It won’t be held on the catwalks of Paris or Milan, but Gardening Saturday will be a fusion of flora and fashion, says one key organizer.

"Fashion is playing more of a role in gardening now. This year, the hottest colour in gardens will be orange — just like in the clothing stores," said Colleen Zacharias, chair of Gardening Saturday and president of the Friends of Gardens Manitoba.

Zacharias said the focus on new horticultural trends will be a key component at the annual tradeshow and symposium that will be held at the north campus of Canadian Mennonite University’s at 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. on Sat., March 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Now the weather is heating up, more people are thinking about drought tolerant plants such as tropicals and succulents, as well as just annuals and perennials," said Zacharias, a certified master gardener.

"Succulents suit people with busy lifestyles because they are low maintenance and during a smoking hot summer, they don’t have to be watered all the time."

Regardless of lifestyle, there should be something of interest for all green thumbs, as the event will include 88 exhibitions, three vertical living walls, workshops and demonstrations, including a five-person landscape design panel discussion hosted by Landscape Manitoba.

This year, there will also be an expanded food market, showcasing Manitoba produce. The menu will include a soup bee, traditional Icelandic fare courtesy of Amma’s Tea Room & Gift Shop and honey from Scott’s Hill Apiary.

One first-time exhibitor will be professional home economist Getty Stewart, who will be showcasing Fruit Share — a volunteer organization dedicated to picking and sharing fresh fruit growing in Winnipeg backyards.

"The event is a great place to share ideas and network with others with a passion for gardening, as it offers practical advice tailored to gardens," Stewart said.

The Riverview resident will also be previewing copies of her new self-published book titled Prairie Fruit Cookbook: The Essential Guide for Picking, Preserving and Preparing Backyard Fruit.

Admission to Gardening Saturday will be $5 and parking is free.

For more information, or to register, visit www.gardensmanitoba.com or call 895-4560.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com