Source:  NCDA&CS, 1/8/10

The N.C. Commercial Flower Growers Association will hold its annual Carolina Garden Expo Feb. 5 and 6 at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville.

Retailers, landscapers and suppliers from across the region will be on hand to answer gardening and landscaping questions. The event features daily seminars from experts including Bryce Lane of UNC-TV’s In the Garden with Bryce Lane.

“We hope this event will educate attendees on the many facets of gardening and provide them with some fresh ideas they can take home and apply to their own gardens,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Not only will attendees gain new ideas to jump-start their spring projects, they will also be able to take home the plants and garden supplies to put those ideas into action. Retailers will offer plenty of selections on site each day of the show.”

Attendees can learn more about the flower industry in North Carolina through how-to exhibits, unique garden and landscape displays of the latest plant varieties, and quick answers at the Pitt County Master Gardener’s “Question & Answer” booth. The expo will also feature Kids Corner, a place for gardening fun and educational activities for children,

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb 5 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 6. Tickets are available at the door for $5, and all seminars are free with paid admission.  For more information on exhibiting or attending the Carolina Garden Expo, go to www.carolinagardenexpo.comor contact the NCCFGA at (919) 877-9392.

Floriculture production is a significant contributor to the state’s green industry. The wholesale value of N.C. floriculture for 2008 was nearly $425 million, ranking fifth in the country.