What began as a small seed and bulb exchange has bloomed into a much bigger event that includes what could be one of the country’s largest seed and bulb exchanges.
Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service and the Porter County Master Gardeners Association present the 15th Annual Gardening Show on Jan. 27 at Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso.
“We were looking for some way to educate people about seeds and seed starting,” said Maureen Phillips, chair of Porter County Master Gardeners Association’s publicity and promotion committee.
“We noticed that there weren’t very many on-site seed and bulb exchanges, though they were very popular in Canada. We taught people to save seeds, package them and bring them to the show to exchange them for others that their friends and neighbors supplied.”
The show’s goal is to have 10,000 packets of seed and an assortment of approximately 700 bulbs.
“People essentially source all of their vegetable and herb seeds for their garden the following summer,” said Phillips, of Porter.
“We also have people who are master gardeners who have demonstration gardens. They bring seeds and bulbs to trade. Then they go home with new things they will use in the spring when they plant their demonstration gardens.”
The show features much more than the seed and bulb exchange.
“We looked at broadening the appeal of the show and decided to address gardening in general,” said Phillips, who noted that the show has grown to include speakers, demonstrations, vendors and information about how to garden.
Presentations by national, regional and local gardening speakers include the keynote titled “Garden Renovations for Any Size Landscape — Affordable & Attractive Solutions to Enhance Any Garden” by Melinda Myers.
“She is a well-known national persona in the garden world and does nationally syndicated columns and radio and TV programs,” Phillips said.
New this year is Kathy Cunningham from Moody Blooms in Portage presenting a fresh floral design demonstration area where participants can create make-and-take arrangements for an additional cost.
“There will be five people to help folks design. They can choose from three different designs and choose flowers that they want to use in their design. Then they can take the design home,” said Phillips, who has been involved with the show since its inception.
The event is chaired by Hanna resident LuAnn Troxel and features the theme “Renovate! Repurpose! Revitalize!” More than 100 vendors and exhibitors of products and services for and about gardens and gardening are expected for the show.
“We have fresh live plants as well as seeds and bulbs. We also have garden art and various other things that people can use in their homes as well as their gardens,” said Phillips, a Purdue advanced master gardener.
“If you look at the Purdue Master Gardener Program our reason to be is to provide what Purdue calls knowledge to go, which means that we make the best research on horticulture available to the citizens of Porter County.”
There are approximately 125 members of the Porter County Master Gardeners Association including Hebron, Ogden Dunes, Portage and Wheeler residents as well as some residents from Lake and LaPorte counties who choose to affiliate with the Valparaiso-based group.
The 15th Annual Gardening Show also features a children’s educational activity corner, gently used gardening books and magazines, used-but-useful gardening items, and dining service from Suzie’s Cafe & Catering, of Valparaiso, and Tate’s Place, of Portage.
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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15th Annual Gardening Show
When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 27
Where: Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso
Admission: $10 adults; free ages younger than 12
Information: 219-465-3555; www.pcgarden.info