Garden and Landscape Expo Offers Respite Feb. 8-10

If the recent wintry blast has you dreaming of a vernal retreat, take a trip to Madison Feb. 8-10 for the 26th annual Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) Garden and Landscape Expo, held in the Alliant Energy Center’s Exhibition Hall. All proceeds support WPT’s programming, educational initiatives and events.
This year’s event features innovations in gardening and landscaping, with information and advice spread among green plants, colorful flowers and delicious bounties from home gardens and Wisconsin farms. Enjoy hundreds of exhibitor booths, more than 150 free educational seminars and demonstrations, botanical-themed craft cocktails on Friday, a raffle and an aquascaping competition. New this year are landscaping seminars and an exhibit of selections from the inaugural photography contest.
Attendees can meet and learn from WPT’s Around the Farm Table host Inga Witscher, gardening expert Melinda Myers, Wisconsin author Jerry Apps, Wisconsin Public Radio’s Larry Meiller, Outdoor Wisconsin host Dan Small and Wisconsin Cooperative Extension horticulture experts.
Visitors will also enjoy the fourth annual farmers’ market in the Exhibition Hall’s atrium Feb. 10, 10 am – 4 pm, when farmers, food artisans and local food retailers will offer pickles, preserves, artisan cheeses, hot sauces, honey and more.
Expo hours are Feb. 8, 12-8 pm; Feb. 9, 9 am – 6 pm; and Feb. 10, 10 am – 4 pm. Advance discounted tickets are available through ticket-vendor outlets throughout the state or online at wigardenexpo.com. Single-day tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door, and children younger than 12 are admitted free. Two- and three-day passes are also available. There is an additional charge to park at the Alliant Energy Center.