Showing posts with label johnson county home & garden show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label johnson county home & garden show. Show all posts

Jan 18, 2016

If you live in Kansas City and have never heard of Chef Jasper Mirabile, Jr., there is a good chance you have been living under a rock. Jasper, assisted by his nephew Jasper III (3J), heads up the kitchen at of Kansas City's most award-winning restaurant and Italian market, Marco Polo’s, located at 1201 West 103rd Street, in the Watts Mill Shopping Center.


The doors to this family-owned business opened 1954, as a small neighborhood Italian restaurant and bar by Jasper's grandfather, Leonardo Mirabile and his son, Jasper, for whom he named the restaurant. In 1984, Jasper. Jr. and his brother Leonard joined the family business. In his own style, Jasper creates dishes from his Sicilian background with heavy influences from Tuscany and the Piemomtese regions of Italy. Jasper attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Hotel and Restaurant School and Kansas State University. Additionally he has studied in Paris, Venice and Milano.

Mirabile is an acclaimed Chef who has made three guest Chef appearances at the James Beard House in New York. He has been featured in several major newspapers and magazines across the United States of America. Mirabile's other activities include; hosting a popular weekly radio show on KCMO 710, Live! From Jaspers Kitchen; Chairman of Slow Food Kansas City, Vice President - Midwest of Gruppo Ristoratori; and board member of The American Institute of Wine and Food Kansas City.  Additionally, Mirabile is The Wisconsin Cheese Chef Ambasadore author of two cookbooks and working on his third (entitled On The Cannoli Trail). He also creates recipes for many local and national companies such as Hen House Markets, American Italian Pasta Co., Wisconsin Milk Marketing, Farmland, Plugra Butter, Smart Chicken and Red Gold tomatoes.


Jasper's has made a name for itself for one of Kansas City's most popular dining attractions and received national attention as well. Zagat has given it the distinction of being one of America's top 25 Italian Restaurants and Travel & Leisure named it one of country’s top Italian Restaurants.  Jasper’s has the honor of being named one of the best restaurants in North America for 25 years in a row, while USA TODAY has rated it as one of the top 10 Italian Restaurants in America.

On Friday at 2 pm, attendees of the Johnson County Home + Garden Show will have the opportunity to watch one of the city’s most acclaimed and engaging chefs on the Main Stage by Ikea prepare several of the new winter items on the menu at Jaspers including Tuscan Ribolita Soup & a mulled wine, "Vin Brûlée" for a winter fireplace dinner. Delizioso!

Jan 16, 2016

We’re thrilled to have American Family Insurance sponsoring the Johnson County Home + Garden Show! American Family Insurance, along with their brand Ambassador Kathy Ireland, will share the latest safety tips and home decor trends. Check our blog frequently for more of American Family Insurance’s insights, or follow @amfam and @kchomeshows on Twitter to get the latest information!

Hanging Art Properly

The beauty of a painting or photograph can be lessened when it's not hung properly. It's important to be considerate when mounting art on your walls.



For more homeowner advice visit the American Family Insurance team in Booth 404 at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show. Learn how they can help you, your family, and home stay safe.

Sweepstakes Alert: When you're chatting with the American Family Insurance team at the show, don't forget to enter their sweepstakes. You could win a one-on-one consultation with Kathy Ireland and $15,000 in her home decor to reimagine your living space from American Family Insurance and Kathy Ireland World Wide. You can enter in Booth 404 or online atwww.amfam.com/homeshows.

Don't have tickets yet? Buy online and save $3! Click here to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

About American Family Insurance

Madison, Wis.– based American Family Insurance is the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company and ranks 358th on the Fortune 500 list. The company sells American Family-brand products, including auto, homeowners, life, business and farm/ranch insurance, through its exclusive agents in 19 states. American Family affiliates (The General,Homesite and AssureStart also provide options for consumers who want to manage their insurance matters directly over the Internet or by phone). Web:
www.amfam.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/amfam; Twitter: www.twitter.com/amfam, and Google+: plus.google.com/+amfam/

Jan 14, 2016

We’re thrilled to have American Family Insurance sponsoring the Johnson County Home + Garden Show! American Family Insurance, along with their brand Ambassador Kathy Ireland, will share the latest safety tips and home decor trends. Check our blog frequently for more of American Family Insurance’s insights, or follow @amfam and @kchomeshows on Twitter to get the latest information!

