The 2016 Cincinnati Flower Show Celebrates Flowers of Sister Cities

By Michael Leach

The Cincinnati Flower Show is a dangerous event for all shades of green thumbs, the Pinterest-pixilated and those desperate to do something — anything — with their landscapes.

Why?  

You’ll be inspired to attempt new and daring things with plants.

You’ll fall in love with window boxes and want to try them because you never imagined so much charm is possible in such small spaces.

You’ll be amazed at the appealing model landscapes showing what’s possible in spaces not much bigger than a half dozen window boxes.

Your jaw will hurt from dropping so often at flowery table settings that make you wonder how they ever thought of that.

You’ll be tempted to overload your vehicle with unusual plants, elegant garden accessories, imaginative jewelry, horticulturally themed art and more.

You’ll indulge in savories and sweets that cater to all manner of tastes.

You’re likely to be lured into sampling wine or bourbon at planned tastings. (Kentucky is just across the wide, muddy Ohio River.)

You’ll be able to choose from a range of educational experiences, such as a luncheon lecture by Andrea Wulf, author of garden and gardening history books; a Q&A with Ron Wilson, host of a weekly call-in radio program, and  Rita Heikenfeld, herbalist and culinary whiz; learning about wedding flower from Sharon McGukin, author and floral designer; and gathering design tips from a former White House chief florist.

Sharon McGukin

Laura Dowling

You’ll wish you had scheduled even more time to tour the horticultural treasures the city offers.