'Breath of Spring': 2007 Lawn and Garden Show

The three-day 2007 Lawn and Garden Show opens Feb. 16 in the E*Plex at the Missouri Entertainment & Event Center, featuring 104 exhibitors offering everything from flowers, plants, trees and seeds to power and manual tools and equipment, water gardens, fountains, garden decor, lawn and garden services, special seminars and an abundance of expert advice.

“It’s a real nice breath of spring,” said Nikki Pettit, Wickman’s Garden Village nursery manager. Petitt plans to display greenhouse-grown bedding plants, garden tools, bistro sets, statuary, new garden gift items, and a new line of Chinese and Vietnamese pottery.

Now in its 17th year, the show draws some 15,000 visitors yearly, said Mary Quinn, fairground exhibits director.

“Our theme is one-stop shopping. Instead of going five different places to compare products and services, you can find what you want in one place,” Quinn said.

Dealing with storm damage

Many attendees may be dealing with the aftermath of the ice storm, and Kevin Harrel, certified arborist and owner of ArborCare of the Ozarks, is prepared to offer advice during the show on tree care, choosing a tree care company and identifying hazard trees.

“What we’re seeing right now is almost a panic with how people are responding to their damaged trees,” he said. “There are a lot of trees being removed that don’t have to be. People don’t have to make a rush decision on their tree work unless they’re faced with an imminent hazard.”

Linda Siler, Springfield Watergarden Society president, will present a seminar on water gardens (see list on page 21 and also give information on storm damage. “People had limbs go through their pond liners, knock out waterfalls and take out filtration systems,” she said. “There was a tremendous amount of damage. The ice storm affected everybody.”

Terry Ragsdale, power equipment sales manager for Race Brothers Farm & Home Supply in Springfield, said his company, which also has stores in Monett and Carthage, will take to the show a range of chainsaws, riding and other power mowers, tillers, trimmers and blowers, featuring such brand names as Stihl, Husqvarna and Cub Cadet. “A year ago in January we sold 50 chainsaws. This January we sold 1,500,” he said.

New products, unique plants

Wild Birds Unlimited, known for its whimsical and colorful show displays, will feature bird and butterfly birdbaths, outdoor stained glass, solar-powered garden lights, garden gloves, garden flags and other items including “a lot of books about Missouri birds and other things,” said owner Joyce Kastler.

Maschino’s Manager Greg Nutting said the store will showcase new patio sets, exterior framed prints, paneled fabric screens, outdoor rugs and lights, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, dining sets, grill islands and charcoal, gas and electric grills at the show. “We’re also going to bring out some new accessories that just hit the market,” he said, “such as a metal palm tree with a hidden patio heater for cool nights and spray nozzles to provide a cooling mist on hot days.”

Hilltop Farm nursery near Ash Grove, famed for unusual perennial plants, will fill 600 square feet of exhibit space with what owner Oscar Cross says are “lots of different tropical things, houseplants, things that will do well in the house but can be planted outside, like rex begonias, exotic elephant ears, and orchids – just some interesting things that you don’t find in the big boxes.” Family and staff also will field questions, Cross said.

Tim Burrows, Carnahan-White Inc. metal arts manager, said the company will display items and photographs from its metal arts, fence, security and home theater divisions. “We’ll also have examples of railings and gates and other items that show our handiwork,” he said.

For Gaylord Moore, horticulture specialist with University of Missouri Extension, the show is an opportunity “to get out and get a jump-start on spring.” He and local master gardeners will present seminars on key garden topics and also be present to answer gardening questions.

“The Lawn & Garden Show has gotten bigger and better over the years,” Moore said. “I was at the very first one and I’ve seen it grow. I think the community is telling us this is what they like and this is what they want to see.”

Click here for the 2007 Lawn & Garden Show event details and seminar schedule