Everything’s Coming Up Roses (AND Orchids, Cactus, Dahlias And More)
Del Mar CA— Your lush landscapes and lavish flowers could be the stars of the show in the competitive garden and flower exhibits at the San Diego County Fair, presented by Albertsons|Vons. Entries are now open!
Gardener’s Delight
Show off your green thumb by entering the Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show’s competitive outdoor display at the San Diego County Fair. Register online at sdfair.com/exhibits/garden-show by May 4. Fees range from $10-$350 per entry.
This year’s Garden Show theme is “Living the Sweet Life,” and the show will feature lovely landscapes and outdoor living spaces that showcase what San Diego backyard living is all about. Exhibit entry is open to all California residents including amateurs, non-profit organizations, businesses, associations and garden clubs in the horticultural, agricultural or floricultural industry. Youth categories are open to ages 9-19 within 4H, FFA, other youth groups and individual students. Gardeners will compete for cash awards and ribbons.
Garden show entries are displayed throughout the entire run of the San Diego County Fair, happening June 1-July 4 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and award-winning exhibitors will be invited to a private awards ceremony during the Fair.
Garden Show highlights:
- A new Home Sweet Home demonstration stage
- Chalk art competition artwork will be on display in the gardens throughout the Fair
- San Diego Garden Railway exhibit
- Photo-op areas
- Fine art displays on opening weekend
- The Garden Market
- The Toast of the Coast wine bar and wine nook
- Daily wine, beer or spirit tastings
- Workshop Wednesdays with hands-on demonstrations
- Kid-friendly Fridays with make-n-takes
Flower Power
It’s time to highlight your budding talent at the Paul Ecke Jr. Flower Show – the region’s largest exhibition of award-winning flowers and floral displays. Register online at sdfair.com/exhibits/flower-show by May 11. Fees range from $5-$80 per entry.
More than 5,000 beautiful, fresh-cut blooms grown in San Diego County will be on display at the Flower Show, where growers will compete for cash awards and ribbons. Competitions featuring fresh-cut blooms happen every three days during the Fair. Or show off your floral designs – the competition is open to students, hobbyists and professionals in beginner, novice, amateur and professional divisions. Flower lovers can show off a variety of displays including vignettes, wedding flowers, art interpretation, table arranging and petite floral design.
Additionally, competitors can enter the Ninth Annual San Diego Floral Design Competition on June 17 where they will come to the contest ready to create a floral design depicting this year’s Fair theme, “How Sweet It Is.” The winner of this contest is eligible to compete in the “Top 10 Floral Design Contest” for the State of California.
These festivals and events will be featured in the Paul Ecke Jr. Flower and Garden Show:
- Bloom-N-Art Garden Party, June 2-3
- The Toast of the Coast Wine Festival, June 9
- Ninth Annual San Diego Floral Design Competition, June 17
- Rose Day, June 21
- My Big Fair Wedding Day, June 24