The Power of Decluttering

Be smart about where you store items in your kitchen. Think about how often you use something, and determine where it goes based on that frequency. The best kitchens aren't big, they're efficient.




For more homeowner advice visit the American Family Insurance team in Booth 404 at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show. Learn how they can help you, your family, and home stay safe.

Sweepstakes Alert: When you're chatting with the American Family Insurance team at the show, don't forget to enter their sweepstakes. You could win a one-on-one consultation with Kathy Ireland and $15,000 in her home decor to reimagine your living space from American Family Insurance and Kathy Ireland World Wide. You can enter in Booth 404 or online at www.amfam.com/homeshows.

Don't have tickets yet? Buy online and save $3! Click here to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

About American Family Insurance


Madison, Wis.– based American Family Insurance is the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company and ranks 358th on the Fortune 500 list. The company sells American Family-brand products, including auto, homeowners, life, business and farm/ranch insurance, through its exclusive agents in 19 states. American Family affiliates (The General, Homesite and AssureStart) also provide options for consumers who want to manage their insurance matters directly over the Internet or by phone. Web: www.amfam.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/amfam; Twitter: www.twitter.com/amfam; Google+: plus.google.com/+amfam/.
We’re thrilled to have American Family Insurance sponsoring the Johnson County Home + Garden Show! American Family Insurance, along with their brand Ambassador Kathy Ireland, will share the latest safety tips and home decor trends. Check our blog frequently for more of American Family Insurance’s insights, or follow @amfam and @kchomeshows on Twitter to get the latest information!

Keep Pests Out

It's important to make the right preparations to ensure your home is pest free and secure.



For more homeowner advice visit the American Family Insurance team in Booth 404 at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show. Learn how they can help you, your family, and home stay safe.

Don't have tickets yet? Buy online and save $3! Click here to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

Sweepstakes Alert: When you're chatting with the American Family Insurance team at the show, don't forget to enter their sweepstakes. You could win a one-on-one consultation with Kathy Ireland and $15,000 in her home decor to reimagine your living space from American Family Insurance and Kathy Ireland World Wide. You can enter in Booth 404 or online at www.amfam.com/homeshows.

About American Family Insurance

Madison, Wis.– based American Family Insurance is the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company and ranks 358th on the Fortune 500 list. The company sells American Family-brand products, including auto, homeowners, life, business and farm/ranch insurance, through its exclusive agents in 19 states. American Family affiliates (The GeneralHomesite and AssureStart) also provide options for consumers who want to manage their insurance matters directly over the Internet or by phone. Web: www.amfam.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/amfamTwitter: www.twitter.com/amfam; Google+: plus.google.com/+amfam/.


Jan 11, 2016

We’re thrilled to have American Family Insurance sponsoring the Johnson County Home + Garden Show! American Family Insurance, along with their brand Ambassador Kathy Ireland, will share the latest safety tips and home decor trends. Check our blog frequently for more of American Family Insurance’s insights, or follow @amfam and @kchomeshows on Twitter to get the latest information!

Keeping Your Family Safe

Instead of blindly answering the door to visitors, stay informed and prepared with RING™ - the video doorbell.



For more homeowner advice visit the American Family Insurance team in Booth 404 at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show. Learn how they can help you, your family, and home stay safe.

Don't have tickets yet? Buy online and save $3! Click here to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

About American Family Insurance


Madison, Wis.– based American Family Insurance is the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company and ranks 358th on the Fortune 500 list. The company sells American Family-brand products, including auto, homeowners, life, business and farm/ranch insurance, through its exclusive agents in 19 states. American Family affiliates (The General, Homesite and AssureStart) also provide options for consumers who want to manage their insurance matters directly over the Internet or by phone. Web: www.amfam.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/amfam; Twitter: www.twitter.com/amfam; Google+: plus.google.com/+amfam/.


