The San Francisco Flower and Garden Show is the largest in California and one of the largest in America. The show is devoted to Flower Power featuring new plant exhibits, orchid pavilion, garden living pavilion, bonsai show, ikebana show, floral arrangement exhibits, garden vignettes, numerous show gardens and a koi show. Many of these exhibits feature competitions in which entries are evaluated and judged by respective experts. Some exhibits also offer some of their specialty products for sale.

There are several hundred exhibitors in the marketplace with stocked innovative garden tools, soil amendments, books, garden ornaments and garden art for the home. The Plant Market features many rare and exotic plant species from more than 30 nurseries and specialty growers. Those who purchase more than they can carry may leave their purchases at a ‘Check In’ station to be collected when convenient. The Garden Cafe is a good place to stop for a snack, lunch or dinner.

The Seminar Series features over fifty lectures and hands-on demonstrations concerned with a variety of horticultural topics. Some of the more popular seminars have included but are certainly not limited to; ‘Gardens from Around the World’, ‘Sustainable Ornamental Gardening’, ‘Risk Taking in the Garden’, ‘Pond Basics’, ‘Living Topiary’ and ‘Landscaping with Roses’.

The koi show is a wonderful addition to the San Francisco Garden Show. This is an international competition in which amateur koi hobbyists enter their fish in a variety of categories including color, pattern and size. Numerous tanks have been used to contain these impressive fish which may live more than 75 years and grow as large as three feet long. (Did I mention that the ‘garden living pavilion’ features grills?)

The California Horticultural Society presents the new plant exhibit to display varieties of plants which have been so recently bred or discovered, that they are only now becoming available to garden enthusiasts. Some varieties may currently only be available at the show.

Hours on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.. Extended hours on Friday and Saturday are until 9:00 p.m.. Past years pricing of tickets could be purchased at the door for $18 cash or credit card (no checks). Half day tickets are available after 2:00 for $11. Children under 11 are admitted free. Parking is $7.

Incidentally, attending a garden show is a good way to become acquainted with horticultural clubs, organizations and societies. If an organization of interest is represented by a chapter that is not local, referrals are easily obtained. I am always amazed at the diversity of such organizations. It seems that there is something for everyone. I am currently acquainted with the International Society of Arboriculture, American Rhododendron Society and have been acquainted with the Rare Fruit Society. Other societies emphasize roses, camellias, dahlias, iris, daylilies, fuchsias, palms, bamboo, hollies and clematis; just to mention a few.