Hydrangea Inspiration: Plan Now for the Festival

We may have seen some flurries around the area over the last few days and the heater may still be running, but it's not too soon to dream of a "Blushing Bride". In this case I'm talking about the theme of the flower show for the 2013 Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival that's scheduled for June 1st and June 2nd right here in Douglasville, GA. 

Gardeners, heirloom plant lovers, designers and nature lovers from across the US have gathered since 2008 to experience one of the best festivals in the nation and a flower show that has consistently won top national honors in its category since 2008. It's not too soon to mark your calendar. Here are some of the wonderful events planned:

• Flower Market, featuring plants and flowers
• Artists’ Market, featuring original art, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, original home décor, garden structures and antiques
• Home and Garden Market (new for 2013), featuring lawn and garden equipment, outdoor furniture, and home and garden professional services
• Farmers’ Market (new for 2013), featuring fresh items from the garden and cupboard
• Garden Tours, featuring Nationally recognized private gardens
• Display Gardens, featuring Nationally recognized garden designers, public gardens, vegetable garden and miniature gardens displayed in wheelbarrows (new for 2013)
• Standard Flower Show, featuring the “Blushing Bride” hydrangea theme flower and 500 horticultural entries in flowers, trees, shrubs, and related categories
• “The Georgia Gardener, Walter Reeves” presentation (new for 2013)
• “Mike Brookshire and Friends” Concert featuring Country Music Artist Vanessa Leigh Bransan (new for 2013)
• Pre-event wine tasting

The annual festival, always held the first weekend in June at the height of the hydrangea growing season, has grown in size, quality and attendance each year.  In 2012, visitors came from 50 Georgia cities, 13 States and 3 foreign countries.  The festival is run by volunteers and the flower show by Douglas County’s four garden clubs.  

Vendor applications will be accepted for the festival markets through May 1st, and tickets will be available to all events beginning March 19th from the event web site, www.PennyMcHenryHydrangeaFestival.com.

In the meantime, there is a great community growing on the Hydrangea Festival's Facebook page. I know because I'm there, too, chatting with others who are dedicated to beautification, preservation, gardening and design. Won't you join me there, post your best gardening pics, and stay informed about festival happenings? 

I hope to see you there. Say hi and tell them Lee sent you. -->Just click here to Like it.

In the meantime, plan your spring gardens, baby your indoor seedlings, and dream of mop-headed hydrangeas and moss-covered pots that whisper sweet nothings to you in the garden at dusk.