2017 International Horticultural Exhibition to take place just over the border

It'll be called Flora Niagara 2017 and it's one of the largest horticultural events in the world.

It'll be held over 150 days from late spring to early fall of 2017. It's expected to attract two million visitors with an economic impact of more than $830 million -- 6,566 new jobs and $117 million in Canadian tax revenues. Better yet, it will leave a legacy of gardening tourism potential in the Niagara region to last for generations.

The catch? Canada's Niagara Parks has to up their game - grounds, facilities - and build new venues and infrastructure to the tune of $50 million (low end) to $200 million (high end).

Of course, I'll be looking for ways for THIS side of the border to capitalize on all these visiting horticultural tourists. 2017 will be the 23rd anniversary of Garden Walk Buffalo and the National Garden Festival will be in its eighth year (God willing!).

For more information, visit: http://floraniagara.com/ and http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2012/09/13/niagara-wins-right-to-host-360-million-floral