Five things to look for at the State Fair Park Home & Garden Show

The Wisconsin State Fair Park will host the Home & Garden Show from March 24 to April 2.

Spring is quickly approaching. Visitors to Wisconsin State Fair Park can find gardening and outdoor inspiration just in time for the season.

The Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors’ annual Home & Garden Show opens Friday and runs through April 2 at the park’s Exposition Center.

People are taking on more home projects since the pandemic, especially in their backyards, according to Mike Ruzicka, president of GMAR.

“People are making investments in their homes. They’re spending significantly more time there. They’re decorating in a unique way “Ruzicka explained.

Guests can meet contractors and get ideas for their homes, both inside and out, at the show. Here are some of the exhibitors.

Flowers, greenery, and a succulent bar

Visitors to the Forrest Farms succulent bar can select decorative pots, succulents, mosses, and rocks.

Forrest Farms was founded last year by Jackie Bell and Danny Forrest, who used their spare bedroom to house their plants.

They’ll be teaching classes on how to care for and arrange succulents at this year’s show. For those with greener thumbs, Forrest Farms will also sell houseplants such as orchids, African violets, ferns, and palms.

Water features add interest to landscaping.

One of this year’s sponsors, Aquatica, created a “treasure beach” inside the Expo Center, complete with treasure chests, gold bricks, and a central waterfall.

“Water is the one thing that can bring your landscape to life,” owner Dean Pipito, also known as The Pondfather, said.

More homeowners wanted to transform their backyard spaces during the pandemic, according to Pipito. Aquatica installs water features that can withstand the harsh Wisconsin winters. The water features, according to Pipito, attract butterflies, dragonflies, and songbirds during the warmer months.

One of this year’s sponsors, Aquatica, created a “treasure beach” inside the Expo Center, complete with treasure chests, gold bricks, and a central waterfall.

“Water is the one thing that can bring your landscape to life,” owner Dean Pipito, also known as The Pondfather, said.

More homeowners wanted to transform their backyard spaces during the pandemic, according to Pipito. Aquatica installs water features that can withstand the harsh Wisconsin winters. The water features, according to Pipito, attract butterflies, dragonflies, and songbirds during the warmer months.

Food, drinks, and grilling, of course.
It’s almost grilling season as the weather warms up. Grilling enthusiasts can hone their skills at the show.

Midwest Grill’n’s Mad Dog and Merrill will be doing seven grilling demonstrations and handing out samples. The meat featured is all sourced locally, according to the duo.

There are also refreshments available at the show. A wine tasting bar is being hosted by PRP Wines.

A special pool display is one of the options for backyard entertainment.
Seven landscaping displays showcasing outdoor entertainment features are featured in the show. Visitors can look around at outdoor kitchens, bars, and fire pits. Loomis Landscaping created a pool specifically for the show.

Excel Custom Contractors will display its deck hub, which combines a fridge, stereo, and gas-fired fire pit.

Food, drinks, and grilling, of course.
It’s almost grilling season as the weather warms up. Grilling enthusiasts can hone their skills at the show.

Midwest Grill’n’s Mad Dog and Merrill will be doing seven grilling demonstrations and handing out samples. The meat featured is all sourced locally, according to the duo.