As I entered the Dome Arena for the Gardenscape preview party last night, the comfy smell of burning wood scented the air. That the lights were low added to the magical setting. This year's theme is "It's a Garden Life," and all of the displays involved living in one's garden, whether in the city or country, backyard, or rooftop.

I loved Waterford Tilling's garden walls. Their stacked rock designs became "ground" for planters and grass walls; a very nice idea for small spaces. I felt like I was in "The Secret Garden" within them. Their use of empty beverage cans for plant identification - stuck in the ground with the name printed in marker on the bottom - is a new way to recycle for me. I also liked Cardinal Lawn & Landscape's dripping pergola.

There were many outdoor eating and leisure spaces, the most dramatic being Ted Collins' "Midnight at the Oasis." It was like stepping inside a genie's bottle. RJ Schickler's rooftop dining room felt metropolitan with its Rochester skyline backdrop and glowing moat. Speaking of moats, this one was leaking. I could just imagine the phone calls being made later that night. A Gardenscape worker told me that following the event each year, the awards are given out, one being the "Shop Vac Award" for the biggest leak. RJ Schickler may be in the lead for now, but there's still the long weekend ahead.

I have discovered a heretofore hidden ability. I have chocolate fountain radar. And I cannot be trusted around them. That was me with the chocolate dribbling down my jacket.

Speaking of food, the "Nature's Reward" exhibit by RM Landscape used food as garden plants. Tomatoes wound around the pergola's posts, corn framed the eating area, while herbs and lettuces filled in the borders. The design was in very good taste, pun intended. (You can check out Gardenscape for yourself through Sunday.)

Next up: Chip Kidd