With gardening at its all-time high in popularity, it is no wonder that 115,000 enthusiasts visited the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, for the fourth installment of Canada Blooms, the Toronto Flower and Garden Show.

     Held March 22 to 26 and produced by Landscape Ontario and the Garden Club of Toronto, Canada Blooms 2000, this year, concentrated not on the themes of "secret garden" or "gardener's getaway," but went national with a look at all things Canadian, from trends of Canadian gardening and "northern" inspired garden designs to plant varieties native to the Canadian climate.

     Each of the 34 feature gardens took their own spin on the theme with their interpretive designs, use of rock, wood, stone and iron, and the shock of colour from the many annuals, perennials, ground covers and vines.

     Music, song and dance from communities across Canada rounded out and helped contribute to the Canadian theme.

     Loblaws was on hand once again as co-sponsor of the event, and wowed visitors with their 3,300-sq.-ft. "Dream Garden." Visitors were equally enthralled with the Loblaws Cooking Garden, which featured demonstrations by many talented chefs.

     CTV again lent a hand as co-sponsor, and created the beautiful staging area for many of the celebrity flower arranging competitions and demonstrations. The very informative and popular Education Hall, sponsored by Canadian Gardening magazine, featured such well-known speakers such as Marjorie Harris, Des Kennedy and Mark Cullen.

     The marketplace area was well received with 141 vendors reporting high volume. Professional and amateur floral artists were invited to Canada Blooms to compete for high honours in the Garden Club of Toronto's Floral Competition, held in the Floral Hall.

     Staging an event like Canada Blooms would not be possible without its sponsors, and the thousands of volunteers who donate time, money and manual labour in the set-up and organization of the show. Canada Blooms wishes to thank all sponsors, companies and individuals who contributed to the show. For complete Canada Blooms coverage, please see the May issue of Horticulture Review.

     Canada Blooms returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, for their next "celebration" of spring, March 14 to 18, 2001. For details, contact the Canada Blooms office, 1-800-730-1020.