With spring just around the corner, tis the season of flower shows from the East Coast to the West.  In Boston, The Flower and Garden Show is a harbinger of spring and runs March 16-20, 2011 with many features on Container Gardens this year.  In Philadelphia, The Philadelphia International Flower Show theme is Springtime in Paris.  The show is March 6 - 13^th.   At The San Francisco Flower Show, you can Celebrate Life in The Garden with flowers, food, wine and fun from March 23-27^th.  Wherever you live, you can find delightful garden shows to enhance your gardening knowledge, learn from the experts, and leave inspired with plans and dreams for your garden.  Whether you are an urban gardener or have acres in the countryside, the new plants, seeds, and tools available at the shows will tempt you for sure.  The Royal Horticultural Society in England has several shows each spring.  The notable Chelsea Flower Show in London is often considered The Grande Dame of Flower Shows internationally.  Sip champagne, tour the marquee, smell the David Austin Roses, talk to growers, be inspired by the exhibits, listen to the sounds of Big Bands, and wander to the nearby Chelsea Physic Garden for a respite before the day ends.  Join us for Tea at The Ritz, Theatre in the West End, a visit to Sissinghurst, Kew and more.  We have been leading tours to Chelsea for years now and invite you to come along.

There are many travel tips to offer women and, for those of you who have read my blog, my best women's travel tip ever is One Bag Only.  I know, where do the shoes go and what about?????  It is not easy and you really can do it. As for the shoes, one pair of walking shoes which you wear, one pair for evening, and one other pair.  Easy!  There is always the discussion on packing flat and rolling.  I prefer flat.  Choose fabrics designed for travel.  Planning on having a few things cleaned and pressed while traveling can save you lugging another piece of luggage.  If ever we use our accessory lessons from our Mothers, it is when traveling.  Scarves, sweaters, and shawls are a woman traveler's best friend. Remember do not pack anything valuable in your luggage if checking it.  In fact, I suggest you do not check luggage.  Besides your one bag you can have a smaller bag (large pocketbook) for cameras, jewelry etc.  This way travel is easier.  You don't risk losses and you will be comfortable moving through airports, on trains and taxi's.  One Bag Only!  You can do it!