AUBURN - During the doldrums of winter, gardening enthusiasts keep a close eye on the weather, often counting down the days until planting time.

To help local gardeners prepare for the planting season, Dickman Farms in Auburn, is holding its annual Va Va Bloom Garden Show this weekend.

The festival, now in its second year, includes seminars and how-to workshops presented by guest speakers, tours of the Dickman Farms facilities and more.

“This show is our kickoff to spring,” said Kathy Bardwell, the garden center's general manager, during Saturday's event.

The Dickman Farms' staff regularly participates in gardening expos at other locations, Bardwell said, but having to relocate employees and supplies for a show is somewhat inconvenient.

“We decided, why do all that when we have facilities right here? So last year, Va Va Bloom was born. And based on last year's show, and what has gone on so far this year, we've been very successful.”

Saturday's activities centered around a Garden Party Workshop, in which pre-registered participants designed hanging baskets using various flowers provided by Dickman Farms. The center will hold another Garden Party Workshop at 11 a.m. today.

“People can make their own baskets with fresh plant materials, mostly flowering annuals, from our greenhouse across the street,” Bardwell explained.

Dickman Farms will then nurture the baskets, caring for them until they are available for pickup around Mother's Day, she said.

The center also offers tours of its greenhouses and facilities, along with numerous seminars and workshops.

At noon, Don Eaton of Eaton Farms in Pennsylvania gave a seminar on the care and culture of hydrangeas. Other workshop topics included lawns and lawn care, bonsai trees and their maintenance and how to choose trees for yards. Among others, today's workshops will focus on caring for roses and orchids; how to attract birds to your garden; and the proper care and maintenance of rain gardens.