Hey, Road Trips Gardeners: did you know that the roots of the Chicago Flower & Garden Show can be traced as far back as 1847?

In any case, you can drop in on this year’s edition between March 14 and 22, 2015. It’s held at Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.

There’ll be two dozen designed gardens for inspiration plus a pair of rose gardens — one focusing on climbing and shrub varieties, the other, a sea of miniatures.

A new garden features the latest varieties from Proven Winners: plants from more than five dozen plant breeders around the world.

Another new offering (timed for St. Patrick’s Day, no doubt) is an Irish heritage garden complete
with Irish stone, backdrops and other elements to create an Emerald Isle countryside garden experience

The “How-To-Garden” garden features educational and interactive workshops — a complete schedule is online.

Bonus: If you’re there March 21 or 22, you can watch the Retail Bakers of America’s National Cake Decorating Competition.