From backyard BBQs and movie nights to lavish patio dinners, Home & Garden Show has it all

Allison Ward, The Columbus Dispatch
·4 min read
At the 2021 Home & Garden Show, Oakland Nurseries' Rustic Spring Getaway garden has an outdoor-seating area with extensive plantings and a waterfall.
At the 2021 Home & Garden Show, Oakland Nurseries' Rustic Spring Getaway garden has an outdoor-seating area with extensive plantings and a waterfall.

With all the snowy winter storms and cold weather the area has experienced the past few weeks, attending a garden party would sound pretty good to most central Ohioans.

Stephen Buzza said he has just place to visit.

As event director for The Spring Dispatch Home & Garden Show, which opens Saturday at the Ohio Expo Center, Buzza said people can walk through a backyard BBQ, a small wedding set in a garden or even a lavish patio dinner party as this year's theme for the garden area is Garden Party.

"For years and years since the creation of the show, the No. 1 reason people come to the show is to see the gardens," Buzza said. "What I decided is, let's promote them. I put a lot of pressure on the Columbus Landscape Association and told them I want the best gardens ever done in the 67 years of the show."

Eight landscape companies from throughout central Ohio will present their visions for the whimsical prompt that will be on display during the event, which runs daily (except Tuesday) through Feb. 27.

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Changes to show allow gardens to shine

And since they're the most popular part of the show, Buzza said organizers are paying special attention to them this year.

"We gave them more space than they've had in the past," Buzza said. "I'd love to see the gardens as a driver of attendance continue. We brought back the theatrical lighting — that was taken away years ago. This allows us to highlight certain plants in each garden. It provides an atmospheric feel that's been missing for some years."

The Five Seasons Landscape Management display at the 2021 Columbus Dispatch Home & Garden Show featured a cool hammock set in the garden and a custom-built pavilion.
The Five Seasons Landscape Management display at the 2021 Columbus Dispatch Home & Garden Show featured a cool hammock set in the garden and a custom-built pavilion.

Though the beautiful, colorful and meticulously planned scenes of horticulture feats will certainly steal the show, Buzza said there are many practical reasons for people to attend the show as well.

Not only can people get inspiration on how to beautify their homes inside and out, they can meet with professionals who can help them do it. More than 200 vendors will be on-site, ranging from HVAC experts to cabinetry carpenters and outdoor lighting companies.

"Our show suffered a bit when the internet began and people could search for a fencing company on their computer, but what we have over an internet connection is you can actually talk to the them," Buzza said. "You can talk to five gutter companies and pick one right on the spot."

Speakers, business owners and events to be offered

And he added that the owners of these businesses often man the booths so people can meet household names such as Mike Rosati of Rosati Windows.

Plus, there will be various speakers offering do-it-yourself tips, cooking demonstrations and other homeowner-specific discussions as well as a number of celebrity appearances.

"Pete the Cat" author Eric Litwin will be there Feb. 21, which is Presidents Day. Since children have the day off school for the holiday, Buzza said, they're making it more of a kid-centric day with presentations from COSI, a honeybee expert and Schmidt's Sausage Haus showing off how to make their famous cream puffs. (Teachers also get free admission Feb. 21.)

A wine expert will be on hand Feb. 25, accompanied by a wine tasting, to give attendees all the tips on throwing a great garden party.

With a lowered price of admission at only $8 (kids are free) — plus, discount coupons available at Lowe's — Buzza said it's a great event to get people looking forward to spring.

"Come down," Buzza said. "The gardens are gorgeous."

award@dispatch.com

@AllisonAWard

At a glance

The Spring Dispatch Home & Garden Show runs Saturday through Feb. 27 at the Ohio Expo Center, Interstate 71 and East 17th Avenue. (It is closed Tuesday, Feb. 22). Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., except Sundays, which are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Masks are strongly encouraged. Admission is $8, or $10 at door, and free for children. Discount coupons are available at Lowe's. Parking is $5. To buy tickets or more information, visit www.dispatchshows.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Dispatch Home & Garden Show champions Garden Party theme