RE: Garden Show impressions

Thank you for starting this thread, Sean.  I attended the show on Thursday so we
could go to the joint MGS meeting in SLO (will comment in another email).

The large displays were a disappointment in general.  Our small group all agreed
on this.  The large space is so dark that it's sometimes difficult to see the
intent of the plantings.  The most appropriate and appealing display was Ancient
Echoes, the Monterey Bay Master Gardeners creekside trail display located behind
the Japanese koi garden.  Small space, local plants, light touch on the garden,
and simple - and doable.  Many of the others were painful on the eyes,
especially the Monrovia mishmash of colors and the red and green Los Angeles
garden.  I totally missed the point of Topher Delaney's stone and video garden -
who would want such a thing?  The vignettes in the back building were much more
informative with plants that make sense for this area, mostly.

My absolute favorite thing to see at the garden show every year is the
California Hort Society new plant introductions.  The large number of restios
from Martin Grantham were very appealing.  I hope they make it to the general
market soon.  I also enjoy the bonsai for the incredible skills to shape and
maintain them.  And I always buy one or two geraniums from Robin Parer.

The two talks I wanted to attend were Ernie Wasson and you but the days didn't
work out for me.  I'm not sure I'll attend next year unless the theme is very
appealing.

Cheers,
Bracey
San Jose CA
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