TURNOUT-Portland Flower Show-May 2010

Photography Bryan Bruchman

A long Portland’s eastern waterfront, buildings normally filled with boats were transformed into lush garden spaces for the annual Portland Flower Show.

Green thumbs and landscape enthusiasts were among the more than 14,300 people who walked through the doors at the Portland Company Complex from March 11 to 14. More than eighty small businesses were represented in the vendor area, and eighteen exhibitors set up landscape displays. According to show director Jan Love, the event is a major source of support not only for businesses in the city that benefit from people coming into town but also for the horticulture industry throughout southern Maine. “Many are small businesses who invest significant time and resources into building these exhibits. In turn, they are able to talk with customers, both current and potential. To be able to showcase their work in this setting is a huge boost for the industry. It is the only show of its kind where you can actually talk to the business owner right at the display,” says Love. The four-day show was kicked off Wednesday night with a gala during which the best displays were awarded. Awards in a variety of categories went to Seko’s Creative Garden Design, O’Donal’s Nursery, Landmarcs, Skillins Greenhouses, Prays Masonry & Landscaping, Rocksmith, Garden Joinery, Blue Rock Stone Center, Cozy Acres, Estabrook’s, Ron Forest & Sons Fence Company, Mercier Landscaping, Carter Landscape Design, Green Island Stonework, Grounds Crew, and Morrison Developmental Center.