tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post6845534471737738379..comments2023-10-24T07:26:16.997-07:00Comments on Gardening While Intoxicated: Growing accustomed to disappointmentEALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-73007755258852067052009-05-02T01:54:00.000-07:002009-05-02T01:54:00.000-07:00our "garden" show was a bust, totally lame. which ...our "garden" show was a bust, totally lame. which is odd, as this is a college town w/a big Ag school and you'd think there would've been more "sustainable" or eco-aware types there.<br /><br />but then i remember it's yet another corporate venture, a way for large concerns to sell expensive, redundant outdoor toys to rich people, and not a conference about important new environmental technologies or sustainance farming. over the years i've come to perceive the huge disconnect b/w 'land-scapers' and plant people. they kill and torture them, we grow and nurture them. that's as simply as i can put it.<br /><br />people who want a BBQ-TV-spa-cellphone-disco patio overlooking their gated 100 acres of manicured non-natives cultivated by underpaid servants =/= people who love plants and want to see ecosystems restored and maintained. "garden" shows have catered to the former for years now, but the money is drying up. it will be interesting to see if they turn to the latter, the real plant community, as they redesign themselves to meet the reality and challenges of today's market.<br /><br />either way, i was glad to see two native plant booths and one community garden activist table, even as there were several "poison your property to beauty" type outfits with big, if mostly empty, display areas.<br /><br />the people who did the best business that day were the insulation people. from the "home" part of the "home and garden" show. there's a gender issue at play too, but it's complicated.chicago dykehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16679908774337228752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-75008326575696276452009-04-08T16:23:00.000-07:002009-04-08T16:23:00.000-07:00OMIGOD I am SO with you on this one. I skipped Tor...OMIGOD I am SO with you on this one. I skipped Toronto's big garden show this year because its so insanely busy and just what you described - nothing to do with trends in sustainable gardening or veggie gardening. So I went to a local show in Stratford, ON, and you'd think hey, small town, not too busy, but it was PACKED. There was a little more attention to veggie gardening, like some vendors selling heirloom seeds, but not much else.sarhttp://www.digginthedirt.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-15692327545269036332009-04-07T10:02:00.000-07:002009-04-07T10:02:00.000-07:00I agree with you, for our area. Our season is shor...I agree with you, for our area. Our season is short,as we can attest, by our weather today April 7,with SNOW! I have a new home, and am attempting to bridge the hardscape with the natural garden. I am going to work with a landscaper, who wants to turn my backyard into the land of the "Lilliputions," but he is beginging to see my way to simplifying.Claudiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16667135718335131934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-13646118741317646922009-04-06T07:15:00.000-07:002009-04-06T07:15:00.000-07:00Our garden show was a flop. It was a home and gard...Our garden show was a flop. It was a home and garden show so maybe that is why. It seems to be the trend to have pavers or something all over the yard to make it look like a extension of the house. I know a couple people that have actually done that to their yards! So sad. I can't imagine! One person I work with took out all her fruit trees and shade trees! She said they were to messy! Then she paved everything that she could and left a little bit of grass to look at! That seems to be the norm more and more. People don't want to have to take care of a yard so they pave it or gravel it etc. Remove the trees so there is no clean up and put up an awning or umbrella for shade. Hard for me to imagine!CiNdEe's GaRdEnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15118389145887562360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-40141561828620009372009-04-05T20:42:00.000-07:002009-04-05T20:42:00.000-07:00Thanks, Jane. I know that these businesses perform...Thanks, Jane. I know that these businesses perform certain services and that's where their focus needs to be--but I do hear that other shows elsewhere have progressed and I can't help wishing the WNY shows might do the same.EALhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-55512032402446327542009-04-05T20:34:00.000-07:002009-04-05T20:34:00.000-07:00I can understand your dissapointment Elizabeth.Thi...I can understand your dissapointment Elizabeth.