Question:
What is the schedule of events?

Answer:
Preview Party - Wednesday, March 5: 6:00 - 9:00 P.M.
Thursday, March 6th: 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Friday, March 7th: 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Saturday, March 8th: 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. 
Sunday, March 9th: 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Floral Auction to Follow Immediately.

Question:
What is opening preview night?

Answer:
The OPENING night gala is Wednesday March 5th 6:00pm - 9:00pm. It is the best opportunity to view the freshly completed gardens, listen to Aztec Two-Step (www.AztecTwoStep.com) and be a part of the awards ceremony that begins around 7:30pm. The judges have been in the gardens since 1:00pm and awards will be presented according to the criteria required. Master of Ceremonies will be Cindy Williams from WCSH and light h'ourderves and cash bar will be available. The Market Place will be open late also, just for this event. Aztec Two-Step is a great addition and proceeds for this event will go to the York County Master Gardeners Association (http://www.umaine.edu/umext/york/MG/MGhome.htm) who has generously given their time to this event. Advance tickets are $45.00pp, or $50 at the door will be available from Feb 10 - March 5 ONLY at most Hannaford stores, Allen Sterling & Lothrop, Skillins Greenhouses, O'Donal's Nurseries and the UPS stores in the Portland area or call our office (207) 775-4403.

Question:
How much are the tickets?

Answer:
Preview Party: Tickets are $45.00 advance at Hannafords and $50 at the door. This year is featuring "Aztec Two-Step" www.AztecTwoStep.com with all proceeds going to the York Master Gardeners Association. The awards ceremony will be hosted by Cindy Williams from WCSH to begin approximately 7:00pm. This is the time to see the gardens at their best and listen to great music too.

The advance ticket price is $13.00 for general admission, $12.00 for seniors (65 and over), Children under 12 free with a paid adult. All tickets are $15.00 at the door. Group prices of ten or more are available - please call 775-4403.

Question:
Where can I buy advanced tickets?

Answer:
The tickets will be on sale at most Hannafords stores in Maine and coastal New Hampshire February 10, 2008 - March 6, 2008 only, then at the door during the show days.

Question:
Will there be gardening books and periodicals available at the show?

Answer:
Yes, on the second floor vendor area of the show Books, Etc. www.mainebooksetc.com will have the Bookseller's Corner. They will feature a wide variety of publications relevant to the "green industry" and also books for younger readers with a focus on gardens and planting. Please don't miss this exciting addition to the show located just outside of the Lecture Hall.

Question:
Can I bring my camera and take pictures during the show?

Answer:
Absolutely!

Question:
Do you have wheelchairs available on site?

Answer:
No you will have to bring your own. Also be advised there is no elevator, there are handicapped entrances to both floors of the show.

Question:
What goes into building the gardens?

Answer:
"We started back in September 2007 planning the gardens, and forcing the plants and flowers to be ready for March 6, 2008 "opening night". The buildings have to be emptied and clean FIRST as Portland Yacht Services is a full service boat yard. The garden exhibitors begin setting up their gardens late in February, with the hardscape and mulch. Many are here LATE into the night. At some point the doors are closed and the heat goes on and the plants come in. The activity builds to a frenzy as the lighting (www.moonlightingproductions.com) gets fine tuned and the aisles are swept clean and the judges arrive on Wednesday March 5th.

Question:
Where can I park my car during the show?

Answer:
Parking onsite is limited to handicapped only. Parking is throughout the city at a variety of parking garages.

Question:
Can I bring pets to the show?

Answer:
For purposes of human comfort (allergies, crowds, etc.) no pets are allowed other than Service Dogs.

Question:
Can I volunteer for the Portland Flower Show?

Answer:
YES! We enjoy having volunteers before, during and after the show. Call Lisa at (207) 838-9999 or email pardi@maine.com.

Question:
Will there be food available at the show?

Answer:
Yes. Churchill Caterers www.churchillcaterers.com  will be featured in the "Around The World Cafe" located on the second floor. you are invited to relax in the cafe while enjoying one of the best harbor views in the City of Portland. To view the menu: Click here

Question:
Where are you located?

Answer:
See our location page: Click Here

Question:
Who is the beneficiary of the Portland Flower Show?

Answer:
Morrison Developmental Center: We are a not for profit organization with a volunteer Board of Directors, provides education, training and treatment for persons with and without developmental disabilities of all ages. The Center provides programming to serve individuals with a wide range of diagnoses including developmental delay and neurological and Musculosketal problems (i.e. cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, genetic disorders, neural tube defects, head injury, Mental Retardation) demonstrating need for intervention to improve gross and fine motor, language, cognitive/ social as well as daily living skills. Current programs at the Center include: Preschool: Multi-disciplinary three hour program of 46 weeks for children to age five with and without disabilities consisting of both morning and afternoon sessions. School: Educational program for students’ ages 5-20, regular school year plus an extended school year program is provided using a trans disciplinary program. AHEAD: The program is designed to enhance, enrich and gainfully occupy the daily routine of adults over the age of 20 with developmental disabilities. Seedlings: Program provides an innovative training program for individuals who have developmental disabilities and are over the age of 20 in a Greenhouse setting. Case Management Services: The Morrison Developmental Center offers Case Management Services for eligible children and young adults ages 0 – 20.

Morrison Developmental Center
331 Veranda Street
Portland, Me. 04101
(207) 874-1125
mdc1@gwi.net
www.mdcmaine.org

Question:
Is there anything for youngsters to do at the show?

Answer:
Touring Garden exhibits at a Flower Show may not be a child’s idea of fun. However, The Children’s Discovery Garden will make even the crankiest youngster’s day! Available for the young at heart and children of all ages in the company of an adult, the Garden features a wide range of educational and entertaining activities.

For starters, there is the scavenger hunt. When children and their families enter the Portland Flower Show they can pick up a sheet listing a variety of items in the garden exhibits for them to find. When they visit the Children’s Discover Garden to check their findings, they will each receive a prize for their efforts.

Two “make and take” projects are available this year, growing a dwarf sunflower and the creation of a sunflower bird feeder. For those who like to touch things, there will be an interactive and educational display of sunflower facts and an art wall to draw upon.

Other activities include a demonstration on Thursday the 8th of how bees communicate with the “waggle dance”. Author Louise Bernstone will present her book, “The Domed Bug” and Friday and Saturday is kite-making day. Sunday is Librarians Day! First Valerie Richards and Mary Paverada from Children’s services at the Portland Public Library will present a series of puppet shows on Sunday morning. At the same time Deirdre Walsh and Jackie McDougal from the Goodall Library in Sanford will be supervising the creation of a bumblebee. Kite making will round out Sunday afternoon.

While the kids are busy, Dr. Bud Johnston, Extension Horticulturists and Master Gardeners will be available to answer gardening questions. Almost seventy University of Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers from Cumberland, and York Counties create and tend the gardening during the show. Their efforts are supported by an endowment grant from Libra Foundation and donations from individuals and companies.

Question:
Is there an auction after the show closes?

Answer:
Yes - For information visit: Click Here