The Chicago Flower and Garden Show isn’t that big a deal, is it? Is it worth the trip downtown? Yes. Believe the hype—it’s kinda a big deal. When you walk into Navy Pier’s huge Festival Hall and see (and smell) the blooms, trees, flowing fountains and waterfalls, you realize that the Chicago Flower and Garden Show is the only cure for a gardener’s winter blues.

Plus, depending on the day you attend, you might be able to attend a free seminar by Senior Editor Cathy Maloney, Senior Editor Beth Botts or Contributing Writers Nina Koziol, Mike Nowak and Doreen Howard.

There will be horticultural competitions , a preview of new plants for 2011, floral tablescapes and the garden gourmet cooking classes as well.

The Marketplace area is a lot of fun too. You can buy bulbs, indoor plants like orchids and cacti, tools, books, garden ornaments and all types of tchotchkes, gewgaws and doodads. Visit us at the Chicagoland Gardening booth #319. We will be selling subscriptions as well as garden-related books. If you need to renew your subscription you can do it at the show and take home some back issues and a plant as bonuses.

The show features 30-plus display gardens by Midwest landscapers, growers and garden designers. In addition, it will offer more than 100 hands-on demonstrations and classes including container gardening workshops and free educational seminars.

At Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago. Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Adult admission is $15 weekdays; $17 weekends. Admission for children ages 4 to 12 is $5. To purchase tickets in advance or more information, visit www.chicagoflower.com or call 773.435.1250.

—Michelle Byrne Walsh