International Desert Flower, Fragrance and Garden Show This Weekend

The Shops on El Paseo (the family of 18 shops and restaurants on El Paseo just east of Monterey/Hwy 74 in Palm Desert) threw a private preview party Friday night to launch this weekend’s 2nd annual International Desert Flower, Fragrance and Garden Show -- an event that all desert dwellers (and all So Cal folks) will love. This gathering honored perfume expert Ramón Monegal of Barcelona with its Fragrance Award, RGA Landscape Architects with the Desert Landscape Award, Renova Solar with its Green Award, and Leisure Wheels Quadracycles with the Innovation Award. Hotshot KNEWS radio host “Bulldog” Bill Feingold’s emcee performance was, as always, smart and sassy. The hors d’oeuvres were provided by Catalan Restaurant (flavorful lentil salad and gazpacho) and Jensen’s Finest Foods Catering (which also poured a couple of excellent Spanish wines).

This weekend, on the same spot behind the block where Daily Grill and St. John are, you can show up and learn how to replace your water-dependent annuals and water-sucking perennials with desert-appropriate plants. Experts from The Living Desert’s Lotus Garden Center (which received the El Paseo Award) will explain the facts and guide you through your transition from water consumer to desert gardener. Entrance is free, so drop in today, April 6th from 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday, April 7th from 12pm - 5pm. We all need to do our part to revive our planet, one desert or rain forest at a time.