The end of winter is near, but the weather seems far from warming up, and like most rose gardeners I’ve been looking forward to spring. What better way to spend a chilly weekend day than at a local garden show? Garden shows can be educational, enjoyable and you might just find that perfect plant you’ve been looking for.

If you haven’t attended a garden show now could be the time to see if one is scheduled at a location near you. The McDonald Garden Center, which is a local nursery near my home in Hampton Roads Virginia, was hosting their annual garden show this weekend. I’ve never attended this garden show before so thought it couldn’t hurt to give it a try.

There were a variety of exhibits, both gardening and non-gardening related, as well as several gardening seminars you could attend. The seminars covered every topic from bulbs and herbs to mole problems and Feng Shui gardening. These types of events are an excellent place to gain free gardening knowledge and advice for your specific location.

Some of the gardening exhibits were very educational. Information could be found on everything from the local Norfolk, VA Botanical Garden to orchids, Conard Pyle Roses and citrus. The Conard Pyle Rose display had a variety of the newest “Knock Out Roses” for purchase and someone on hand to answer all of your rose questions.

Bare root and dormant roses are generally what you see for sale at this time of year. Depending on the weather in your climate now could be the right time to purchase a bare root rose. Planting a rose that isn’t dormant and is covered in new growth is exciting. However, bare root roses can make it easier to locate that hard to find variety of rose you’ve been looking for.

If you’ve ever been curious about composting or rain barrels these events can help you get started. Viewing different rain barrel designs or compost systems can give you that extra push to get going at home. It’s always fun to see how conservation and organic gardening practices can help you make gardening easier and achieve healthier plants. If you have the ability and time to create compost, naturally and right on your property, your roses will give you a big thank you.

I do admit the exhibit portions of the garden show that had nothing to do with gardening were a bit of a disappointment. Local banks and home contractors consider these events free advertising. I just avoided those booths and focused on the garden related ones. In the end it wasn’t a good day for rose purchases, but I did leave with a gigantic African violet. I’ve also found a new rain barrel that I just might have to purchase, if I can’t figure out a way to make one on my own of course.

Visiting a local garden show can be fun and informative. Most small garden shows are free and enable you to learn new gardening tips, see new plants and ask lots of questions. Spring is just around the corner, attending a garden show on a dreary weekend could be just what the doctor ordered.