To maintain interest you have to play to the crowd. There is supposed to be a trend toward making garden areas outdoor rooms to sit in and do the same kinds of things you might do in the house, and away from horticultural uses of outdoor spaces.

The big show gardens are expensive to build and have been pretty much taken over by landscape contractors and designers, associated interests who are displaying their wares to potential clients.

To a large extent the most sensational or at least charming displays of some years past were put on by local garden centers. Most of those gradually dropped out.

Although at least a little participation from those featuring plants instead of bright red mustang automobiles etc. remains. The Wells nursery conifer display for instance.

I was interested to see that the one with car only had a clot of people in front of the little corner to the side where there was nothing but a rather nice little planting of winter garden plants.

I heard there have been some nibbles so perhaps there will be some more shows. A nibble is not a bite, of course.

Every garden scene was related with color and style. It lacked diversity. If you have to pay for a display space follow your own rules.

I didn't/won't go this year... I went last year. It would be great to see someone step up and develop another show to replace this one... or else buy this show and make some changes to appeal more to plant people, smaller local businesses and growers rather than larger commercial interests.

I also feel for the growers who rely heavily on this show for publicity and income (e.g. Far Reaches Farm)

There were enough people there Friday to make the crowding bothersome at peak times. Vendors - including Kelly - seemed to usually have someone buying something when walked past.

Afterward we tried two nearby downtown eateries for dinner and found them crowded, with 30-45 minute waiting times. Even the big P.F. Chang's was packed.

Recession? What recession?