Garden Expo Offers Spring-like Respite in February

As winter settles over Wisconsin, the 25th annual Wisconsin Public Television Garden Expo brings a bit of spring-like warmth to the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison Feb. 9-11. Event hours are:  12-8 pm, Feb. 9; 9 am – 6 pm, Feb. 10 and 10 am – 4 pm, Feb. 11.

Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) hosts the community educational event and fundraiser in partnership with UW-Extension Horticulture. All proceeds support WPT’s programming, educational initiatives and events. Advance tickets are available at wigardenexpo.com.

This year’s event features the newest innovations in gardening and landscaping with information and advice spread among lush green plants, colorful flowers, vibrant designs of spring and delicious bounties from home gardens and Wisconsin farms. Highlights from this year’s event include:  hundreds of exhibitor booths, free educational seminars and demonstrations, aquascaping competition, the 1,600-square-foot Wisconsin Nursery and Landscape Association (WNLA) Central Garden, and a “Resilience in Gardening” story slam.

Visitors are invited to explore the fourth annual Garden Expo Farmers Market in the Exhibition Hall Atrium, Feb. 11, 10 am – 4 pm. Products available at the Farmers Market include pickles and preserves, artisan cheeses, honey, olive oil, tea, chocolate, greens, coffee, and handcrafted salami and cured meats.

Single-day tickets cost $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Two-day passes are available for $13 in advance and $15 at the door. Three-day passes are available for $16 in advance and $18 at the door. To purchase tickets, visit wigardenexpo.com.