HARTFORD, Conn., Dec. 14, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Discover the sights and fragrances of Spring months before the weather warms up at the “35th annual Connecticut Flower & Garden Show” on Thursday, February 18 through Sunday, February 21, 2016 at the Connecticut Convention Center on 100 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford. One of the largest and most prestigious flower shows in all of New England, the show’s hours are: Thursday, February 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, February 19 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, February 20 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The colorful, fragrant show covers almost three acres with the 2016 theme, “In the Spotlight”, with fresh, creative and wonderful ideas for homeowners and apartment and condo dwellers alike. Highlights include:

- Over an acre of gardens in full bloom, created by professional landscape designers and nonprofit organizations, and include naturalistic, low maintenance, native, organic, and herb gardens.

- Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s 2016 Advanced Standard Flower Show: more than 12,000-square feet of a design, horticulture and photography competition with more than 250 judged entries, all with the “In the Spotlight” theme.

- Over 300 booths with displays, activities, artisans and handcrafted gifts, and aisles of fresh flowers, plants, garden ornaments, metalwork sculptures, herbs, bulbs, seeds, fertilizers, soils, gardening books, patio furniture and lawn equipment for purchase. Bring a 1/2 cup of soil to the UConn Co-op booth for free soil testing.

- More than 80 hours of seminars by horticulturists and experts including:

• Daily morning and afternoon seminars by Mar Jennings, Emmy-nominated TV host, best-selling author and America's top Lifestyle Expert: “Creating Casual Luxury in Your Home & Garden”;
• Connecticut Florist of the Year 2010, floral design instructor, and Connecticut Florists Association Board member Bob Buettner: “Floral Arranging”;
• Nancy DuBrule-Clemente of Northford – “Gardening to Help Monarchs and Other Pollinators” and “More Food From Small Gardens”;
• Wildlife biologist Peter Picone: “Create Season Habitats for Songbirds”;
• Connecticut landscape designer Rob Townsend: “Water Garden Basics”;
• Consulting rosarians and authors Mike & Angelina Chute: “25 Fabulous Roses” and “David Austin's English Roses for New England Gardens”;
• Garden writer, lecturer and photographer Tova Martin: “The Indestructible Houseplant.”

Admission: $16 Adults; $14 Seniors Age 62 and Over on Thursday/Friday only; $4 Children 5-12; Free under age 5 – Cash Only. Group rates for 15 or more people: contact 860-844-8461 or Kristie@northeastexpos.com. Advance tickets are discounted by $2 and can be purchased by February 16, 2016 at select Connecticut locations: see website.

Show sponsors include B & P Turf Farm, Goodyear Farms, Flamig Farm Earth Products, Bob Buettner Florist, Bedard Enterprises, and North East Expos, Inc.

To join the email list and get more information and driving directions, visit www.ctflowershow.com or call 860-844-8461.

MEDIA CONTACT: Laura Soll  860-688-4499 or Cell 860-833-4466, Laura@sollpr.com

EDITORS: Variety of photos available.