They say that April showers bring May flowers, but the Cincinnati Flower Show isn’t a place for late bloomers. And during the 21st annual horticulture celebration, held April 17–25 at Symmes Township Park in Symmes Township, you’ll find enough gardening and home inspiration to get you through the spring and then some.

The only exhibition in North America that’s endorsed by Britain’s Royal Horticulture Society, the Cincinnati Flower Show is arguably one of the best in the nation. Produced by the Cincinnati Horticulture Society, the show offers nine packed days worth of exhibits, events and lectures, not to mention acre after acre of awe-inspiring gardens. Whether you’re an amateur or the owner of the most sophisticated plot on your block, the innovative colors and designs will provide you with a truly “fresh” perspective on the art of gardening. Named the “king of all flower shows” by Better Homes and Gardens and featured as a must-experience event in the book 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before You Die, the Cincinnati Flower Show incorporates it all, from useful advice to exhibits that will leave you wondering “How did they do that?”

For 2010, the society has chosen “Fantasy, Formal, Friendly” as the theme, an appropriate choice considering the event’s history. The show has long been known as a place where families can browse alongside highly trained horticulturists, and inventive landscapers can explore their most unique and fantastic ideas.

Fantasy gardens will explore the worlds of designers’ favorite books, movies and places, while the formal gardens will exude elegant balance, simple color contrasts and dignified design. The friendly gardens, meanwhile, will feature exhibits that are ecologically, economically, lifestyle and pet friendly.

Highlights of the 2010 show include traditions like the afternoon teas and the Cincinnati Fine Food Show, held April 17 and 18. During this supplementary event, guests will find samples and items for purchase from more than 50 local and national vendors, and have the opportunity to meet with creators of the products for kitchen tips and tricks. And Small Wonders Weekend, held April 23–25, offers free activities and special exhibits designed for the family, from baking instruction to crafts. The artists’ studio is another excellent addition to the show and features the work of regional artists working in all mediums and with one common theme — artwork inspired by the art of horticulture.

From magnificent landscape gardens that incorporate trees, shrubs, blooms and architectural features to inventive floral tablescapes, environmental exhibits, lectures from internationally known experts and mouthwatering food, there’s no doubt that in Cincinnati — and beyond — the Cincinnati Flower Show is as synonymous with spring as those pesky April showers. For more information about this year’s show — and for a complete schedule of lectures and special events — visit cincyflowershow.com.

WHEN YOU GO:

Symmes Township Park,
11600 Lebanon Rd., Symmes Township, OH 45140
513/872-5194 • cincyflowershow.com

Look for Ohio Magazine’s booth at the Cincinnati Flower Show.