One sure sign of spring is the arrival of the Edmonton Home and Garden Show, in its 48th year.
This year’s one-stop marketplace of home improvement ideas, runs March 17 to 20 at the Northlands Expo Centre and, as usual, visitors will have a chance to hear experts discuss the latest trends in home renovation, cooking, and landscaping to help you to turn your big plans into reality. Last year, 55,000 people attended the four-day event.
Featured experts this year include AndrĂ© Chevigny, star of the Discovery Channel’s Timber Kings, and landscaping specialist Carson Arthur, host of HGTV’s Critical Listing. As homeowners face new challenges with the economy and changing climate conditions, Arthur has turned his attention to new priorities. He’s found that pinched budgets are leading people to seek a balance between the beautiful and the prudent, and many are making down-to-earth choices as they plan and tend their gardens.
“Veggies, veggies, veggies,” exclaims Arthur. “Everyone has been asking for a well-designed vegetable garden for their backyards so that it not only looks good but is functional as well. I think produce-sticker-shock has set in and it’s not getting any better.”
It won’t be Arthur’s first visit to Edmonton. He knows how local gardeners should look at the challenges living in a tough climate present.
“I always try to encourage homeowners to see the beauty of what they have instead of wishing for the trees and plants that grow in warmer climates. Edmonton has a personality all its own and I enjoy taking inspiration from the homes that I get to see,” He says.
At the Cooking Stage, visitors will see some of Alberta’s finest culinary experts demonstrating the tricks of their trade in an ultra-modern kitchen. The audience will also have a chance to win prizes, including a one-on-one consultation with a kitchen wizard.
More than 600 exhibitors will be on hand to pitch their products and services and to offer their own best advice on a variety of home improvement and design issues. Bring your photos, paint swatches, questions and samples to the experts for free one-on-one 15-minute, complimentary consultations.
Show manager Terri Higgins is especially excited about a few of new features this year. The show is an opportunity for folks to do some shopping, of course, and to do it really efficiently since there is so much under one roof. But also expect to see the pros in action. For the first time, regular exhibitor RCL Canada will be the be building a 2,000-square-foot garden in the Expo Centre, including rolling hills, water features and a fire pit.
Another returning exhibitor, Shed Solutions, will be sponsoring the beer garden and within it, they’re setting up his and hers sheds.
“People will get some unique ideas about what they can do with these spaces to make them an extension to your home, maybe a yoga space or a studio,” Higgins says.
One other new addition is The Backyard Wars competition, where four local landscapers will each design a 300-square-foot garden space, hoping to win a $1,000 cash prize and a free booth in next year’s show.
“Our biggest goal is to keep the show fresh every year. We have a lot of returning exhibitors, but we’re always looking for new clientele and new products that can be showcased.”
The Edmonton Home and Garden runs March 17 and 18, noon to 9 p.m.; March 19, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and March 20 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On Seniors Thursday and Friday, tickets are $7 before 5 p.m. Tickets are available on line at www.edmontonhomeandgarden.com.com or at the door. There’s a $3 discount on online purchases. Children under 12 get in free.