Feb 20, 2015

Kelly Acock has been in the event and floral design arena for over 11 years, owning and operating a local Kansas City floral and event design firm, the Monarch Flower Company. She is a published writer, educator, speaker, and designer. Kelly has taught national webinars, been featured in several books by Mary Carol Garrity of Nell Hills, Florist Review, and the Kansas City Star. She is also a Creative Contributor to EA Bride Magazine. Kelly is one of the most creative and accomplished event and floral designers in the industry, and we're thrilled to have her joining us at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show.


Part of what makes Kelly one of the most sought after speakers and designers is her overall floral philosophy. She is the creator of reEVENT - the ecoCHIC movement for reUSE, rePURPORSE, and reDESIGNING Special Events. So what exactly is reEVENT and how does that translate to home decor?

"Kindly think before you toss," explains Kelly. "It's not trash if there's a use. Vases from Tabasco and old spice jars, doilies from flea markets, and wood slices from a fallen tree - these are all items that can be utilized in home decor!"


For 2015 Kelly has decided to make not one, but ten resolutions and invites you to pick at least one or two and join her ecoCHIC movement. Check them out below.

  1. Recycle more.
  2. rePURCHASE more recycled, upcycled, and all-natural items.
  3. reEVALUATE - don't purchase anything new unless it has multiple functions and uses.
  4. reINVENT - be creative with what you already own.
  5. reBOOST - support more local businesses, especially those who recycle.
  6. reUSE - think before throwing things in the trash...can this item be recycled, upcycled, or donated?
  7. reWORK - hand make more gifts this year.
  8. reTHINK - shop Goodwill and other city thrift stores before going elsewhere...the savings are phenomenal and the money goes to a good cause.
  9. reSTITCH unused clothing into other functional items such as pillows, kitchen towels, napkins, material flowers, etc.
  10. reCLAIM - don't let it go to the dump. Salvage items from dumpster and the curb to lessen trash in our landfills.
Be sure to see Kelly on the Main Stage, presented by IKEA, at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show. She'll be speaking on Friday, February 20th at 12pm and Saturday, February 21st at 11:30am and 7pm.

The Johnson County Home + Garden Show takes over the Overland Park Convention Center February 20 - 22, 2015. With local and national home and garden celebrities and experts as well as hundreds of exhibitors ready to help you with your next home improvement project, this is one can't-miss event. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and bring a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you this weekend!

FEBRUARY 20 - 22, 2015.
OVERLAND PARK CONVENTION CENTER



Feb 19, 2015

You might get a little giddy when you see John Gidding at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show. The host of HGTV's Designed to Sell, Curb Appeal, and Curb Appeal: The Block, has beauty and brains - completing his under-graduate degree at Yale and his post-graduate degree at Harvard, and working as a model for Gucci, Armani, and Hugo Boss, (among several other major fashion houses).


John's very impressive resume allows him to pick and choose his projects. Outside of his design and television work, John contributes his presence on the podium to many charitable causes. We're thrilled to have John joining us at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show. See him on stage Friday, February 20th at 6pm and Saturday, February 21st at 12pm and 3pm to get great ideas for updating your home's exterior decor without breaking the bank. John will share his unique and innovative ideas with guests, so they can freshen up their space just in time for spring.

The Johnson County Home + Garden Show takes over the Overland Park Convention Center February 20 - 22, 2015. Featuring home, garden, and lifestyle celebrities like John Gidding and Project Runway contestant Christopher Straub, as well as hundreds of exhibitors ready to help you with your latest home improvement project, this is one can't-miss event!

Don't have tickets yet? Buy them early to avoid box office lines and get the best deals! Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on our Facebook Ticket Deals. Treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

FEBRUARY 20 - 22, 2015.
OVERLAND PARK CONVENTION CENTER 


Feb 18, 2015

Can you believe the Johnson County Home + Garden Show starts this Friday? One of Kansas City's premier home and garden events takes over the Overland Park Convention Center February 20 - 22, 2015. Featuring national celebrities, local experts, and hundreds of exhibitors ready to help you with your next home improvement project, there's a lot happening at the show. To help you prepare for your visit this weekend we've compiled a list of the top 5 things to see and do at the show. Check it out below and get ready to have a blast at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show!

1. John Gidding - The internationally renowned architect and host of HGTV's Designed to Sell and Curb Appeal: The Block has it all: beauty and brains. A Harvard and Yale alumnus, model for Gucci and Hugo Boss, John is coming to the show to teach homeowners how to spruce up their space for spring - without breaking the bank. Don't miss this home improvement hunk. John takes the Main Stage, presented by IKEA, on Friday and Saturday.


