The Tribune Company, sponsor of the Chicago Flower and Garden Show for the last 12 years, has declined to renew its sponsorship. The reason was economic. The Show made a profit, but it was not enough to satisfy Tribune shareholders in times of financial stress.

In four years, the Horticulture Competition within the larger Show had developed from a small container-garden Class of 45 entries to 454 entries in Horticulture, 30 in Flower Arranging, 8 in Jewelry and 145 in Photography in 2006. The supporting Committee had expanded from its initial 7 or 8 people to over 50 members--along with a fleet of volunteers. The first Competition theme was "Theater in the Garden," followed by "Private Spaces/Public Places, "An Eye for Color," and, most recently, "Capacity for Invention."

According to Show Director, Kenton Morris, other sponsors for the Show have been found, but not soon enough to lock in the dates needed for March, 2007. The Competition Committee regards 2007 as a hiatus and looks ahead to 2008.

Victoria Wagner, Horticulture Competition Chairperson