Members of the Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club recently visited the Plantasia Garden and Landscape Show at the Erie County Fair Exhibition Hall. Pictured, left to right: Ange Leone, Nancy Kohler, Sally Newell, Karen Ryder, Sue Alonge and Janet Centner.

Members of the Bud ‘n Bloom Garden Club met at the Plaza 59 in March to carpool to attend the Plantasia Garden and Landscape Show at the Erie County Fair Exhibition Hall. The theme was “Cultivation of Color,” and the amazing displays were true to their theme and colorful.

Some members of the club used a huge, gardener-sized mural of flowers for a brilliant photo-op.

Huge displays of landscaping ideas used ponds, fountains, arbors, waterfalls, benches, patio furniture, small sheds and stone walls and pathways to create life-like gardens inside the large buildings. Three large, full-sized tractors were used as part of the displays. First, mounds of soil had to be hauled in by trucks to plant flowering trees as tall as the building itself. Shrubbery, lilacs and rhododendron and spring flowers like primrose, daffodils, lilies and tulips were used to enhance these life-like spring gardens.

One garden area used a toy train set chugging along a stainless steel track in their garden setting. Village buildings, country farms, tunnels, rivers and miniature people enhanced their garden scene. Members of a local garden club were anxious to offer suggestions and explained how they preserved their delicate equipment in their home gardens.

Many local garden shops and nurseries had plant material, soil, perennials and bulbs for sale. A favorite was the rainbow-like colorful primrose that added to the festive atmosphere.

Garden decor, tools, gadgets, pots and lawn furniture and more were on sale.

Large pink, yellow and orange floral baskets were displayed in relaxing areas.

Tree-trimming companies used a video presentation to visually explain the work they offer.

A bee-raising company had literature and honey for sale.

Jewelry, placements, candles, scarves, pottery and candy were some of the many items for sale. There was something for everyone.

A food concession was set up for guests and vendors to purchase breakfast and lunch items.

The two-building extravaganza had wildly interesting displays. An area was set up for judging entries and prizes were awarded.

Educational seminars were occurring throughout the day in private conference rooms.

After 90 minutes of viewing and purchasing, members loaded up their cars and traveled to Danny’s Restaurant in Orchard Park for lunch. The soup and salad bar was a favorite.

Nancy Kohler introduced her neighbor as a new member. She was welcomed into the group.

At 4:15 p.m. April 17 the ladies will bring their empty flower pots, urns and flower boxes to Barnes Greenhouses in Sheridan to be filled with soil and young plants of their choosing. For a nominal fee, the Barnes group will fertilize and water their treasured creations until they can flourish outdoors. At that time, members pick them up in May to beautify their homes.