2. Christopher Straub - After winning America's heart as the fan favorite on Bravo's Project Runway, Christopher Straub continues to create compelling fashion and designs, working with Target and Yoplait. Catch this Minnesota-born trendsetter at the show on Friday and Saturday.


3. Leanne Lee - The self-proclaimed Diva of DIY, Kansas City local, and Home + Garden Trendsetter of the Year will be teaching guests the intricacies of upcycling and how to dumpster dive like a pro. Join Leanne to get great ideas to help you stretch your home decor budget and create a gorgeous space for less.


4. Better Gnomes & Gardens - 12 local celebrities have agreed to take part in our Better Gnomes & Gardens feature. They'll each decorate a garden gnome which will be available for silent auction at the show. Bid on your favorite and get a unique piece for your garden and support children in need. All proceeds will benefit Sunflower House.

Christopher Straub decorated this one!

5. Kitchen Contest - Dreaming of a new kitchen? You're in luck! One lucky show attendee will win the IKEA Sektion Kitchen from the Main Stage. Should you win this awesome prize, valued at $12,000, not only will you be getting an almost brand-new kitchen, it'll be have been used by local and national celebrities - you can chop where they chopped! See contest details here.


Getting excited for the show? We sure are! And remember, this is just a brief list of the many features and activities happening at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show. Come to the Overland Park Convention Center February 20 - 22 to see all of the fantastic things we have in store for you! Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and bring a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

FEBRUARY 20 - 22, 2015.
OVERLAND PARK CONVENTION CENTER


Get ready to "defeet the stink" at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show! Visit the StinkBOSS booth to get the tools you need to curb unwanted foot odor in your home.

Before you see this exhibitor, learn what they'll be bringing to the show...

Name: Lamar Williams

Booth Number: 38

Describe your products:
"StinkBOSS™, the innovative shoe deodorizer uses nature's most powerful disinfectant ozone to kill bacteria and unhealthy problems like athlete's foot. This stink and odor destroying technology is designed to aid in drying, sanitizing, and deodorizing sweaty, nasty athletic gear and shoes. StinkBOSS™ is very easy to use - place your stinky shoes or athletic gear inside the enclosed container to soak in ozone air to permeate deep inside the pores, plus the surrounding area."

Will you have any show specials?
"Show special pricing $99.99"

Sounds like you can't afford to miss StinkBOSS™ at the show! With hundreds of home, garden, and lifestyle exhibitors ready to help you with your latest projects, the Johnson County Home + Garden Show is the place to be! Join us at the Overland Park Convention Center February 20 - 22, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and bring a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

FEBRUARY 20 - 22, 2015.
OVERLAND PARK CONVENTION CENTER


Feb 4, 2015

The Johnson County Home + Garden Show is this weekend and we couldn't be more excited! Beyond the hundreds of unique and valuable exhibitors that will fill the Overland Park Convention Center and the must-see features, including garden gnomes that have been decorated by local celebrities that will be auctioned off, the show has an amazing line-up of home and garden celebrities and experts. This includes local business owner, blogger, and media personality, Leanne Lee. Get to know Leanne a little better as she introduces herself and her unparalleled upcycling skills below!


Hi I'm Leanne Lee, Diva of DIY and 2015 Home + Garden Trendsetter of the Year, and I'm from right here in Kansas City! I won the title of Marketplace Events Trendsetter of the Year because I have a passion for transforming the world's discarded items into cherished possessions. My approach and ideas are simple - anyone can try them. And the best part is, I am more than happy to share the tools and techniques you need to start upcycling like a pro!

Okay, so I know not everyone out there is sold on the idea of upcycling - taking old products and giving them a new life. But, not only is it the hottest trend in home decor today, it also allows you to customize your style. When you upcycle you mix old with new and create a look you won't find in anyone else's home.

So where do you start? Thrift stores!

Keep an open mind. You will be amazed at what you find when you do. Often items that are donated are brand new. Someone bought a piece of furniture and just didn't know how to make it work for their home. That's a bonus for you because you can make it your own at a fraction of the original cost.

