Those attending tonight's gala and preview of the Cincinnati Flower Show will be the first to learn who took blue ribbons at the 15th annual event, which opens Wednesday and continues through Sunday at Coney Island.

At the gala, all the show's exhibits will be available for viewing and there will be a progressive dinner-by-the-bite. The gala is a benefit for the Wellness Community of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Information: 872-5194; www.cincyflowershow.com.

Cincinnati Flower Show, presented by Provident Bank, at Coney Island, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Adults $16, children 3-12 $3. 872-5194; www.cincyflowershow.com

(Joseph Fuqua II/The Cincinnati Enquirer)

HOLD IT

Anything - treasured antique to funky old shoe - can be a container for a mixed bouquet. Bring your container and learn tricks from a professional flower designer at a workshop 10 a.m. Saturday at the Cincinnati Flower Show at Coney Island. It's free (even the flowers) with show admission.

Today's tip: Fill a wine glass with plastic wrap and water. Use a rubber band to hold together a bunch of compact blooms, with the stems cut short. Place the flowers into the glass so just the blooms stand above the rim.

Cyndy Duade, Cincinnati Horticultural Society