Biggest and Best Garden Shows

Imagine transforming a giant convention center into a garden. It would take lots of work, but that’s what garden shows around the world do.

Each year the garden industry puts on shows that explore the hottest new trends and techniques.

Professionals, hobbyists, and people who love plants attend these shows to learn about new gadgets, stylish plants, and popular growing methods.

Garden shows are a chance for landscape and gardening companies to show off their products and for professional gardeners to highlight their skills. It’s a wonderful chance to mingle with other gardeners and to pick up plant tips for the new gardening season. There are children’s gardens, workshops, plants for sale, flower competitions, floral displays, landscaped examples, demonstrations, and vendor areas.

Professionals love being involved in flower and garden shows. Each year a new theme, like dancing or magic, is picked for them to design around. Some shows are well established and attract international visitors. Others are just getting started. The one thing they all have in common is they need people to work at them.

Planning a world-class garden show starts months in advance of the show. Locations must be established, vendors and gardeners must be contacted, event staff must be hired, and convention centers must be transformed. Exhibits and gardens are set up and managed by professional gardeners and garden associations. There are plenty of jobs available at these events. The best way to find jobs or volunteer opportunities is to contact garden shows in your area. Also See: Event Jobs section.

The majority of garden shows take place in the spring, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to attend or work. Tickets go on sale for the general public months in advance. Contact the show early if you want to be involved. They are a blast!

A Few Big Garden Shows:

Canada Blooms – Toronto, Ontario
This show gives everyone the chance to display their talents, even non-professionals can set up displays. There are speakers on everything from composting to deck building to wildflower gardening.
Cincinnati Flower Show – Cincinnati, Ohio
One of the only shows endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society, this show is one of the largest outdoor flower shows in North America.
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – Orlando, Florida
Disney is known for being a magical place and their flower and garden show is also. They incorporate the Disney characters into the show, which makes it fun and inspiring for all ages.
Independent Garden Center Show – Chicago, Illinois
The annual trade show for garden centers promotes the newest products they will carry for the next year.
International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest – Global
This aquascaping competition attracts people from over 55 countries. It has exciting monetary prizes for the winners.
Northwest Flower and Garden Show – Seattle, Washington
Highlighting plants from the Pacific Northwest, this shows gets 60,000 to 80,000 people each year. There are six acres of show gardens, 300 exhibitors, and plenty of seminars.
Philadelphia International Flower Show – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Produced by the Pennsylvana Horticultural Society, this show is one of the largest shows in North America. It has 10 acres of plants on display, which a quarter of a million people see.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show – Chelsea, London, UK
The Chelsea Flower Show is sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society and is one of the most prestigious shows in the world. It attracts over 150,000 people each year who enjoy 11 acres of flowers, plants, and exhibits.
Singapore Garden Festival – Suntec, Singapore
Singapore is home to this exciting event. It happens every other year. Its big draw is tropical plants and that’s why over 17 countries are represented.

Garden shows are an excellent way to bring gardening to life. By viewing the latest trends and newest plants, garden shows help gardeners get excited about the upcoming gardening season. Be sure to visit or work at one in your neck of the woods.