Remember to look past things that can be changed like fabric or paint, and focus on the shape and structure. If those features are there, pick it up and bring it home!


We have all seen the ugly, outdated 70s furniture that is sitting on the floor. It may be dirty and dingy, but look past that. Is the structure of the ottoman in good shape? Is that coffee table sturdy? How about the chairs, is their overall frame in good shape? If so, go ahead and take these pieces home with you. You can recover the ottoman with fabric to match your decor, sand and stain the coffee table, and create new-to-you chairs with paint, sanding, and stain - and don't forget that you can recover the seats!

It's important to remember that everything in the store was donated. Every once in a while you may run across an item that is really priced too high. When this happens, speak with a store manager in a caring manner and ask for a discount. Explain your reasoning behind it and they'll usually be understanding.

For more upcycling tips make sure to come see me at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show this weekend, February 20 - 22, at the Overland Park Convention Center. Don't forget to buy your tickets in advance to get the best deals and avoid box office lines. Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook - bring a friend or family member to the show, we can't wait to see you there!


FEBRUARY 20 - 22, 2015


Jan 20, 2015

We're thrilled to have Grass Pad Warehouse joining us at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show, February 20-22, at the Overland Park Convention Center.


Before you see the interesting exhibitor at the show, get to know them a little better in our interview below...

Name: Curtis Stillwell

Booth Number: 522

Describe your products:
"Grass Pad Warehouse is a retail/wholesale midwest distributor for turf sod, turf seed, fertilizer, and nursery stock."

What is your best home and garden tip?
"Grass seed sown now will germinate sooner than seed sown in April. Dormant seed early and avoid the muddy conditions from spring thaw and rains."

Do you have any show specials?
"Our most popular items at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show are our spring bulbs, tubers and bareroot plants."


What are your home and garden pet peeves?
"I will not walk over a frozen lawn. If you do, there will be brown footsteps in the spring."

Have you ever had any strange client requests?
"Once had a gentleman purchase 6 foot Colorado Blue Spruce. When he came to get it, he was in a convertible Chrysler LeBarron. I asked him when he wanted the tree and he just said 'put it in the front seat'. He placed a wind breaker over the leather seat and we put the 6 foot tall, 200lb+ tree in the front seat, and then he drove off."

What's your favorite part about the Johnson County Home + Garden Show?
"Seeing our customers after a long, cold winter. It's a nice appetizer before the spring season hits us."

Anything else you think we should know?
"We have five convenient locations surrounding Kansas City, and one location in Omaha Nebraska."

Don't miss Grass Pad Warehouse at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show. The event takes over the Overland Park Convention Center February 20-22, 2015. Make sure you buy tickets early to get the best prices! Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on our Facebook Ticket Deals.

FEBRUARY 20 - 22, 2015.
OVERLAND PARK CONVENTION CENTER



Feb 21, 2014

As a trained expert in all things garden-related, Kimberly Lacy, star of HGTV's Curb Appeal, knows that to get the best results, you need the best tools! To help you get your lawn ready this spring, Kimberly, DRAMM and 3M are giving away an awesome outdoor gift basket worth $500! The giveaway ends March 2, 2014, so enter now!
CLICK HERE & FILL OUT THE FORM TO ENTER!




In the gift basket, you'll find:

  • A set of DRAMM gardening tools ($170 value)
    (pictured at right)
  • Two pairs of safety glasses, one tinted, one clear ($30 value)
  • Two N95 respirators ($16.99 value)
  • 3M Silicone Caulking ($9 value)
  • 3M Patch Plus Primer wall repair ($11 value)
  • Scotch-Blue Exterior Masking Tape ($9 value)


Don’t miss Kimberly Lacy at our
Johnson County Home & Garden Show (Feb. 28 - March 2)!


FOR 2-FOR-1 TICKETS TO THE SHOW CLICK HERE & SAVE!



Feb 19, 2014

DIY Network's Alison Victoria will be "crashing" the Johnson County Home & Garden Show in just a couple weeks, appearing live onstage Saturday and Sunday only, March 1-2, 2014.

As the first female host of Kitchen Crashers, Alison surprises homeowners around the country with incredible kitchen redesigns completed in just three days. In 2007, she launched her own line of modern luxury furniture, AVC, that takes the concept of contemporary glamour to a whole new level.


