One of the Thirteen Displays at the 2018 Maine Flower Show by Billy Goat Landscaping, Kennebunk.

Forsithia for the 2018 Maine Flower Show!

Al Lappin, President of MELNA, Mark Faunce, Chairperson of the Show and Don Sproul, Show Producer, Late This Afternoon, at South Brick.

Jeremiah Caulbett, of Seabreeze Property Services, Works on a Display Today.  Jeremiah Lives on Munjoy Hill and Has Created a Special, Secret  Display Relevant to the Hill.  Currently, it is Under Lock & Key!

Mike Corsie, President of Terrapin Landscapes, (Kennebunkport) With Cody Chretien, Jonathan Lorenz and Justin Combes. Horticulturalist Emily Lesperance is in Front of Crew.

Escape this winter season and leap into spring by attending the Second Annual Maine Flower Show at  Thompson’s Point later this week – the Opening Night Gala is on Wednesday, March 21.  The show runs from Thursday, March 22nd through Sunday, March 25.  It is organized by the Maine Landscaping & Nursery Association, MELNA, for the second year.  “Rooted in Maine” is the theme for the 2018 Show.

Last year a serious plea from the public was heard by MELNA  for more flowers in the show.  The plea was answered by incentives for nurseries to show more flowers –   and  flowers ruled for the first time. The cost involved in producing flowering plants had previously been an issue in this cold climate.  When  the knowledge that there would be an emphasis on flowers became public, the 2017 Maine Flower Show was swamped with people attending the show.  The new venue, South Brick,  at Thompson’s Point was also a real attraction  for many who had tired of the previous location.

In previous years, the Flower Show was held at a rundown, drafty building at 58 Fore Street, at the bottom of Munjoy Hill, formerly known as the Portland Company, and now known as Portland Foreside.  Another issue for many traveling by car, was the inadequate parking to meet the demand.  Busses were provided,  but they didn’t always run on schedule.

Property manager at Thompson’s Point Andy Santerre, said this afternoon, that a lot was learned last year.  “We were rookies last year,” said the amiable Andy.

“Last year, the inaugural Maine Flower Show attracted nearly 16,000 attendees and over  20,000 guests are expected for the 2018 show, said Mark Faunce, Chair for the Maine Flower Show Steering Committee  So the Committee is recommending that the public use the Downeaster from  Boston, New Hampshire and other points south.  South Brick, the venue for the Flower Show, is directly behind the Portland Transportation Center. (See above right photo of Mark Faunce.)

Tickets for the show may be purchased on-line up until Friday and they include the price of parking.  Tickets will also be sold at the front door throughout the entire show.  General admission is $20.00.  Friday is Veterans Appreciation Day and the cost of admission is $10.00 per couple.  The cost for seniors every day is $15.  The cost of the Gala Evening on Wednesday is $50.00.

Please visit post dated March 31, 2017 for more background information on the First Annual Flower Show at Thompson’s Point last year.