A promise of spring in a winter-weary world
By Thea Steinmetz
Insights
Published Feb. 3, 2010

The confusion regarding the multiple garden shows continues. The two dueling shows are scheduled within a week of one another, leaving all interested parties in a state of bewilderment. Which one is the long-established one, and which one is the new kid on the block?

The name of the new show is a bit long. Too long to have it run off the tongue easily. The Great Big Home and Garden Expo has the space, 503,000 square feet to be exact, at the I-X Center to call it whatever great and big stands for. The original Home and Garden Show in Euclid at the new Great Lakes Expo Center is a scaled-down version, 216,000 square feet, of what that show used to be when it called the I-X Center its home.

Solon-based Market Place Events is the producer of this new show. The company is a sizeable show producer covering 18 markets in the U.S. and Canada. It is its first such show in the Cleveland area

Originally, when the show was produced downtown, the model homes always were an anticipated feature. With a nod to the past, this year’s show has three custom-built homes to visit. Bob Schmitt Homes, Cleveland Contract Group and CMJ Development will have the doors to their houses open. The professionally designed interior of the three homes will be executed by Villa Collection Design.

The show promises appearances by a stable of recognized people in the home and decorating field. For instance, the popular television home rebuilding star Ty Pennington is featured prominently in the ads as the official spokesman of the show. However, he will only be here on Saturday, Feb. 13 for two appearances. Fans of his must keep this date in mind or miss him.

Here is a schedule of well-known television personalities to appear at the show on the celebrity stage: Christopher Lowell – Feb. 6, Cheryl Tiegs – Feb. 6, Jean-Michael Gauvreau, Feb. 6-8, Matt Fox and Shari Hiller – Feb. 6 and 7, Ty Pennington – Feb. 13.

Fox and Hiller were seen on 350 Room by Room episodes on one of the earliest HGTV decorating shows. Currently, they are in production for their new PBS program called HomEconomics. The show deals with projects that are good for you, the home and your budget. Both are Westshore residents and enjoy a loyal following.

There are 21 gardens on the schedule, and that by itself raises hopes for inspiration. Only a few of the landscape designers and landscapers are a repeat from previous shows.

Numerous new businesses will bring their own design philosophy to the event. Getting motivating ideas and finding clever schemes that can be incorporated in backyards without needing deep pockets are the main reasons why so many flock to these types of shows.

Decks, walks, patios and outdoor kitchens add to the promise of an oasis and greater use of outdoor living spaces. In recent years, waterfalls and ponds have found favor with gardeners. Do-it-yourself projects often are better than what landscape designers create. Cost is a big factor here. Ideas garnered at a show can lead to a spectacular showpiece built by skillful homeowners. The flowing water attracts the senses, and with fish added, a living element adds to the gardening pleasure.

The design layout of the gardens is completely different from what was offered in past years. The theatrically-lit spaces showcase the song-inspired gardens.

The Home Depot Outdoor Living Pavilion will feature colorful interactive gardens, incorporating features from Home Depot that are available to homeowners.

The exhibitor list seems endless, and for this reason, good walking shoes are recommended. The giveaways are always a popular feature. If anyone has a 2011 wedding in his or her future, by all means find out how to participate in this promotion. The Oasis Sunroom winner has a pleasant addition to their dwelling ahead. With televisions and other promotional giveaways, there are chances to come away with some riches.

Looking for a place to visit to chase the winter blues away but can’t manage to fly to Florida or bask in the warmth of Arizona? Escape for a few carefree hours and visit the Great Big Home and Garden Expo. Then you can convince yourself that this year your own garden will be the envy of the neighborhood.