Press Release:
The Cincinnati Horticultural Society Unveils 2012 Plans
Builds on Successful New Formats Introduced in 2011

CINCINNATI, OHIO, November 10, 2011 - In response to enthusiastic community acceptance of new educational programs and special events introduced this year, the Cincinnati Horticultural Society (CHS) said it plans to replicate and expand on these activities in 2012 in place of the traditional Cincinnati Flower Show.

According to Frank Welsh, CHS board chair, two factors contributed to the decision. He observed, "The community's positive response to our new 2011 programming, combined with an economic climate that continues to make it difficult to secure elaborate event sponsorships, led to the board's decision to replicate our 2011 activities in the coming year, with a focus on making them even more exciting."

Welsh said that CHS intends to build on such popular new events as the Spring Gardening Fair held this year at the Delhi Garden Center in Liberty Township, the summer Secret Garden Tours of some of Greater Cincinnati's most stunning private gardens, and a Fall Flower and Farm Fest. The group also intends to expand on its popular Fresh Air School, a summer educational program for children held at the historic Meade House in Symmes Township. The Holiday version of the Fresh Air School is currently taking place at the Meade House. The Society has plans to develop Meade House and its grounds as a horticultural center for the community in the future.

Other perennial Flower Show favorites, such as the Dramatic Table Settings exhibit, morphed this year into a "Guess Who Is Coming to Dinner" celebrity-inspired event that helped raise both funding and awareness for CHS programs. "This promises to be even more elaborate and creative in 2012," Welsh said, "and will be joined by other popular events such as Spring Fling and Ladies Day."

"Ultimately, CHS is committed to bringing back the Cincinnati Flower Show in all its known glory," Welsh said. "but assuring that this can be done in a way that merits Cincinnati's designation as the 'King of All Flower Shows' requires a healthier economy than we currently are experiencing." Welsh noted, however, that CHS is "working on some truly exciting" plans for a future show.

The Cincinnati Horticultural Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1989. Its mission is to educate, entertain and inspire all ages by promoting gardening and fostering a love of horticulture. The CHS seeks to produce exceptional educational opportunities and to benefit organizations that promote quality of life through horticulture. More information on CHS and its programs is on this website.

The year 2011 has been one of major changes for The Cincinnati Horticultural Society. Limited resources in house and scarcity of opportunities to obtain significant sponsorship funds led the Board to postpone production of The Cincinnati Flower Show this year and to delay scheduling it in the future until economic conditions make it viable. In the meantime, the Society separated some of the more popular parts from the Flower Show and presented them independently for Friends and the public to enjoy. Overall, this approach has resulted in a modest build-up of cash resources and has pointed the way for planning the 2012 agenda. Trimming staff and moving headquarters to the Meade House in Symmes Township have also contributed to improving the current financial outlook.

read more »
donation form »