Forget the layer of ice that’s still on the ground and get in the spirit of spring. After all, despite what Punxsutawney Phil saw, the season of gardening and home-improvement projects will be here before you know it. I’ve rounded up some of the best home and garden shows in Ohio, and while each offers something unique, they’re all known for one very important thing: inspiration. At each of the following shows you’ll find expert advice, new project ideas, innovative design and tips for going green. This year, get a head start on spring. It’s never too early to start planning for warmer days.
The Akron Home & Flower Show: Feb. 26–28
John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron, OH 44308
330/869-6800 • akronhomeandflowershow.com
In addition to 5,000 square feet of gardens and exhibits, guests will find an impressive schedule of seminars and an underlying theme of green consciousness — the EcoVillage provides info and tips for energy-saving projects, community gardens, green construction and more, and dozens of vendors will be on hand to showcase their “go-green” products.
The Dayton Home & Garden Show: Feb. 26–28
Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. 5th St., Dayton, OH 45402
800/215-1700 • daytonhomeandgardenshow.com
The show’s four primary areas — the Finer Outdoor Living showcase; the Interiors, Design & Floral showcase; the Home & Remodeling showcase; and the Lifestyle & Leisure Market — provide something to interest every homeowner and DIY enthusiast.
The Central Ohio Home & Garden Show: Feb. 26–March 7
Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th St., Columbus, OH 43221
614/461-5257 • dispatchevents.com
This popular show offers more than 400 exhibits, events and home-and-garden-related attractions, from workshops to cooking demonstrations and one-on-one talks with gardening experts. Kid’s Day, March 6, offers games and activities for your family’s youngest horticulturist.
On March 4 at 3:30, Ohio Magazine’s Editor and Publisher Richard Osborne makes an appearance at The Central Ohio Home & Garden Show. He’ll test your knowledge of all things Buckeye during “The Great Ohio Magazine Trivia Quiz.”
Orchid Mania: Feb. 27–March 28
Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
216/721-1600 • cbgarden.org
An event known for its showcase of new ideas in floral design, Orchid Mania is also a photographer’s paradise. Whether you’re an amateur or a seasoned pro, orchids provide beautiful photo ops. And the orchid vendor weekend, March 6–7, allows fans of the exotic flowers to purchase some of the ones they’ve seen on display.
The PRO Home & Garden Show: March 12–14
SeaGate Convention Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, OH 43604
419/471-0101 • thra.com/newhomegarden.aspx
Those looking to remodel or refresh their living space will find thousands of square feet worth of exhibits. Another big hit with guests? The show will raffle off a complete landscape makeover for one lucky homeowner to win.
Blooms & Butterflies: March 13–Sept. 6
Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203
614/645-8733 • fpconservatory.org
More than 100 species of butterflies from around the world will flutter through the Conservatory’s Pacific Island Water Garden during the event, which offers gardening enthusiasts unique tips for butterfly gardening.
The Southern Ohio Home & Garden Show: April 10–11
Ross County Fairgrounds, 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601
740/775-9570 • southernohiohomegarden.com
At this annual show, demonstrations and workshops abound, from quick and easy home-improvement projects to cooking demonstrations and a build-your-own herb garden class.
Cincinnati Zoo Blooms: April 1–30
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220
513/281-4700 • cincinnatizoo.org
Appropriately dubbed “Tulip Mania,” this show features more than 80,000 brightly colored tulips, in addition to more than one million Daffodils, flowering trees, shrubs and other spring bulbs.
The Cincinnati Flower Show: April 17–25
Symmes Township Park, 11600 Lebanon Rd., Symmes Township, OH 45140
513/872-5194 • cincyflowershow.com
The only North American flower show endorsed by Britain’s Royal Horticulture Society, the Queen City’s premier show features acre after acre of diverse gardens, a fine-food show and a schedule of expert lectures.
The Daffodil Show at Fellows Riverside Gardens: April 24–25
Fellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509
330/740-7116 • millcreekmetroparks.org
Showcasing the diversity of daffodils, this annual flower show features a variety of species and honors the Narcissus Rapture as the featured cultivar for 2010.
Antiques and Gardening at Bryn Du Mansion: May 14–16
Bryn Du Mansion, 537 Jones Rd., Granville, OH 43023
740/587-7053 • brynduantiques.com
The beautiful Bryn Du grounds spring to life with exhibits from more than 40 antiques and gardening dealers from across the region. The patios and porches will be lined with everything a gardening enthusiast needs, from garden and patio décor to plants and flowers.