May 4 column: Garden Expo
Here is a link to my column in today’s edition of The Spokesman-Review: Ideas, inspiration abound at Garden Expo. (you can also read my column below) This one’s all about Garden Expo , which is next Saturday, May 10th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What? You haven’t heard about Garden Expo? It is truly the best garden show around, with plenty of plants and bulbs, garden services, free seminars and demonstrations, garden art and more.
Column:
by Susan Mulvihill
Do you enjoy gardening? Are you shopping for something special for mom? Are you looking for a fun activity? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you must go to Garden Expo on Saturday, May 10.
This annual free event, billed as “the show for gardeners put on by gardeners,” will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It takes place in and around Spokane Community College’s Lair Student Center. Refer to the information box for details.
The history of Garden Expo
It’s hard to believe this will be the 15th Garden Expo staged by the Inland Empire Gardeners. It has certainly become popular over the years. And so it should. The event features over 300 garden-related vendors who sell plants, products, services and craft items including garden art.
“Last year’s show had an attendance of over 30,000 people,” club president ViAnn Meyer said. She was excited to announce they’ll have more than 60 new vendors this year, including a maple nursery from California.
New vendors
In addition to Maples for All Seasons, there are other new plant exhibitors. They include two from Oregon, the Rogerson Clematis Collection and Little Prince Nursery.
The show is organized and run by volunteers from the garden club. Founded in 1994, it boasts over 400 members. They are a non-profit organization. Garden Expo is their most important community service event of the year.
They also put on the Spokane in Bloom garden tour each June. This year’s tour will be held on June 21. The club established the Garden of the Month contest, co-sponsored by Northwest Seed & Pet and The Spokesman-Review. The club meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. CenterPlace, located at 2426 N. Discovery Place in Spokane Valley, is the meeting venue.
I’ve been attending Garden Expo ever since its inception and always have a good time. I like to pick up unusual veggie seedlings, herb plants and lily bulbs. It’s fun to see what’s new and maybe pick up something decorative for my garden. Last year, I got an amazing deal on some nicely-constructed birdhouses.
In addition to the vendors, there will be garden clubs represented at the show. WSU/Spokane County Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening questions.
Throughout Saturday, there will be free seminars and demonstrations on a variety of garden topics. Refer to the schedules for each. Visit the Inland Empire Gardeners’ web site, www.tieg.org, for a list of vendors and other information.
Garden Expo details:
15th Annual Garden Expo
When: Sat. May 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Spokane Community College Lair Student Union building, 1810 N. Greene St.
Details: This event features more than 300 garden-related vendors, free seminars and demonstrations. Door prizes will be given away hourly. Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit www.tieg.org or call (509) 535-8434.
Schedule:
Plan your visit to Garden Expo around the talks you don’t want to miss.
Seminars
- 10 a.m. _ “Nature Inspired Gardening” with Jill Roche
- 11:30 a.m. _ “Cold Climate Clematis” with Linda Beutler
- 1 p.m. _ “Roses: Inspiration for Your Garden, Looking at Rose Gardens from Around the World” with Carol Newcomb
- 2:30 p.m. _ “Gardening Inspiration” with Phyllis Stephens
Demonstrations
- 10 a.m. _ “Making Your Pond Water Plants Look Their Best” with Diana Lynn Rehn
- 11 a.m. _ “Organic Cooking: Simple, Healthy, Natural” with Mandy O’Halloran
- Noon _ “The Honey Bees and Their Gardens” with Jim Miller
- 1 p.m. _ “Succulents Will Win You Over” with Rick Roening
- 2 p.m. _ “Biochar” with Philip Small