The Garden Expo is something I look forward to every spring. It has gotten much bigger since they moved it to Chicopee Woods. There are lots of really good vendors who have beautiful plants, but the prices are not any lower than a regular nursery. I always end up buying several plants, but have never attended one of the seminars or demonstrations... There's lots of garden-art type vendors, and master gardeners are there to answer any questions you have. I'm just hoping it doesn't rain till it is over...

Thanks Vicki. Not sure how far it is for you, but would coming from Alpharetta (about 40 miles one way) be worth the drive? Anything else interesting to do out that way?

It sure isnt inexpensive thats for sure. But theres always alot of things you cant find locally it seems. Specality Ornamentals always has very unusal plants and shrubs. Its right off of 985 so that makes it easy if you are anywhere near 985

I live in Buford and I think it is worth the drive. But I am a person who just loves to just walk around "window shopping" even if I don't buy anything. It gives me ideas for what I want to buy and do in future projects. Bobby is right, there are always lots of unusual plants and ones that you don't find very often...
Vicki

I made a trip to the Garden Expo this morning.
I got a load of compost first then made my rounds.
It was 5 times better than the Atlanta Flower show as far as vendors go. Plus it's FREE.
Some plants were pricey and some were great bargains.
I was suprized to fine a few things I was actually going to order over the internet because they are hard to find and very expensive.
I am going back tomorrow to get another load of compost and a load of mulch.
I urge all to go and support the Show.
It was only 15 miles for me so well worth it.

I agree Cactus... I went also this morning and got an Adora Brugmansia, a Blue Mammoth Hosta and a Plumleaf native azalea with orange blooms. But the thing I'm most excited about is that I finally got an ID on a couple of bushes growing in my woodsy area that I suspected were privet and it turns out they were not (if they were privets they would be outta here!) I took sprigs of both bushes with me and although one of the master gardeners didn't know what they were, a vendor from N.C. who sells only natives identified them for me. One was a chokeberry and one was a native blueberry. There were several vendors selling native wildflowers and shrubs which I thought was cool.
Anyway, I really enjoyed the Expo. I want some of the compost, but don't have truck. I think I'll go back tomorrow and see if they will fill up a few garbage bags for me... it's only about 15 miles for me too. Oh, and if anybody is going tomorrow, very few vendors accept credit cards since they are not really set up for it at the Ag Center. I would've bought more stuff but ran out of cash!
Vicki

Vicki, they will fill garbage bags. I saw someone else doing it.

Vicki, great news about the native plant sellers! I love the plumleaf azalea - mine blooms in late June or early July and the hummingbirds love it.

Also very good that you got those plants id'ed out and they are such nice plants. I have chokeberry naturally also and it is blooming now. The red berries in the fall are very attractive plus the foliage turns a beautiful color. There is a cultivar in the trade now with even better flowers/fruit/color, it is called 'Brilliantissima' - it is considered a good substitute for the non-native burning bush. It the blueberry a tall one? A good clue on identifying that one is the slightly flaky bark on the oldest stems; the younger stems are often still greenish rather than woody. It also can have great fall color. Both of these plants lose their leaves in the winter which distinguishes them from privet.

Here is my plumleaf azalea in bloom - everyone should go get one at the Expo!

Esh, your plumleaf is gorgeous. The blueberry I have is maybe 6 ft. tall and in heavy shade but gets a little sun on and off during the day. And it does have the flaky bark. I was thrilled that it was not an invasive because it is a very pretty bush. There is one other bush in my woods no one could identify a sprig of. The Native Plant lady took the sprig with her and said she would research and e-mail me with what she finds out. It is also about 6 ft. tall and wide, with small leaves that have a bluish cast. It has tiny white flowers that are extremely fragrant and is blooming now. Whatever it is, I would love to have more of it.

Vicki, if you want, I can also try to identify it. I sent you an email via GW.

Esh,
oops! I just discovered that I had not updated my profile since my e-mail address changed, so I had to update it with my new one. If you don't mind, please send it again... sorry, and thanks for the offer to help... Vicki