Attending Canada Blooms 2008
Tips for Going to this Popular Flower and Garden Show in Toronto
Jan 14, 2008
Attending annual gardening events such as flower and garden trade shows is a great way for gardeners to get an early glimpse of green when it’s still too soon to be digging in the dirt. At Canada Blooms, sponsored by Home Depot (Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 222 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, Ontario), vendors sell garden-related products including seeds, garden tools, gardening books and magazines, clothing and perennial and annual plants. There are also several extensive and unique garden displays, showcasing outdoor furniture and imaginative flower bed plantings for visitors to admire. However, if visitors don't consider comfort and budgeting factors, they might find the day disappointing.
Here are several tips for successfully navigating Canada Blooms.
- Purchase tickets ahead of time. Tickets are available online at the Canada Blooms website. Buying tickets ahead of time ensures visitors will receive a $2 discount and is a great way to avoid line-ups on the day they attend. Tickets can also be purchased in advance at participating Sobey’s stores, or at the ticket booth on the 600 level of the Convention Centre.
- Budget parking costs. Visitors who live outside of the City of Toronto should budget between $12 and $20 for transportation costs, whether planning to drive or to take advantage of public transportation such as GO Transit or the TCC. Parking downtown is expensive; the daily maximum cost to park underground across the street from the Convention Centre is $17.
- Be prepared to wait in line to eat, and for food to be overpriced. Sandwiches, salads, muffins, juice, coffee, tea and water are the standard fare. Bottled water is $2.50. Alternatively, water fountains are available free of charge. Wear either a very light jacket or sweater or be prepared to check coats. Walking around for hours in a heavy winter coat makes for a very long and tiring day.
- Bring cash if planning to shop. There is an ATM at the Convention Centre, but it’s the type that charges additional service fees for withdrawals, and dispenses fifty dollar bills.
- Bring a camera. There are many excellent garden design and planting ideas to see, and visitors will want to photograph the beautiful flower displays.
- Wear comfortable shoes. A lot of walking is required at this event. Even the walk through Union Station to the Skywalk to the Convention Centre is a fair distance. There are plenty of escalators, so stairs aren’t usually a problem, but comfort is key.
- Attend a talk. Canada Blooms is not just for shopping. There is much to be learned, too! The schedule for lectures and book signings is available on the Canada Blooms website.
- Take medication. Spring allergy sufferers will want to take some allergy medicine ahead of time. There is usually a very strong flowery smell throughout the building which, while pleasant at first, can become overpowering.
With some careful planning, attending Canada Blooms can be one of the most enjoyable ways to kick off the Toronto gardening season. Avoid disappointment by following the advice provided here!
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