INDIANAPOLIS – A long, cold, snowy Hoosier winter will be brought to a welcome halt on Saturday, March 8, when doors swing open to the 56th annual Indiana Flower & Patio Show.
This traditional harbinger of spring celebrates finer outdoor living with a myriad of inspirational features including the return of the Urban Homestead, Grill University, the all new Brew Bracket Backyard Brewfest, small space gardening, the Think Spring education stage, over 400 expert exhibitors, and — best of all — the gardens. More than 40 fabulous Showcase and Featured Exhibitor Gardens to replicate at home, or simply to use as creative muse for your own outdoor space, will be the stars of the show again this year.
“Personal Spaces” is the theme of the 56th annual event. Landscape designers have been challenged to think outside the proverbial box and develop garden designs that best depict their view of finer outdoor living. The gardens will run the gamut — from warm, cozy, intimate gathering spots to expansive entertaining areas. Each will illustrate the latest in outdoor living: dramatic fire features; soothing ponds, streams and waterfalls; beautifully crafted structures; luxurious outdoor kitchens; trending patio furniture; plantings that engage all of the senses; new designs in hardscapes, and much more.
The show runs Saturday, March 8 through Sunday, March 16 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds’ West Pavilion and Expo Hall, 1202 East 38th St. Show hours are Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Thurs. and Fri., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.. General admission is $13, with youngsters 12 and under free. A $3 downloadable coupon, and advance sale tickets, are available on-line at www.IndianaFlowerAndPatioShow.com. Discounted advance sale tickets also are available at all Indiana Marsh Supermarkets. Senior Day is Mon., March 10, when admission for adults 65+ (with ID) is $9. Marsh Day is Tues., March 11, with giveaways, coupons and other goodies available at the show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Indiana Flower & Patio Show’s first Brew Bracket Backyard Brewfest will feature local breweries such as Sun King, Flat 12, Oaken Barrel and more, sampling flights of favorite styles in a comparison tasting. ID will be required to enter the Brewfest area in Expo Hall, and cost is $8 per person (the first sample flight of beer is included in the $8 charge). Brewfest hours are Sat., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Mon.-Wed., 3 to 7 p.m.; Thurs. and Fri., 3 to 9 p.m.
Additional information about show features, educational sessions, dining at the show, Children’s Play Zone, landscape designers, exhibitors, the Belgard Challenge, and more is available at www.IndianaFlowerAndPatioShow.com.
