Don’t miss taking in this year’s Home and Garden Show

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For the last two years, our homes and gardens have played a far more significant role in our lives. As COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift, the B.C. Home and Garden Show may be just the bright spot we need to get out and discover what’s new in lifestyles for both indoor and outdoor living.

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From March 10 to 13 at B.C. Place Stadium, you’ll be able to enjoy a wealth of inspiring presentations, new products, garden art, kitchen ideas, leisure equipment, home décor, landscaping designs and so much more.

Several entertainment centres and the main stage will be featuring cooking presentations and home remodelling concepts. HGTV Canada’s celebrities, such as contractor Bryan Baeumler, and the host of Love It or List It Vancouver, Todd Talbot, will be making appearances, as well as other must-see local celebrities, including Trisha Isabey, Jarris Neufeld and Kathy Yuen.

All foodies will love the seminars and live demos given by some of our most celebrated food and drink experts. Chef Bruno Feldeisen of the Great Canadian Baking Show, executive Chef Jermone Soubeyrand, Riley’s Fish and Steak, and Chef Max Straczek from Fable Kitchen will anchor a lineup of culinary greats.

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If you own a beachfront property that needs some living space, or just dream of having a beachfront property some day, be sure to visit Beachfront Hideaway by Hewing Haus. You’ll discover an ingenious 300-square-foot, one bedroom home with a small, sustainable footprint. It’s a brilliantly designed vacation home that is spacious enough for all your needs.

If it’s been a while since you’ve escaped to a tropical destination, stop in at The Beach Bar for a beautifully themed, beachy atmosphere, some tasty snacks and a delicious tropical cocktail.

Your kitchen might become a little more inspiring after you’ve visited Ikea’s Dream Kitchen, which is full of unique, practical and affordable ideas. Their kitchen specialists can suggest great ideas for kitchen renovations.

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The B.C. Hydro Learning Centre will be providing advice about efficient heating and cooling systems, and you’ll also find helpful information on how to energy-proof your home.

Got Craft, a first-time feature at the show, is a pop-up market where some of Vancouver’s top emerging talent will be displaying and selling original pieces of jewelry, ceramics and clothing, as well as artisan food and drinks. Don’t miss exploring this exciting new exhibit.

On the gardening side, there is always lots to see and enjoy. Platinum Floral Designs from Victoria will be bringing in a floral truck filled with hand-cut florals, stunning arrangements and seasonal bouquets to brighten your home and office.

I always enjoy the stylish gardens designed by the many talented folks in our industry. From outdoor kitchens and sunrooms to relaxing patios and inviting front yards, the Home Show offers many great ideas you can incorporate into your own garden areas. Landscaping consultants will be available to help you design your own at-home, get away garden or outdoor living space.

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Art in the garden is such a hot trend today that there is a special area devoted to garden art. Theresa Eaton Art, Donna Giraud Fine Art, Mike and Jenna Fine Art, along with other gifted artists, will all have their artistry on display. From canvases to photographs and prints, there will be lots to see and enjoy.

Again, this year, Art’s Nursery will be showcasing their wonderful selection of seeds, early annual colour and unique novelties to get you in the mood for spring. Their staff are also a great resource for gardening advice. There will be a wide selection of exhibitors featuring lots of green goods and unique garden tools, pots and cool garden plants.

For years now, The Vancouver Sun has sponsored the Gardeners’ School. It’s always nice to sit down, relax and be inspired by some great speakers on a wide range of gardening topics. Alex Augustyniak, an All-American Selections judge and formerly of West Coast Seeds, will be giving a very informative presentation showing AAS’s top, award-winning perennials, annuals and vegetables, as well as other exceptional new seed varieties.

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Stephanie Rose from Garden Therapy will be speaking on The Regenerative Garden: Small Scale Permaculture, an exciting new trend for home gardens. Janis Matson from Shoreline Landscape Design is giving a presentation on Drought Tolerance in the Garden, which is a very important subject now with our changing climate. Seed and Nourish’s Carissa Kasper (also with West Coast Seeds) will be presenting Plan and Perfect your Kitchen Garden, and together with Jordan Mara of Mind & Soil, they will explore the topic How to Eat from the Garden Every Day of the Year. Mara will also delve into what Mindfully Gardening really means.

Art’s Nursery’s Laurelle Oldford-Down will show us how to get our gardens working for nature. Kevin Thoolenars and Lauren Upham of Plantsome will offer insight on the topic, Houseplant Myths and Misconceptions, as well as leading a Build a Plant Terrarium workshop.

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If you need some tips on container gardening, Pamela Dangelmaier and Elke Wehinger of Botanus Inc. will amaze you with their seminar. Amanda Jarrett of Amanda’s Garden Consulting Company will outline the Do’s and Don’ts of Growing in Containers. Catherine Karpman of From the Garden Shed will wow with her Four Seasons Container Gardening presentation. Tamara Litke of Seed to Song Gardens will share the secrets of Easy Natural Gardens: How to Create a Low Maintenance Yard.

The B.C. Home Show has lined up a stellar cast of speakers for this year’s gardening school, as well as top-notch exhibitors featuring a wide range of home- and garden-related products and trends. With spring just around the corner and with pandemic restrictions easing, don’t miss taking in this year’s Home and Garden Show. I’ll be at the show on Saturday, March 12, at 3 and 6 p.m. For the full schedule of events visit bchomeandgardenshow.com.

Hope to see you there.