Let’s be fair, I had absolutely no interest in the “home” part of the show. I came for “garden” and it was a bit of a tough sell considering I was just at the greatest garden show on earth! That being said, there were a few things that I loved at the BC Home and Garden Show that I didn’t get to see at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show.
Hits
Western Independent Greenhouses
If you haven’t been to W.I.G., GO! Well, you will have to wait for them to open for the year, but when they do…GO! They have the most amazing succulents and their container displays are second to none.
Clean Line Garden Design
There was some beautiful landscaping on display like this design inspired by a recent trip to Bali.
And these fabulous concrete and wood benches. I love the look of them but for my own home I definitely prefer the comfort of a hammock!
Harmony with the Hardscaping
There were a number of displays that showcased a strong focus on planting unique parts of the hardscape. I thought the balance of softening up various structures–like these stone steps–added interest and harmony.
Fire & Water
There were fire features galore at the show but none got the official “awesome” rating from Mr. Garden Therapy except this one. A gas fire line coming up through an outdoor pond. Yeah, that’s pretty cool.
Misses
Fake Snow
Ugh. I saw this for the first time at the nurseries this winter. Someone is smothering live plants with fake snow! It must be stopped people. Talk about Crimes Against Horticulture.
Fake Lawn
I have a friend who had this horrible plastic fake lawn installed a few houses down from her. She moved. OK, so it wasn’t the only factor in the decision, but talk about a neighbourhood on the decline. You don’t want to deal with high maintenance grass? No problem…there is a miriad of alternative lawn replacement options that don’t involve sheets of hairy green plastic. Friends don’t let friends install fake lawns.
Crap Vendors
The biggest miss of the show was the abhorrent winding pathway through crap vendors to get to the show floor. I mean this cattle herding experience took me by seemingly endless booths with microphone-wearing sales people trying to draw you in to buy the latest junk. Sure, some people love that stuff, but I felt like I was living a late night infomercial nightmare and couldn’t escape. I feel bad for the legitimate vendors selling quality products who had to get lumped in with the crap. Without a headset or a “special show offer” they just may not have been able to break through the masses of clutter of chip bag clips, nail art, and jewelry cleaners.
So what do you think? Did you go to the show and find what you were looking for?
Hi Stephanie, I never made it to this one. I lost interest in BC’s Home and Garden show for the very reasons you stated above….it’s too much to pay to watch demo’s of Sham-Wow, lol. I’m not a fan of turf for a ton of reasons…..but the astro turf is an abomination! What’s next plastic tree’s? Thanks for sharing, I can now be rest assured that I didn’t miss anything again this year :)
Hi Shelley, yes, it was disappointing overall. I’m glad that my tickets were free and don’t plan to return. It’s too bad that it was turned into a carnival of Sham-Wows (good one!). I’m not sure that the vendors nor the visitors get any real value. Such a contrast to the show I was at the day before in Seattle.
I’ve seen the fake turf before, but this year the trees covered in fake snow really got to me. It seems like tree abuse!
Love it! Thank you for presenting fresh ideas! And the succulents. These are always a big hit in our nursery.
Some great photos and yes, I’m sucker for succulents.
I went to Bali last year,and they have the most amazing landscaping designs in the world. Love it there.
Thanks for sharing many wonderful photos right here.
Keep it coming.
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