Get to Know Alison Victoria

What three items do you always keep in your tool purse?

Tape measure and a big makeup bag (I do all my own makeup for the show).

What was your first job?

Sandwich artist at subway. My favorite sandwich was crab meat.

How were you discovered?

I was a designer in Chicago and got a random call for a pilot show and that is what started all the fun.

What famous figure inspires your career?

Bethany Frankel. I like her honesty, humility and that she gets to do what she loves.

Describe your design style in five words or fewer.

Eclectic, clean lines, texture, bold prints and color.

What was your first ever DIY project?

Painted my friend's furniture in her bedroom when I was 9 years old.

What design/gardening trend or item are you coveting this season?

Down draft by Jenn Air.

What is your room in your home and why?

My office. It is my sanctuary and has all the things that I love. A big comfy reading chair and a lot of photos.

The last item you bought or crafted for your home?

A chair that I designed for a charity event. It is in my walk-in closet.

What's your personal mantra?

Feel the fear, have doubts and then just go for it.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Remembering to lead with respect and helping my contracts to be part of the team.

What is your favorite design or garden-related phone app?

Benjamin Moore app.

What is your favorite organizational tip?

Everything needs to have a place or home; it creates calm.

What is your design or gardening pet peeve?

When people get too trendy in their design.

Don’t miss Alison Victoria at our
Johnson County Home & Garden Show (Feb. 28 - March 2)!
FOR 2-FOR-1 TICKETS TO THE SHOW CLICK HERE & SAVE!

Feb 17, 2014

Water gardening is a fun, creative way to beautify your backyard and create a tranquil oasis just outside your door. If you've ever wanted to learn how to cultivate one of these gorgeous gardens or if you just enjoy the view, don't miss the Water Garden Society of Greater Kansas City (WGSGKC)at the Johnson County Home & Garden Show Feb. 28 - March 2, 2014. They'll be sharing some truly stunning water garden displays as well as their best tips for how you can get started.

Photo Courtesy of WGSGKC.
Why should someone stop by and see you at the show?

Our booth is always exciting and fresh. This year, we have collected old instruments and items and made them into yard art and water features. We are also giving people ideas for what you can do with items you already have or can pick up pre-owned. From a simple guitar with just some bright poles to using a piano as a main water attraction, you can see how to do it at our booth!

Photo Courtesy of WGSGKC.
What is the most important trend this year and for spring?

What we are seeing from all the lawn-related sources are bright colors; from bright stools to bright metal art to hang on your fences. We are also seeing a lot of these chickens, ducks and owls. We have even seen fairy chicken coops at many stores. Repurposing items to use in new ways seems to be a big trend. At our booth, you'll see us getting a lot of use out of old instruments and even old iron baby cribs.

Photo Courtesy of WGSGKC.
If someone wants to set up a water garden in their yard, what are the considerations?

The first step is for them to decide if they are doing it themselves or having a contractor do it for them. Secondly, they need to take into consideration what size and type of yard they have. Do they want to have a waterfall and no pond, or a pond made mostly for fish and plants? What are the city regulations on having a pond? Find a club or society and learn from seminars and lectures. A little research on the front end may make your water gardening experience a much better one overall.

What is essential water garden maintenance?

A water garden is an ecosystem. If set up with the right balance of water flow, fish and plants it can be relatively easy to maintain. If set up with too much of one thing (and that one thing could be the sun), you may have a big algae problem. With modern technology, ponds are a lot easier to manage, from using ultraviolet lights to ion-mates or ion-gens that produce small amounts of copper. They both help in controlling algae. When you join WGSGKC, you'll receive a terrific handbook that gives all kinds of troubleshooting hints.

In your opinion, what are the most essential gardening tools?

In water gardening, a good net is going to save you a lot of time. In the autumn when the leaves start to fall, a cover net will keep them out of your water and pumps. This prevents a large fall cleanup to stabilize the water quality. A skimmer net is also nice because it gives you the ability to remove floating debris without having to actually step into your pond.

Describe our Home Show in one word.

Refreshing!

FOR 2-FOR-1 TICKETS TO THE SHOW CLICK HERE & SAVE!


