Chicago Flower and Garden Show "Capacity For Invention" will take visitors around the world and back again by displaying some of the most interesting and unusual plants for the garden and then, by providing practical information to visitors on how they might be used in Midwestern landscapes.
The horticulture competition has become one of the most popular events at the show as gardeners vie with each other for awards that acknowledge the quality of their green thumbs. Judges will be looking for plants that are well groomed, that is plants that do not have dead leaves or spent blossoms and are insect free. Other winning traits include how well the plant is displayed, or dressed, meaning what material is used to cover the soil. Another important consideration is longevity of ownership: the older the plant, the better testament to the skill of the gardener.