First Day of Spring at Canada Blooms

I'm starting to get excited about my vegetable garden, so I'll probably drop in to Canada Blooms this weekend. I've been going for about ten years, and I've found it interesting that it seems every year to be leaning a little more towards small-space urban gardening, food growing and sustainable techniques. In fact this year's opening day (Wednesday) was actually "Urban Agriculture Day".

Some of my favourite presenters have already been and gone, but if you happen to head down today, the theme is "Environmentally Friendly Gardening". At 1 p.m. there's a "Learn to Vegetable Garden" session at the Home Depot Garden Centre Stage. From 2 to 2:30, that diva of domestic perfection, Martha Stewart herself, will be appearing on the Grey Power Stage to demonstrate a few garden projects and draw attention to a new line of products that will be carried at the Home Depot. At 3:15, Sean James presents a session on "Down-to-Earth Practical Eco-Friendly Gardening Solutions" in Room 102, Hall A.

On Sunday, the theme is "Smaller Spaces", and at 1:15, Kathleen Lang presents "Vegetables in Tight Places" in Room 102, Hall A. There's another "Learn to Vegetable Garden" session on the Home Depot Garden Centre Stage at 3 p.m.

This year the show has moved to a new location at the The Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place. It's open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $18 ($16 for seniors & students; free for children 12 and under).