<BR/><BR/>This year's Chicago show was my first experience at a garden show, so I don't have anything to compare it to. They did have the high-end stuff there, a/k/a hardscapes, fountains, waterfalls, etc., but they also had a lot of more affordable, accessible ideas, and I was impressed with how much attention was given to veggies, community gardening, and sustainability issues such as organics, green roofs, composting, rain barrels, rain gardens, etc.garden girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13284047851881823280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-70305867650521017132009-04-04T18:09:00.000-07:002009-04-04T18:09:00.000-07:00I soooooo hear you! A few years ago, I went to Can...I soooooo hear you! A few years ago, I went to Canada Blooms. Among the 'garden designs' were a water garden with a bed in the middle of it; wouldn't that be fun if you had to get up in the middle of the light to go to the loo. If you weren't sure you had to go when you first got up, you'd know for sure soon as your feet hit the ankle-deep water! The other winner that year (sarcasm on) was one with a greek statuary, disco ball, billowly gauze curtains and GRANNY SMITH APPLES all over the freakin' floor of the 'design.' They weren't even local freakin' apples. Right then I was very glad I was in Toronto for a writers association board meeting and had been comped tickets to Blooms or I would have blown a gasket. I've never been to a show since.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12107236871193698777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-48281756256812715072009-04-04T13:19:00.000-07:002009-04-04T13:19:00.000-07:00I'm sorry, but the juxtaposition of TV and waterfa...I'm sorry, but the juxtaposition of TV and waterfall does make one hope for a (non-fatal) electrical problem...."Daffodil Planter" Charlotte Germanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04892686231029047130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-62650004299065163772009-04-04T10:49:00.000-07:002009-04-04T10:49:00.000-07:00Oh, no -- I agree that the majority are not in the...Oh, no -- I agree that the majority are not in the market for those things. My point is only that the landscapers are looking to reach the ones that are more than the ones that aren't.<BR/><BR/>I have sat in many a garden show strategy meeting; just trying to express what I think the motives are behind the displays. <BR/><BR/>Personally, I prefer plants and real gardens to outdoor kitchens as well. And if they're going to charge admission, they do have to listen to what ticket buyers, and not just those who are potential landscaping customers, want. It's a balance that the older shows (like Philadelphia, I hear) are closer to achieving.Jane M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08122774353258119197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-21856255033420376082009-04-04T10:33:00.000-07:002009-04-04T10:33:00.000-07:00Well, I think it is quite an assumption to say tha...Well, I think it is quite an assumption to say that the majority of people coming to Plantasia are in the market for outdoor kitchens, firepits, et al. <BR/><BR/>Aren't they're in the market for ideas? I would just like to see some different ideas, that's all--other garden shows this year had display veggie gardens and other concepts that are not hardscape-focused. Plantasia should too.EALhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-41100382598238614862009-04-04T06:17:00.000-07:002009-04-04T06:17:00.000-07:00I agree with the bit about the TVs. But I have to ...I agree with the bit about the TVs. But I have to speak up in defense of all of the hardscape (not a real word, I know). These displays are created by landscapers who spend a considerable amount of time and money to showcase their services. They are trying to sell something; that is the point of the show. It may not be what everyone wants to buy, but they are trying to get through to the customers who DO want an outdoor kitchen, fire pits, etc. That's why I think these should be called "landscape" as opposed to "flower" or "garden" shows, which they aren't. Then maybe attendees' expectations would be more in line with what is being offered.Jane M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08122774353258119197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-11702813811718553942009-04-02T18:56:00.000-07:002009-04-02T18:56:00.000-07:00Please let us know how well the nozzle works when ...Please let us know how well the nozzle works when you get to use it.<BR/>ThanksBernynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-43583497450933832882009-04-02T18:35:00.000-07:002009-04-02T18:35:00.000-07:00I believe that the essence of gardening is the set...I believe that the essence of gardening is the setting sun on some plants. TV and waterfalls and cheesy brick violate this law of mine.Timothy Domstnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-18732214401148593052009-04-01T11:35:00.000-07:002009-04-01T11:35:00.000-07:00yes, yes, you have nailed it. there is most defin...yes, yes, you have nailed it. there is most definitely a disconnect between what landscapers see as gardens and what plant people see as gardens. <BR/><BR/>I was very disappointed with our garden show this year. the display gardens all had little signs that read something like "This garden was designed by a landscaper." And that's the problem, I thought. landscapers are selling instant gardens that have little to do with the love of plants. the kind of gardens that pop up overnight with their unilock paths, predictable plants, barbecue pits and don't forget the mulch (I swear I've seen some landscape jobs that feature mulch almost exclusively.) There's a market for that kind of look but I'm not it. <BR/><BR/>I don't want to watch tv in the garden, I want to take pictures of the bees. And while a garden party may be fun, chances are that i'll be weeding way more often than I'll be serving drinks. Still, I'll keep going to the garden shows. You never know when you'll find a flash of inspiration.O.I.Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11187071254424223374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-61888494754365574232009-04-01T09:01:00.000-07:002009-04-01T09:01:00.000-07:00Ooh ooh (raising hand)--that's just how I feel abo...Ooh ooh (raising hand)--that's just how I feel about garden shows. Landscaping is the opposite of gardening, as a gardening friend of mine likes to say... yet I always go to the shows anyway hoping for some cool ideas and just because I'm eager for spring! (Also, I'm checking out Spring Fling attendees blogs and saying hello and that I'm looking forward to meeting you.)Monica the Garden Faeriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06369882350990949968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-54472706187286125472009-04-01T06:33:00.000-07:002009-04-01T06:33:00.000-07:00The TV/waterfall seems like an Onion joke that was...The TV/waterfall seems like an Onion joke that was only 68% completed, then rushed onto the show floor straight from the home office.Kevin Purdyhttp://thepurdman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-89050806761465208722009-04-01T06:11:00.000-07:002009-04-01T06:11:00.000-07:00What a disappointment. And how bizarre to have a T...What a disappointment. And how bizarre to have a TV with its virtual reality and fantasies, right out in the garden where there are so many more interesting realities and fantasies.Commonweederhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10913336590036045901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-39125990358572890682009-03-31T14:42:00.000-07:002009-03-31T14:42:00.000-07:00I was struck by the same things. Instead of plants...I was struck by the same things. Instead of plants-people designing displays, it was patio builders and "land- scrapers" with the major displays. Sometime this week I'll post about all the outdoor bars (something possibly close to your heart) that all the larger displays included. The one Tuscan patio with pizza oven, outdoor wine fridge, overstuffed furniture, fire place and dining table looked more like an interior with plants, as opposed to an exterior.JIm/ArtofGardeninghttp://artofgardeningbuffalo.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-45902936083288165882009-03-31T12:37:00.000-07:002009-03-31T12:37:00.000-07:00Or both!!!Or both!!!EALhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03339266900036592543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-53461650445469935092009-03-31T10:01:00.000-07:002009-03-31T10:01:00.000-07:00To push the outdoor TV room concept further along,...To push the outdoor TV room concept further along, the waterfall could spew barbecue sauce or nacho cheese.Timothy Domstnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-87401944559075283422009-03-31T09:03:00.000-07:002009-03-31T09:03:00.000-07:00TV on top of waterfall = people unclear on the con...TV on top of waterfall = people unclear on the concept.Mr. McGregor's Daughterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05911409327006498766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-53169517614009348132009-03-31T08:15:00.000-07:002009-03-31T08:15:00.000-07:00Our garden show involves a bunch of tables rented ...Our garden show involves a bunch of tables rented by whoever is willing to rent them; nutritional supplements, car sales, clothing retailers.<BR/><BR/>I'd say maybe 20% of the gardening show has anything to do with gardening.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00081848869231823977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-34744538046976382372009-03-30T20:06:00.000-07:002009-03-30T20:06:00.000-07:00I was disappointed in the Indy show this year too....I was disappointed in the Indy show this year too. In today's economy, not too many people can afford the luxury gardens they display. <BR/><BR/>I guess the person who would have a TV in the garden probably pays for someone else to do the gardening.Robin's Nesting Placehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05894844125547373328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-40381732880184060772009-03-30T18:24:00.000-07:002009-03-30T18:24:00.000-07:00The TV/waterfall is beyond tacky...not to mention ...The TV/waterfall is beyond tacky...not to mention just plain weird.growingagardenindavishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15959600840504166899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12157091.post-77623236383608407442009-03-30T18:13:00.000-07:002009-03-30T18:13:00.000-07:00I agree with what you say. yes the designs are mor...I agree with what you say. yes the designs are more than the average home gardener is going to attempt.Jennifer AKA keeweehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16107693230744190952noreply@blogger.com