Garden Bloggers Geography Project

Jodi at bloomingwriter started this project to find out where in the world garden bloggers are and what's special about our communities.I live in Rochester, NY, and garden in zone 5. Some fun garden-related events are:

1. GardenScape. My Grandma and I have been going for a few years. It takes place at the Dome Center, about a 10-minute drive from my house. They have a large arena that is turned into a huge garden. Vendors set up amazing flower arrangements, and it's a great opportunity to find new plants to grow. Last year they even had a waterfall. After you've looked at all the garden displays, you go over to Minett Hall where you can buy plants (Orchids, Cacti, Bamboo, and African Violets, to name a few), garden tools, seeds, jewelry, pictures, stepping stones, and tons of other stuff. There's even a booth just for kids to make projects. And, if you have a lot of money to spend, you could buy a greenhouse or swing set. This is one event I do not want to miss!
2. The Genesee Region Orchid Society Show and Sale. This event is held downtown at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. It takes a bit longer to get there, but is well worth the drive. I've been going for two years, and done a lot of studying about orchids in between. This year I might even buy one. The first room is full of orchid displays by local growers. The displays are judged the day before and awards are given. There are usually a few workshops about orchid care. After you finish looking at all the orchids, you can go downstairs where local growers sell orchids. There are orchids in bloom, orchids almost ready to bloom, orchids that have just been started, and orchids that smell like chocolate. Some people sell potting mix for orchids, and books on how to grow them. A wonderful event for anyone who likes orchids.
3. The Lilac Festival. Since the lilac is the official State Bush, it's only fitting to have an annual festival. The local news stations give reports on how well the lilacs are blooming, to help you decide the best time to go. There are musical performances, an arts and crafts show, a parade, events for kids, and even a lilac queen. Last year Martha Stewart came to the festival. It's been a few years since I've gone, but I'm hoping to go this year.
4. Tinker Nature Park. They have lovely walking trails, and have restored the Tinker homestead. It is also the location of the Hansen Nature Center. They have many fun activities throughout the year.
   

Some things I would like to do, but haven't:

• Visit the Butterfly Garden at the Strong Museum; the only year-round indoor butterfly garden in upstate New York.
  
• Visit a local farmer's market. I've been reading about these on other blogs, and would love to find one. The only one I currently know of is in a bad part of town. There might be one in Chili, however I need to research some more.
  

Things to do that are not related to gardening:

1. Visit the museums mentioned above
2. Go to the beach - we are right on the edge of lake Ontario, and very close to Charlotte Beach
3. Visit the Erie Canal. There's a plaza in Pittsford with some wonderful shops and restaurants. You could also go for a cruise on the Sam Patch, ride your bike along the canal, or feed the geese. (Sorry, it's not tuppence a bag anymore.)
4. Visit the Susan B. Anthony House.
5. Visit the George Eastman House.
6. If you like the arts, We have the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and Geva Theatre, among other things.
   
7. Visit the Seneca Park Zoo. We have 15 of the species survival plan program species at the zoo. (There's a list here.)
   

These are just a few of the things you can do in Rochester. Rochester has an amazing history. Kodak's corporate headquarters are located here, Frank Lloyd Wright built a house downtown, and Fredrick Douglass started his abolitionist newspaper here, and his house became an underground railroad stop.

If you're ever in Rochester, be sure to check out some of the things I've mentioned.
~Sarah