For plant growers and nurseymen across the southeast, this week’s North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association’s (NCNLA)  “Green & Growin’ Show” is the event of the year.  It starts at the Sheraton hotel with 3 days of educational classes and workshops which helps professionals keep their licenses and certifications. Afterwards there are 2 trade show days, Jan 14^th (9am-5pm) and Jan 15^th (9am-3pm), at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center.  Although these events are geared toward the wholesale nursery industry, ANYONE can attend the Trade Show at the daily non-member price of $25.

I am not in the business of growing or selling much plant material, but I LOVE going to the show.  If you are a gardening enthusiast like me, it is the most wonderful place to be in January!  The coliseum is filled with booth after booth of every kind of ornamental plant imaginable!  I go to learn what new plants are on the market and see them in person versus in a photo-enhanced plant catalog.  There are ground covers, succulents, tropicals, flowering shrubs, Japanese maples, and many, many unique plants you may not see anywhere else.

This January 14 & 15, the Green & Growin’ Trade Show floor at the Coliseum Special Events Center.  Yes!  Show me plants!

Although you will probably NOT be able to buy plants at the show, retailers will be placing orders with the growers and you can find out what retail nursery is likely to carry the plant you have fallen in love with. This is important to me because as a hopelessly addicted gardener, I am always adding new plants to my wish list.

Our Greensboro News & Record has an excellent article in today’s paper (Sunday, Jan 10th) about the NCNLA and the “Green & Growin’ 16” event.  Read it online: http://www.greensboro.com/life/from-our-gardens-horticulture-industry-made-up-of-thousands-of/article_730cdf6e-5752-5a10-bb50-e300bc43657b.html

To learn more, visit www.greenandgrowin.com.

I hope to see you January 14^th!

Ellen

Ellen Ashley
Educator, Speaker, Blogger & Gardening Enthusiast,
Ellen Ashley teaches an annual program of “hands-on” gardening classes on her 10-acre property in Summerfield. Classes begin March 2.  Contact her at ellen@learntogarden.anventure.com.