CATCH SPRING FEVER AT GARDENSCAPE
Annual show melds education, inspiration with colourful sights and scents of the season
After being on the receiving end of a crushing blast of winter weather earlier this month, Saskatchewan residents are eager for a glimpse of spring. It's fitting that Gardenscape, Saskatoon's annual garden and outdoor lifestyle show, returns to Prairieland Park from March 22 to 24. This year will mark the 35th show of blooms, greenery and education.
The show, which averages between 18,000 and 20,000 visitors each year, combines education and inspiration with all the colourful sights and smells of spring. Over 1,500 bulbs have been sprouted and bloomed for the show. Several trees have also been leafed out for display at the indoor event.
“... It's about the sights and smells of the show as well as the knowledge and education of all the industry experts. There's no question that having all the plant material really gives everybody energy when they arrive,” says Prairieland event manager Susan Kuzma.
The 200 exhibitors will include a display on creating an at-home greenhouse. There will also be tools and yard equipment vendors, local greenhouses, outdoor furniture experts, yard decor and art, spas and landscaping companies.
“Whether it's a do-it-yourself project that they're looking for information on or whether they're going to hire somebody — a contractor — to do it for them, the show gives them a way to investigate,” says Kuzma.
One popular exhibitor, the University of Saskatchewan Plant Sciences, offers an interactive display on everything from common tree pests to challenges in plant growth.
“They put a great display together,” notes Kuzma. “And they've got lots of people on hand to answer those questions for you.”
At the Speaker's Theatre, audiences can learn from experts such as Chin Ridge Seeds' naturalist and birding expert Myrna Pearman, owner and operator of Lily Plain Gardens Byron Tenkink, Shifting Roots founder and CEO Kristen Raney, owner and manager of Dutch Growers Jill van Duyvendyk, University of Saskatchewan greenhouse facility manager Jackie Bantle, and Kearns Consulting 's David Kearns.
Topics will include Gardening in a Changing Climate, Backyard Birdfeeding, Growing with Ideal Soil Biology, Container Gardening, Shedding Old Habits: Lawncare Practices Worth Ditching, and many more. A complete schedule is available at Gardenscapeshow.ca.
There's even more to see and do at the show. For art enthusiasts, the annual art show and sale showcases some of Saskatchewan's amazing artists who work in sculpting, painting, photography, crafting, fabric arts and more. It's a great opportunity to add an original Saskatchewan art piece to your collection.
Superdogs are back for a seventh year, with a canine performance to delight dog-lovers of all ages. The Superdogs' Tail Gate Party is a display of athleticism and humour.
Stick around after the show for the famous Pat N' Chat and meet the furry stars of the show.
Feeling a bit peckish? The Prairie Berry Cafe offers desserts and treats made with local specialties such as Saskatoon berries or sour cherries. There's also the Patio Bar, where you can sip a cocktail and soak up the beauty and ambience of spring.
After the show is over, on March 24, you can still take away your personal slice of spring at the plant sale and auction. At 6 p.m. the cash and carry plant sale begins with all the extra plants from the displays put on sale. Live auction of some of the larger items begins at 6:30 p.m.
Show hours, schedule of speakers and more are available on the website, and discounted admission is also available online. Buy your tickets at gardenscapeshow.ca and save.
Whether you're new to gardening and want to learn how to add a few container vegetables to your balcony or you've got acres to tend to, there's something for everyone to see, do and learn at Gardenscape.