Finding Spring

It might be snowing outside but indoors you will find Home and Garden Expositions across the country and indeed even the world, one of the largest is the Manchester Flower & Garden Show in the UK. I started my expo going with the annual show in Fort Wayne, IN since it is less than an hours drive from home. Having been a participant in several shows as a guest speaker and exhibitor I know what it takes to put on a good display, especially those landscapers who go all out hauling in tons of soil, mulch, plants, pavers and segmented retaining walls, whew what a hassle. It takes months of planning just to get some plants that are blooming , so hats off to all of those who take the time to bring us some spring.

Next weekend the big flower show at the Navy Pier in Chicago takes place and later this month Indianapolis blooms with their annual event, I hope to make both those shows, only time will tell.
The predominant paver and block featured in Fort Wayne was Belgard which is manufactured in several locations in the Midwest. I have not used this product but I saw several unique colors and liked some of the paver textures and shapes as well , so you might see some installations later this summer.

A wide assortment of home improvement products, health care, entertainment and maintenance
services were available and vendors displayed their wares with creativity and enthusiasm. I bought some polymer beads in assorted colors which are mere specks until you add water which hydrates them into something like marbles, very colorful and even better when you add the little 100 hour led light that brings out the shine. Sweet to add to a vase of flowers. My other big purchase was a one of a kind flower pot hanger that holds up to a 12", 90 pound pot by the lip. I love the fact that the every day entrepreneur/inventor can still make and market a product through a venue like the home shows