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Expo 2012 spotlights container gardening

Sept. 20, 2012, Toronto — Prepare to be inspired by Landscape Ontario’s Expo 2012. The annual show will identify emerging trends and showcase the next big thing for home gardens.

According to Landscape Ontario’s garden sector group and Flowers Canada Retail, the hottest trend heading into 2013 continues to be container gardening. Garden centres and florists, stocked with colourful containers designed to complement traditional gardens, can inspire customers to expand their growing space and beautify indoor and outdoor living spaces.

“Our vendors and leading industry buyers have seen consistent growth in the popularity of container gardening, and that is expected to remain strong through the fall, into the Christmas season and through to next spring,” said Heather MacRae, director of events and trade shows with Landscape Ontario. “Containers allow people to make a garden in practically any space they have available. Containers can be used to design stunning floral arrangements, provide dramatic displays of floral and ornamental plants, including fruits, vegetables and herbs.”

Attendees at this year’s show can also have their creativity sparked by container demonstrations, taking place daily in the Destination Inspiration Theatre.

• From 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Oct. 17 and 18, Neville MacKay (My Mother’s Bloomers) will direct two designers as they go head-to-head to arrange beautiful seasonal urns – one a container arrangement and the other fresh cut florals.
• Trom 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Oct. 17 and 18, Jill Jensen (Jill Jensen Botanicals) and Sue Blaney (Lechuza Canada) will demonstrate how container and plant combinations can enhance and increase he value of plant installation with stylish and innovative ideas.

“Container gardening appeals to gardeners of all skill levels,” said MacRae. “Many retailers are selling container gardens that are already put together, making it easy for customers new to gardening. Skilled gardeners, who prefer to build their own containers gardens, will find garden centres well stocked with new varieties on display at Expo 2012. Retailers who want to profit from this hot industry trend are invited to attend Expo 2012.”

Expo 2012 runs Oct. 17 and 18 at the Toronto Congress Centre, North Building.