While winter is still here, gardeners should look ahead and plan for the region's upcoming growing season.
And they can at the 17th annual Horticultural Show on Jan. 21 at the Porter County Fairgrounds in Valparaiso.
"We're thrilled to have the show back," said LuAnn Troxel, the show's publicity chair. "We've lost two years," he said, referring to the suspension of the event due to the pandemic.
Troxel said the event will have many features and activities to engage the audience. The focus is on selling plants and horticultural products through presentations, demonstrations and seed exchanges. More than 120 suppliers participate in the exhibition.
"It's not too different from previous shows," he said, adding that they heard feedback from previous show attendees about what they enjoyed seeing at the event.
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Troxel said they are expecting a lot of people because a lot of people have become garden enthusiasts recently.
"A lot of people have been gardening during COVID," Troxel said. He added that people are also increasingly interested in creating "special places" at home, fueling the gardening boom.
Sponsored by the Porter County Master Growers Association, the garden show began with a seed exchange and has grown.
Even today, the seed exchange is a popular attraction at the fair. Event attendees will receive tickets that can be exchanged for seed packets.
"There is a lot of interest in trading and collecting seeds," Troxel said.
Speakers at the show will discuss Indiana Dune wildflowers, garden pollinators, ornamental shrubs and trees, succulents and more.
Hands-on demos include starting seeds, propagating plants, and more.
There will also be a garden photography and granite garden bench drawing competition. You can also buy used gardening books and magazines.
There will be a free playground for children. Susie's Cafe will also be selling food at the event.
