It is very fun. The pruning class is very good since they prune a tree right in front of you so you can see what you are supposed to be doing. A lot of things repeat from Sat to Sun so I usually only go one day but I've been going for several years and I've seen a lot of the seminars. Be sure to check who the seminar is being given by - anything by the UW-Extension is good, as are seminars by Bruce Co. and the Flower Factory. I did not find the seminars given by Mark May to be as good as he seemed a bit more focused on selling products. The dinner is new this year and I'd love to go but can't really afford it.

I'm a vendor there and its a great time. The workshops are very informative and there lots of cool stuff to see in the vendor area. I would 2nd the above statement, find some good workshops and only make a day of it. But make it a full day.

It's good to hear about a number of seminars and a 'full day' of things to do and see.

Since it generally takes me a couple of days to accomplish one 'full day', in wintertime, I think I have an excuse to get out of the house for a weekend. :)

If you are there on Saturday at 9:00am be sure to catch Rich Eyre's talk on conifers. Rich is quite the colorful charecter.

tj

Here is a link that might be useful: Expo stuff

I 2nd the comments on Rich. What a great guy and he's got some cool plants too! I picked up a dwarf Ginko from him a few years back. Great little tree!

Thanks for the info,
Just wish I could find a hotel North of the city in advance to make a reservation. Looks like coming in on Friday and starting the day Saturday is the way to go. May not make it by 9am however, but it appears that there is a lot to do and see as we dream of Spring. :)

How far north of Madison? There's a nice bed and breakfast by Columbus called Fountain Prairie Inn and Farms but that is probably an hour out. I haven't been there but I've bought meat from them at the farmer's market and they're very nice. There's a few hotels in Sun Prairie which would be just north but I don't know any specifics. There's a Hampton Inn on the west side of Madison that my in-laws liked, but that obviously isn't on the north side.

If you want economical and close by check out the Madison youth hostel. Not the Ritz Carlton but liveable.

Thanks for the ideas. It looks like we'll just go down there and make a decision on the run. There must be motels on the road coming in. If not I'll just find one nearby the center.
Either way it should be fine, and a fun day. :)