SACRAMENTO - April 8 -11 marks the debut of the statewide-focused flower and garden show at Cal Expo in Sacramento. The all new California State Flower & Garden Show, produced by Cal State Shows, is designed to capture the diversity of California's horticultural and gardening community, showcasing plants, techniques and products representative of the state's numerous micro-climates. Over 600 vendors, seminars, workshops, plant bazaar, floral photography contest, farmers market and more will all be featured at this spectacular show for gardeners.

Cal State Shows is committed to making this the most comprehensive show of its kind. Monrovia and Pacific Horticulture Foundation are sponsors of two seminar stages and are providing well-know horticulture speakers including Dan Bifano, master rosarian, judge, and professional garden designer for A-list clients who include Barbra Streisand, Oprah Winfrey, and Michael and Jane Eisner; Amy Stewart, well-known author of the popular book "Wicked Plants;" Gary Gragg, nurseryman, creator and host of HGTV's popular "Superscapes;" Rene Van Rems, internationally recognized master floral designer, author and speaker. Topics include organic gardening, growing wine and table grapes, herb gardening, old roses, native landscapes and winter gardens to name a few. 

The California Garden Clubs, Inc. (CGCI), the statewide federation of California garden clubs and plant societies representing more than 22,000 California gardeners are presenting "A Walk Through California" a Standard Flower Show competition. Entries are open to the public and there will also be a category for youth. Accredited flower show judges will judge the show entries. Advanced registration is required for all entries, and the deadline for entries is March 30th.. Visit www.californiagardenclubs.org to download an entry form and competition rules. General admission to the competition is included with a purchased ticket to the California State Flower & Garden Show.

CGCI is also offering the Fiftieth CGCI Judges Symposium April 7 through 9 at the Sacramento Double Tree Hotel. Interested gardeners are welcome to attend the Symposium and membership in CGCI is not required. 

The show is also offering a variety of activities that will attract kids into the garden. The California Garden Clubs, Inc. will feature their "Kids Growing Strong" exhibit which offers multi-station hands-on activities geared for kids from 3 to 10. The activities include making a pot from newspaper; learning how to plant a salad in a take-out tray; making a grass-head from nylons, grass seeds and potting soil; and for the younger student there will be butterfly masks, painting a ladybug rock and much more. 

The show will be located in the Pavilion Building directly through the East Gate entry at Cal Expo located at 1600 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento. The show opens everyday at 10AM. Admission for adults $15; ages 13-17 $5.00; children 12 and under are free. For more information visit CalStateGardenShow.com or call 877-696-6668 ext. 4..