I have trouble telling a bad good idea, from a good bad idea. But I see them both, and everything in between, at flower shows, where top designers put everything (including the kitchen sink) into their creative showcases.

I “do” these big events from coast to coast and beyond — just got back from lecturing at the Philadelphia Flower Show (in its 179th year, with this year more than 250,000 visitors viewing 10 intense acres of garden displays), and this weekend I’m at the New England Flower Show in Boston (137th year).

I try to get to Europe at least once a year to see what’s happening “over the Pond” via flower show displays.

There are flower and plant society displays of course, including miniature garden designs. But I go straight to the showcase gardens to note what is hot in the coolest new plants and latest ideas in garden design.

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