It might as well be Springfest

By KATHY STEVENS

kstevens@njherald.com

Nineteen years ago, a greenhouse was built at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, which planted the seed of holding a spring flower and garden show.

David Wright, of David Wright Landscape Architect LLC, in Branchville; Brian Hautau, of Hautau Landscaping Inc., also of Branchville; and Tony Cerbo, of Cerbo's Nursery, in Hampton, put together the show that was held in the newly constructed greenhouse building during a snowy March weekend.

The greenhouse still had a dirt floor. We hadn't poured the concrete floor yet. And it snowed quite a bit, Wright said. He recalls the show did draw a few visitors.

Wright, director of the Springfest Garden Show for 19 years, said Springfest has grown from its initial one greenhouse building to include the greenhouse, adjoining Conservatory, Farm Fun Building and several tents. The show now spans four days and is a breath of spring for the winter weary. Over the years, in addition to an increased number of flower and garden exhibits, the show has added educational lectures, a cafe and multiple vendors, and is attended by thousands of people.

The show opens at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 12, and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 15 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Plains Road in Augusta. Admission is $12 for adults; $9 for seniors 65 and older and free for children under 12 years old.

On Senior day, March 12, admission for those 65 and older is $8. The show is rain, shine or snow, as it is all under cover and indoors.

The area's landscape companies, including Wright's, have been busy all winter designing their displays for the show, forcing flowers from winter dormancy, and building the gardens that will inspire visitors with the latest outdoor-living trends or perhaps a new planting to enhance curb appeal.

For anyone considering an outdoor project, visiting the garden show is a way to meet with representatives of landscape companies, chat with the owners and peruse their portfolios. Landscape architects, such as Wright, can advise how to draw a plan for your garden.

Here is the original post:
It might as well be Springfest