Historic 77-Year-Old Flower Show and Garden Tour Celebrates Citrus Heritage and Spring in Riverside
The Elks Lodge on Brockton will host the show, with best-of awards given in a variety of categories. A self-guided garden tour offers access to some of Riverside’s best gardens and on-site Master Gardeners.
The Riverside Community Flower Show returns this spring for its 77th year, continuing as the city's longest-running community event.
Membership fell to just three people after COVID-19, nearly ending the event. Grassroots organizing efforts revived the tradition, transforming it into the largest flower show in the Inland Empire.
"Celebrating Our Citrus Heritage with Zest, the Riverside Community Flower Show and Garden Tour invites visitors to explore how citrus trees can enhance any backyard garden," said Carla Lackner, vice president of the flower show committee. "Come be inspired at the oldest and most unique event in Riverside, focusing on local gardens and our citrus heritage."
This year's show features displays from the Raincross Rose Society, Riverside/San Bernardino Counties Orchid Society, Inland Region Iris Society, Inland Koi Society, Gates Cactus and Succulent Society and Riverside Master Gardeners.
The organization funds school grants and welcomes entries in competitive categories including roses, iris, fruits and arrangements. Entry for all competitions is free.
Visitors will find 50 vendors at the event. Free seminars on citrus cultivation will run throughout the day. The Inland Empire Chorus will perform, and the Gazette’s recently featured Neighbor of the Week, Jesse “Monstera” Aleman, will DJ and display his artwork.
The free flower show will be held at the Elks Lodge and visitors can purchase tickets for a self-guided tour of six private gardens throughout Riverside. Each garden features water-wise landscaping alongside citrus plantings. Master Gardeners will be available at each location to answer questions.
More information: The event takes place April 26-27 at the Elks Lodge, 6166 Brockton Avenue, with a $10 garden tour option and children under 16 can attend the tour for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Visit riversideflowershow.com for details.
