Feb. 24, 2010, Toronto, Ont. – Make March Break a memorable one for your family without heading south. This year, Canada Blooms is providing family fun activities that will not only entertain but also educate families about gardening, nature and the environment. With free admission for children under 12, and plenty of activities for both parents and kids, Canada Blooms will provide families with lasting memories from March 17–21 at their new location, the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto.

“Canada Blooms celebrates our passion for gardening at our March Break Festival, making it the perfect family fun destination,” said general manager Gerry Ginsberg. “Families can spend quality time together, get in touch with nature and learn about fun and different ways to grow their gardens over the summer holidays”.

“ALL ABOARD!”

Instead of driving into the city, why not take the train? Taking your kids on a VIA Rail train ride not only adds a memorable touch to your trip, but it also allows you to spend more quality time with your family by talking and playing games.

VIA Rail is offering visitors to Canada Blooms a 10 per cent discount off of best available regular fares in Economy, Business or Sleeper class. This offer, for travel to Toronto, Ontario from March 13–25 inclusive, will be available through the Canada Blooms website by clicking the on VIA Rail button, as of Feb. 26, 2010. To access the discount quote VIA discount Confirmation Number: 11925.

URBAN AGRICULTURE

Do you have a patio, balcony or yard and have always wanted to grow food with your kids? The City of Toronto’s booth will provide tips and tools to help you and your kids grow truly sustainable vegetables, herbs and fruits in any space. You will find information on balcony and container gardening, water conservation, community gardens and more.

A children’s demonstration garden will also be on site to thrill kids with live composting worms, a touch and smell garden to delight the senses, and hands-on activities including scavenger hunts and crafts. Bring your children to learn how they too can garden and grow food at home. 

MAGICAL WORLD OF TINKER BELL 

Step into the Magical world of Tinker Bell – Pixie Hollow, a place Disney Fairies call home and where every season is an important one. This four-season garden walks you through the talents of each Disney Fairy: Rosetta the Garden Fairy, Silvermist the Water Fairy, Iridessa the Light Fairy, Dawn the Animal Fairy; and of course the most popular of all, Tinker Bell. Built through the eyes of a child this garden is meant to inspire the senses, feel the magic of pixie dust and celebrate the passion of children and their creative minds.

Developed by CITY TV’s Frank Ferragine, Jordan Murfin from Vast Exteriors and Beth Edney of Designs by the Yard, this Disney Feature Garden awaits guests attending Canada Blooms 2010.

DISNEY KIDS INTERACTIVE AREA

Children can enjoy an array of activities including a Disney Video Movie Area, Colouring Programs for Kids, Get your picture taken with Tinkerbell and her friends, children’s face painting and education tips on gardening programs for families.

CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA 

Attending families will enjoy a special afternoon of interactive play in the Rainbow Children’s Play Area. Climbing, swinging and sliding in the Featured Area of Canada Blooms all in a supervised environment.

SKILLS CANADA COMPETITION

If you have kids considering a career in gardening and agriculture, Canada Blooms is a great place to take them since many industry professionals will be on site. The Skills Canada Competition will also be on site, which is a competition that allows College students from across Ontario to compete in the construction of a garden. This event will serve as a training and evaluation project in preparation for the World Skills Competition.

OTHER MARCH BREAK  HIGHLIGHTS

Preview Party Celebration – Celebrate the passion of spring at Canada Blooms Preview Party on March 16. Tickets are $75 and include a light dinner and drinks. Stroll through the gardens, experience the floral displays and be among the first to shop in the Marketplace. Canada’s top-20 gardening personalities will be in attendance to officially open Canada Blooms 2010!

RBC Speakers Series includes the Grey Power Celebrity Stage, Enbridge “Gardening Solutions” Stage, CTS “Master Gardeners” Stage, and The Home Depot “Garden Centre Stage – Each day, leading experts from across North America address a theme – organic gardening and ecology, plants, design and urban gardening. Don’t miss Mark Cullen and Denis Flanagan presenting a daily roundup of festival highlights. Learn the latest gardening techniques from Canada’s top experts on four interactive stages daily throughout Canada Blooms.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Wednesday, March 17, to Sunday, March 21.

• 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., (Wednesday to Saturday); 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sunday).

• The Direct Energy Centre, Toronto.

• Tickets are available online at www.canadablooms.com and at participating garden centres for a special advanced discount price of $16. At the door – $18; Seniors, $16; Students, $16; children 12 and under are free.