'The Big Show' returns to Cal Expo

This succulent planter was created by Kileen Alvidrez, a presenter

 at the show this weekend.

 (Photo courtesy Northern California Home & Landscape Expo)

Northern California Home & Landscape Expo features more than 1,000 vendors

By Debbie Arrington

The Big Show is back in town!

The 26th annual Northern California Home & Landscape Expo opens Friday at Cal Expo. Packed with more than 1,000 vendors, the three-day show is the state’s largest of its kind, annually attracting more than 30,000 patrons.

An annual highlight, the show includes four designer landscapes, each covering 1,000 square feet.

“These beautiful displays will feature some of the latest design trends and plant specimens to help inspire people in their own landscapes,” show coordinator Stefani Norville said.

That’s not easy in January, she added. “Landscaping is what’s lacking at other (winter) shows. Our show attracts the strongest group of that (category). We have one whole building that’s only landscape and garden, with companies also into garden (products) in other buildings and areas, too – there’s just so much! Plus we have pools, decks, patios, outdoor living products; it’s a lot!”

In addition, the show pairs two of Sacramento’s best known landscape design experts: Michael Glassman and Roberta Walker. For the first time, they’ll be paired in special workshops at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday as well as separate presentations.

“They’ve launched a new gardening podcast called ‘Digging Deep,’” Norville said. “Their workshop will be an insiders’ look at over 20 years in the industry. ... I definitely want to attend one of those!”

On the plant side, succulents continue to be the big trend. At 3 p.m Sunday, succulents expert Kileen Alvidrez will demonstrate how to plant and grow vertical succulent gardens. It’s one of several featured workshops. (For a full schedule, click on www.homeandlandscapeexpo.com.)

Another trend: Our backyards continue to evolve into living spaces primarily for people.

“The landscape designs are much more about creating environments like your living room,” Norville said. “They’re designed with company in mind, a space to relax and entertain (outdoors) – even in winter. We see that in all the landscape designs.”

Cal Expo is located at 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento. Show hours: noon-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $10, children 12 and under admitted free; seniors (62 and older), teachers, military, police and fire personnel, half price Friday.

Details and full list of seminars, workshops and vendors: www.homeandlandscapeexpo.com.