Although other places have open-air shows where exhibitors display plants and garden design ideas, the Park District calls its event “the one and only garden show in America that focuses on urban gardening.” It promises to make the show annual.

But it could compete for exhibitors with the established Chicago Flower & Garden Show, which will take place indoors on Navy Pier for the 12th year March 11-19. At least one major North Shore landscape firm plans to participate in the Grant Park show but not in the Navy Pier show, as it did last year.

“We’re pretty excited about it,” said Carrie Woleben-Meade, design manager at Mariani Landscape in Lake Bluff. Last year, Mariani won a gold medal for its display garden at the Navy Pier show.

Mayor Richard Daley, who takes great pride in his reputation for making the city greener, has reportedly pushed hard for the Park District plan. He spoke in December when it was unveiled to prominent landscape architects and representatives of local horticultural institutions, landscape contractors, designers, nurseries and other interested parties.