Start Thinking Spring - Shows, Events, Road-trips

This weekend the first spring flower show starts in Chicago, thus kicking of several months of events that culminate in the beginning of spring and ethnic fest etc. in Chicago. 

As I did last year, here is a listing of events from Iowa - Wisconsin - Illinois - Michigan. I was searching out potential weekend adventures and road-trips and thought I might share with you all. Maybe provide some ideas, or just save you some time on your own searching.  All links and information was accurate as of 1/24/2013  If you find other shows or errors herein please note in comments! Thank you

Transparent tips on Succulent

Succulent Container Garden

(Succulent pictures just because I think they are so pretty and I spend too much time with them this time of year :)  )

• Chicago - Lincoln Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show - January 26 - May 12
• Woodstock, IL – Ground Hog Days – Jan 31 – Feb 3  (Did you know that the Bill Murray Movie Ground Hog Days was filmed in Woodstock, IL? It's a darling town on its own, and they hoot it up for this event. )
• Chicago - Garfield Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show - February 1 - May 12
• Mt. Vernon, IL – Midwest Herb and Garden Show – Feb 8 – 10 (I thought this looked so interesting. Albeit a bit of a road-trip. Link in with a weekend in STL and trip to that Botanic Garden & B&B could be really fun.)
• Chicago – Valentine Perfect Date Night – Feb 14^th (Members Only, details forthcoming)
• Grand Rapids, MI - Great Lakes Floral Exposition – March 1-3 (For Industry Professionals floral design. It could smell great and be interesting)
• Riverwoods, IL – Ryerson Woods Drawn to Nature II – March 3 – April 30 (Art interesting)
• Springfield, IL – Illinois State Floral Association Wonderland – March 8 – 10 (Professionals)
• Chicago - Chicago Flower and Garden Show - March 9-17
• Madison, WI – Olbrich Botanic Gardens, Spring Flower Show – March 9 – 24 (I hear great things about this Botanic Garden and want to get back up to that area.)
• Chicago – Macy Flower Show, Tower of Flowers – March 27 – April 10
• Madison, WI – MacKenzie Center Maple Syrup Festival – April 6 (This type of event with reenactment is always fun for the young at heart)
• Chicago - Macy's Chicago Flower Show - March 24 - April 7
• Glencoe (Chicago Botanic Garden)- Northern Illinois Gesneriad Society Show  Mar 23-24
• Naperville – The Festival of Colors – April 6 (expand cultural horizons by participating in this traditional festival, I think it expands in attendance a bit each year. Never been. Photos on the site look like a rave with paint. Fun.)
• Glencoe (Chicago Botanic Garden) - Illinois Orchid Society Spring Show  April 6-7
• Glencoe (Chicago Botanic Garden) - Midwest Daffodil Society Show  April 27 - 28
• Pella, IA – Pella Tulip Festival – May 2 – 4 (I oworked in Pella and was there for part of the Tulip Festival, stayed at a great B&B. City gets really crowded and lots of excitement. Book accommodations early if you plan on going.)
• Holland, MI – Tulip Time Festival – May 4 – 11 (Oddly never made it to the Holland Tulip Festival, been through Holland area and love antique shopping on the Red Arrow Highway!)
• Glencoe (Chicago Botanic Garden) - North Shore African Violet Society Show  May 4 - 5
• Waupun, WI – Horicon Marsh Bird Festival – May 10-13 (I have Horicon Marsh on my list of places to see on road trip or weekend get away. lots of Birding activities here.)
• Glencoe (Chicago Botanic Garden) - American Rhododendron Society Show  May 11 -12
• Chicago – Home Remodeling & Design Expo – May 18-19 (This is where I dream about hardscaping, and cool green indoor design, great outdoor cooking spaces...)
• Glencoe (Chicago Botanic Garden)-Northshore Iris & Daylily Society Iris Show  May 25-26
• Chicago – Maifest – May 31 – June 3 (Mayday festival!)

I'm Singing In the Rain!

Teresa Marie