EDISON — A festive celebration of vivid color, upbeat rhythm and enticing scents and flavors is in store when the 11th annual New Jersey Flower and Garden Show arrives to banish the winter blues Feb. 14-17 at the New Jersey Convention Center.
The theme of this year’s show is “Mardi Gras around the World,” highlighting Creole culture and French Quarter style, Venetian masquerade and Caribbean calypso.
New this season is a “Gourmet and Grape” program offering cooking demonstrations, a primer on wine making, a guided tour of French cheeses and samples of tempting pastries. Experts will coach do-ityourself ers on growing and using fresh herbs, raising gourmet lettuces and creating jewel-like terrariums for the table.
Full-scale display gardens take up the carnival theme with designs that evoke the exuberance and elegance of old New Orleans. Visitors are invited to stroll through the show’s 10 full-scale display gardens. Judges from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden will choose winners in 13 categories, but visitors have their say, too, with the People’s Choice Award.
Choices might be difficult. The “Masquerade Garden,” created by Lily Pad Ponds and Landscapes, Watchung, tucks exotic masks from around the world into a setting of lush blossoms and sparkling water. A cobblestone path leads the way to “Beads, Bands and Good Times,” in the display designed by Belgard Hardscapes, Manasquan, to simulate a visit to the French Quarter. There’s a private party going on in the “Bourbon Street Retreat,” planned by Grounds Keeper Inc., Matawan — and the public is invited. Seven more vibrant gardens also await exploration.
Flowers have the spotlight in the showwithin the-show, the Garden Club of New Jersey’s annual Standard Flower Show, this year given over to “Mardi Grad Madness.” Floral arrangements of every kind are on view in an expanded display presented by the club, which represents nearly 5,000 members statewide.
“We’re going to have such fun with this theme,” says Jeannie Geremia, show chairwoman. “We also have educational exhibits. There will be a community garden display that everyone should see.”
Garden clubbers oversee one of the show’s two unique competitions. In “Dueling Designers,” floral designers vie to create prize-winning arrangements, while experts offer tips for the at-home decorator. Dirt flies at the popular “Container Challenge,” as contestants create gardens-in-a-pot while the clock ticks down. Both events count on the audience to decide who has done the best job with ingredients at hand.
Among this year’s featured speakers are professional photographer Brien Szabo, perennial guru Kerry Ann Mendez and Barbara Melera, delving into the history of America’s commercial seed houses.
Youngsters are welcome at the “Growing Up Green” classes led by education specialist Margareta Warlick.
Show hours are 1-8 p.m. Feb. 14, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Feb. 15 and 17, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 18. Admission is $15 for adults, $6 for youngsters 12-17 and free for kids 11 and under. Seniors are admitted for $10 on Feb. 14 and 15. The New Jersey Convention Center is located at 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison. For tickets and more information, call 800-332- 3976 or visit macevents.com.