The Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden

After a long winter with record breaking cold temperatures, many of us are longing for the warm spring days to come.   Throughout the month of March check out one of the many warm indoor flower shows that have organized fabulous exhibits, educational displays and fun things to do for the kids.  Revel in the colors of the season as you wander in the displays of tulips, topiaries and other colorful blooms.  This will give you a chance to reconnect with nature and learn about everything from the soil, seeds, to planting and cooking.  Listed below are some of the best gardening shows around.  

The Orchid Show at the NY Botanical Gardens

Feb 28 – Apr 19
Elaborate and kaleidoscopic displays throughout the galleries of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory explode with orchids in an amazing array of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures.  2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458

Philadelphia Flower Show - Celebrate the Magic of the Movies

Feb 28 – Mar 8
The Philadelphia Flower Show is the world’s oldest and largest indoor flower show. The show features large-scale gardens, elaborate landscapes, and over-the-top floral creations. Visitors will see fabulous designs, live entertainment, culinary demonstrations, gardening how-to workshops, and lectures by experts. 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA. 215.988.8800. theflowershow.com

Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Garden

Now – Mar 30
Step inside their warm 4-acre Conservatory. Breathe in fresh air and see the Orchid Extravaganza. Discover nearly 5,000 vibrant orchids crafted into exquisite arrangements and forms, including the largest-ever orchid baskets, an oncidium waterfall display, and— back by popular demand—the return of the orchid meadow. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA. 610.388.1000. longwoodgardens.org

SpringFest Flower & Garden Show at the Sussex County Fairgrounds 

Mar 12-15 10am-5pm
Garden exhibits and displays, lectures, special events, a kids' zone and a super garden marketplace, it's a sure cure for cabin fever. Located at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ.  2 Morris Road, Ringwood.  njbg.org

Or if you are just looking for a quick trip, NJ has a wide variety of nature and environmental centers and arboretums around you with great gardens too, with fabulous nature programs designed for kids, toddlers, teens, as well as mommy and me. There are great hands on workshops.  

Get outdoors on a nature walk.  In the gardens of the public parks, you’ll be surprised to find all sorts of specialty gardens from the Azalea Garden in Warinanco Park, Rose Garden in Brookdale Park, Shakespeare Garden in Cedar Brook Park, Daffodil Day at the Reeves Reed Arboretum, and Magic Gardens at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum.

Other gardens worth the trip include Leaming’s Run Garden near Cape May, Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown, Barton Arboretum & Nature Preserve in Medford, Sayen House & Garden in Hamilton Township, Rutgers Garden in New Brunswick, and Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills.  Make it fun and go on a scavenger hunt.  Wow, so many places to go and explore!