Oct. 6, 2010 – There will be no shortage of flowers at Expo 2010 this year as several growers and designers will be on site showcasing their passion for flowers, and their desire to advance the industry through technology in addition to their artistic floral designs.
Oct. 6, 2010 – There will be no shortage of flowers at Landscape Ontario’s Expo this year, as several growers and designers will be on site showcasing their passion for flowers and plants, and their desire to advance the industry through technology in addition to their artistic floral designs.
Albert Graves, artistic director, says his plant and flower growers are like heart specialists for the floriculture industry. They focus their greenhouses and skills on specific flower or plant varieties, growing them exclusively. This specialization allows for better quality control that results in larger blooms, more intense colours, enhanced fragrances and longer vase life. Growers invest millions of dollars, based on the long-term value of a particular breed of plant.
“We are encouraging the industry to use Expo 2010 as an opportunity to meet a large number of growers in one convenient place, to learn more about their unique products, that will improve a floral and garden retailer's profitability,” said Albert Graves. “Buyers will be inspired by the passion and enthusiasm of the growers, who are focused on innovation and plant improvement for increased sales.”
A wide variety of floral exhibitors will be at Expo 2010, several returning from previous years, including Cosmic Plants. “Last year we decided to exhibit at Expo, as most of our orchids are sold to garden centres and florists. It turned out to be one of the better shows we’ve participated in. This year we have a booth again with a beautiful display of orchids in different sizes, colours and possible upgrades,” said Mike van Steekelenburg of Cosmic Plants. “We look forward to meeting our customers and new contacts at Expo again this year! It is great to have a local show that caters to our segment of the market.”
Westbrook Floral Ltd, serving the floral industry for over fifty years, has increased the size of its exhibit to encompass an even broad scope of products. Innovation and setting trends is the focus of this state-of-the-art company for both the floral and garden industry. Retail customers rely on Westbrook for a selection of everyday and seasonal floral supplies, garden & indoor décor, potted blooming and tropical plants. The company will sponsor Environmental Design: Interior Plantscape Breakfast and Networking event taking place at 8 am on Wednesday, October 20th.
“We are very excited to participate in and welcome our customers to Expo 2010,” said William Ravensbergen. “We have focused on quality and service and built our business on the referrals of our satisfied customers. Ravensbergen is a name synonymous with quality and we are well known for our dependable service to garden centres and flower shops in southwestern Ontario. We carry a wide range of cut flowers and potted plants to help our customers fulfill their business goals.
The Ontario Flower Growers Co-operative will also be launching its new online auction service at Expo, allowing flower buyers the ability make purchases in real time.
“Visitors to Expo will discover how to access the flower auction live from the comfort of their home or office,” said Jouke Skypes, General Manager, Ontario Flower Growers Co-operative. “Demonstrations of the new technology of ‘home’ purchasing of product in real time will be done at our booth for visitors to explore.”
On October 19, visitors to the show's free Garden Party will see floral artists create masterpieces. Demonstrations of flower designs by Canadian Academy of Floral Art (CAFA) members will start at 4:00 p.m., with new CAFA members being inducted on the Green for Life stage at 7:00 p.m.
The design talents of students from the Conestoga College Canadian Institute of Floral Design will be another feature of Expo 2010.
A partial list of Floral Exhibitors at Expo 2010 follows:
Bayview Flowers, Booth 910
Casey Greenhouses Delhi Ltd., Booth 400 Aisle
Cosmic Plants Inc., Booth 771
Flowers Canada (Ontario) Inc., Booth 360
Great Lakes Floral Ltd., Booth 471
Highland Evergreen Supply Ltd, Booth 905
Hofland, Booth 473
John Slaman Greenhouses, Booth 400 Aisle
Lakeshore Inc., Booth 315
Niagara Economic Development Corporation, Booth 362
Ontario Flower Growers Cooperative Ltd., Booth 361
P Ravensbergen and Sons Ltd., Booth 870
United Floral Distributors Inc., Booth 531
Ultra Grow, Booth 400 Aisle
Van Geest Bros Limited, Booth 400 Aisle
Westbrook Floral Ltd., Booths 642 & 645
Woodhill Greenhouses Inc., Booth 400 Aisle
Admission to Expo 2010 is $15 for Landscape Ontario members or $20 for non-members. The three education programs being offered are ticketed events that are individually priced. Visit www.loexpo.ca to register online and for information on the symposiums and pricing.
Mark your calendar for the 11th edition of Expo:
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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