KCB is a professional gardener and friend who does wonderful work in the Greater Portland area. KCB is also an accredited Master Gardener by the Cooperative Extension Service and we are proud to tell you that KCB rules as the 2008 Maine Master Gardener of the Year. And we are honored to have KCB as part of our Skillin's Garden Log family.
Miniature search lights, wait staff in the standard black, white and bow-tied uniform, local celebrities, anticipatory smiles and weary grins. Clinking wine glasses, muffled voices, laughter, oohs and ahs, loudspeaker announcements, envelops opening, names revealed, applause. These are just a few sights and sounds of the Opening Night Gala of the Portland Flower Show.
I was giddy with anticipation for days before the event, yet nothing fully prepares me for the result of the reactionary deep breath upon entering the garden displays. As if by instinct we close our eyes and inhale so deeply to fill our lungs with all the air they may hold. It is as if we strive to pull the aroma of the musky mulch into the very depths of our soul. Memories of sun-warmed days spent on knees erupt. True lovers of the earth will identify, others may shake their head and mumble words resembling ‘geek’, ‘crazy’ or ‘she/he’s not with me’. To say that I was less than jubilant at the premature signs of summer would be less than candid.
Hardscapes, water features, familiar perennials, colorful annuals, forced bulbs, native and often underutilized shrubs abound. “From the Mountains to the Sea” is the theme of this year’s program and is just so happens to be my favorite title to date. It is Maine.
The flower show for me is a way of awaking myself to the soil. It is also a place where I reconnect with vendors, and like-minded people whether they toil in the earth for job or joy (or, as in my case, both). During the 5 days of the show I spend a part of each day volunteering. One of the many rewards of being a Master Gardener.
If you missed the Portland Flower Show this year, do make a point of it for next. I just hope that our beloved show does not go in the way of the Boston and Bangor events.
In the mean time, there is another ‘show’ to look forward to. Skillin’s Open House. See you there………….
KCB for Skillin's Greenhouses
March 15, 2009
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