvania to work at one of the booths, and enjoying the show during her break. "I have never been to a flower show before, and now working at one has given me to opportunity. There are so many different things. The whole show is big and beautiful," she said.

Commenting on the variety of booths she gets to work alongside with, Foster added, "I bought some things already! I bought wine, jewelry, and a nice bicycle ornament to hold flowers."

The . Tickets are $15 for adults, $6 for children from 12 to 17, and for those under 12, admission is free.