HORT  COUTURE!

This isn’t your grandmother’s flower show! While it’s still “all about the plants,” there’s much more to do, see, learn and experience than ever before. With the theme, “Hort Couture,” more than 25 featured display gardens take their cues on style and beauty from the incredible designs, colors, textures and fabrics found in high-fashion couture garments. Visitors of all ages experience can-do takeaways and discover the latest color combinations in hundreds of floral varieties.

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show – nationally known for its extensive displays of inspiring gardens, exciting and educational plant combinations and motivating industry leadership – is more than an event. The show’s director and owner of its production company, Flower Show Productions, Inc. – Tony Abruscato, who is very active in the gay community – is a philanthropist, too. In 2011, the show’s preview event benefited Chicago Gateway Green and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Show organizers estimate total value of cash and plant donations in 2011 exceeded $100,000.

Who:               Landscape Architects, Garden Builders, Plant Growers, Artists

What:              Chicago Flower & Garden Show

When:             Saturday, March 10 through Sunday, March 18, 2012

Times: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Preview Benefit ~ 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, March 9 ~ Tickets are $125 per person. Proceeds benefit local sustainable charities.

Where:            Chicago’s Navy Pier

Why:               Inspire, educate and motivate visitors of all ages by offering can-do, practical tips and ideas for beautifying and enhancing their gardens, patios, porches, decks, lawns and landscapes.