Feb 7, 2014

Kimberly Lacy has been sharing her practical painting and landscaping tips and techniques with a worldwide audience every week as project manager on HGTV's Curb Appeal. Now she's ready to share her best tips with you live at the Johnson County Home & Garden Show Feb. 28 - March 1, 2014.

Photo Courtesy of Kimberly Lacy
If you can't wait to see her in person, check out a few of her tips below. Just make sure you don't get kicked to the curb!

Why should someone stop by and see you at the show?

People should come check me out at the show simply for inspiration. I am going to provide tips, industry insight and information on how to get projects completed that may otherwise be very daunting and therefore a task that the average homeowner won't tackle.

What is the most important trend this year and for spring?

The most important trend in 2014, both for interiors and exteriors, is the use of bold colors and contemporary color palettes.

If someone wanted to make one change to their home or garden this year, what should it be?

Overall cleanliness to the interior and exterior. Clean interior and exterior windows. Clean all cobwebs on the exterior, wash the house down and clean out flower beds.

When planning a new garden space, what is the most important first step?

Actually planning the size of the space you're going to plant and doing research on what plants will work well in your garden or flower beds before taking a shovel and digging any dirt.

Photo Courtesy of Kimberly Lacy
Name five major DIY landscaping or gardening tips that anyone could take advantage of now.

Pull dead or very old plants out of your flower bed, cut back perennials, transplant plants and bulbs to your desired space, lay mulch and sow seeds inside where it's warm and well lit.

Photo Courtesy of Kimberly Lacy
In your opinion, what are the most essential gardening tools?

The most essential gardening tools are faith that your plants are going to grow, loppers, pruners, a pair of gloves and a shovel.

Photo Courtesy of Kimberly Lacy
Describe our Home Show in one word.

Informative!


Don’t miss Kimberly Lacy at our Johnson County Home & Garden Show (Feb. 28 - March 2)!
FOR 2-FOR-1 TICKETS TO THE SHOW CLICK HERE & SAVE!



Jan 24, 2014

Gardening doesn't have to be a chore  in fact, planting and caring for flowers, vegetables, fruits and trees can be incredibly fun and rewarding. Dennis Patton, horticulture agent at Kansas State University Research and Extension feels that gardening should be both enjoyable and entertaining. Named by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents as one of the top columnists in the nation for 2010-11 and a regular contributor to KC Gardener Magazine, Patton enjoys sharing expert tips, no-nonsense advice and glints of humor with the world.

Photo: Kansas State University
You'll be able to hear him speak about picking and maintaining the right trees and visit his booth at the Johnson County Home & Garden Show on Feb. 28 - March 2, 2014 at the Overland Park Convention Center, but first, check out some of the nuggets of gardening wisdom he shared with us below.

Why should someone stop by and see you at the show?

Our booth, Johnson County K-State Extension Master Gardeners is a fun booth that does not sell a product. Instead, it promotes the joy of gardening. This year's booth will feature herbs. We are hoping to have many fresh herbs on display which can be grown in the home landscape and then used in cooking and other uses.

What is the most important trend this year and for spring?

Color, adding more color to the landscape and decorative containers that are easy to care for all year.

Photo: Kansas State University
If someone wanted to make one change to their home or garden this year, what should it be?

Concentrate more on the fun, enjoyment and benefits of planting and growing, not the concept of hard work.

When planning a new garden space, what is the most important first step?

Determine your wants. What do you want from the space? Go there. Don't concentrate on plants, but your lifestyle and how to make the space work for you.

Name 5 major DIY organic gardening tips that anyone could take advantage of right now.

1. Right plant, right place. Healthy plants have fewer problems.
2. Grow good roots and the top takes care of itself.
3. Keep weeds at bay.
4. Properly space plants for good air circulation.
5. Do not worry about the bugs, as most are beneficial and tolerate a little damage. Share.

In your opinion, what are the most essential gardening tools?

A garden trowel, kitchen knife and pruning shears.

Describe our Home Show in one word.

Dreamland!

Don’t miss Dennis Patton at our Johnson County Home & Garden Show (Feb. 28 - March 2)!

FOR 2-FOR-1 TICKETS TO THE SHOW CLICK HERE & SAVE!