This was just sent out to the Washington Gardener Yahoo list and I thought I'd share. I'm excited to see what these new events are like and that admission is free.

>>This Spring, Behnkes is hosting a series of three high profile horticulture shows sponsored by Washington Gardener Magazine. Proceeds from the Shows will benefit Earth Share, a national federation that supports the countryÂs most respected nonprofit environmental organizations.

Behnkes and Washington Gardener hope to raise $30,000 for their Earth Share project. Each Flower Show will run for four days-Friday through Monday. There is no admission charge. Each show will commence with a Friday night opening reception from 6 to 9 pm. Boordy Vineyards will be on hand to provide potable vintages for our guestÂs tasting pleasure during the Friday evening receptions.

Raffle drawings and native plant sales will benefit Earth Share, free event logo t-shirts, vendor giveaways, live music and lots of county-fair-style food and drink will provide fun for the whole family. The shows will be hosted at the Beltsville Behnke Nurseries location. For more information, please visit washingtongardener.com.

Azalea Show


The Azalea Show is Friday, April 18th through Monday April 21st. Enjoy a unique opportunity to view a huge collection of azalea, rhododendron and mountain laurel varieties. Many exotic and unusual varieties will be available for purchase. Special guest horticulturists, vendors, growers and master gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and dispense advice

Flower Show


Second in the series is the Flower Show, Friday, May 9th through Monday, May 12th. This exhibition is the brainchild of a pair of world-class designers employing unusual arrangements and non-traditional plant combinations in an effort to illustrate gardening as fine art. View thousands of annuals, bedding plants, herbs and cut flowers in an astounding array of fragrance and color.

Perennial Show

The Perennial Show highlights the joys of growing the aristocrats of decorative gardening-summer perennials. This final show in the series will run from Friday, June 20th through Monday June 23rd, and will feature the most extensive collection of perennial varieties in the Washington Metro area. Feast your eyes on the incredible variance in color, texture, structure and growth habits.

More About Earth Share

Earth Share supports a nationwide network of the countryÂs most respected environmental and conservation organizations and offers a simple way to care for our health, water, air, land and wildlife. Earth ShareÂs mission is to engage individuals and organizations in creating a healthy and sustainable environment. Earth Share is dedicated to supporting the vital state, national and international organizations working to protect the environment and our well-being every day. For more information, visit www.earthshare.org or send email to info@earthshare.org.

See details at: http://www.washingtongardener.com/index_files/Page475.htm