The South Sioux City Delta Hotel Convention Center seems like it is the hot spot for events this year! If you remember, the Swanky Chic Boutique was here last month, and last weekend was the
The South Sioux City Delta Hotel Convention Center seems like it is the hot spot for events this year! If you remember, the Swanky Chic Boutique was here last month, and last weekend was the Garden Show, which was also held here.
First impressions
When I first walked in, I was surprised at how many vendors were participating. There were exhibitors promoting their lawn equipment and lawn ornaments. Local business owners show-casing their products, and local growers promoting their greenhouses. Plants and flowers were in abundance. Nearby farmers and beekeepers demonstrating their professions.
Seminar Itinerary and informative handout
I enjoyed seeing visitors interacting with the hands-on tutorials and kid-friendly projects. I most enjoyed the plethora of free seminars offered to event-goers. Presenters lectured on their field of expertise, ranging from trees to fire pits, bird houses to container gardening. I sat in on two presentations Friday afternoon.
Along with the Events Schedule, each attendee was given a Special Advertising Feature promoted by The Sioux City Journal, and illustrating what to expect at the Garden Show. It included brief write-ups on a few of the presenters and short articles concerning insects, plants and your local environment.
If only trees could talk
The first was an informative illustration on how to plant, grow, care for, and maintain trees. Speaking was Kelly Feehan from the Nebraska Extension. Here is what I learned:
- Trees need 2-5 gallons of water per week
- Roots extend out 2x to 3x the height of the tree
- When re-planting a tree, or landscaping your front yard, look for the taper at the base of the tree, and plant just below it. Trees that have their taper covered with access soil and/or mulch are essentially having their roots suffocated, thus halting its growth, and eventually it will die.
- Do not remove the tiny lower limbs or twigs at the base of the tree. These contain needed hormones and assist with trunk stability.
- Don’t stake your baby tree too high. The tree will rely on this assisted support, and when the stakes are removed, the tree will break off where the stakes once were. Trees need to move with the wind to build structural support, and the baby tree should stabilize after one year.
cypressisles.org
Exhibitors
It wasn’t for another forty-five minutes until the next presenter, so this gave me a chance to socialize and learn about my local community. Here are several Siouxland businesses worth mentioning:
- DeBoer Tree Farm (deboertreefarm.com) out of Akron, IA
- Loess Hills Honey (facebook.com/loesshillshoneyllc) out of Sioux City, IA
- Bloomers Lawn Garden (bloomerslawnandgarden.com) out of South Sioux City, NE
- Main Street Custom Metal (etsy.com/shop/mainstreetmetal) out of Pender, NE
- Lindsay’s Flower Patch (lindsaysflowerpatch.com) out of Orange City, IA
- Southdale Garden Center (southdalenursery.com) out of Sergeant Bluff, IA
- Del’s Garden Center (delsgardencenter.com) out of Spencer, IA
- Mallett Farms (mallettbees.com) out of Salix, IA
People and pet kitchen
Oddly enough, my fiancé and I were just discussing last week that we want to stop purchasing box-store dog food, and look into a more organic option. Well looky here! I found a local company that specializes in organic, homemade dog treats. I did not make a purchase at the Garden Show, but I will be contacting them for future purchases. Check out their facebook page: www.facebook.com/peoplenpet1729/
Starting seeds indoors
Off to the second presenter. This seminar was led by Marion Can of the Dakota County Voices for Food. Marion provided us with a handout, explaining the importance find a high-quality source for your seeds, and that each seed has a different germination temperature; anywhere from 65 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. I also learned that carrots need ten days of constant moisture to successfully germinate and produce a quality product.
Constructive criticism
This was my second Garden show I attended, but not my favorite. I feel I must give some feedback. However nice this facility is, it is not suitable for a Garden Show revolving around an outdoor theme. Great for craft events and vendor shows, but with no windows it is not exactly appropriate for the open-air concept needed for an event dedicated to growing and learning about your backyard and beyond.
Also, it was a $5 entry fee each time you left and came back in. No ticket stubs, tear off receipts or wrist bands were provided ensuring that event-goers would be able to return throughout the weekend. Yes, I did attend two lectures, but I had planned on also attending two additional lectures later Friday afternoon, and even bringing my fiancé out to meet the many local farmers and business owners. However, after confirming with the ladies at the entrance booth that it would be an additional $5, I resolved to not return. Many events that are scheduled throughout a weekend offer an option to return at no extra cost to the consumer. This way visitors can continue to access the list of programs, or to solidify their purchases from the previous day that they may have been wavering on.
2018 Garden show
Last year’s Garden Show was held at the Hilton Garden Inn right off Hamilton Blvd with views of the Riverfront. This was the most ideal location! Visitors had a direct connection with the outside environment, both visually and physically. The main atrium was lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the class rooms, where speakers were presenting, had views of the river and the hotel’s well-manicured lawns. It was both airy and invigorating, appealing to the energetic consumer. As an attendee, this helped promote consumer interaction, and contribute to my overall positive experience. Once I was there, I wanted to stay, socialize and learn.
Final thoughts
Now that I’ve been to two Garden Shows, I know much more about how to take care of my environment and the insects that support my backyard habitat. When I decide to plant a garden, I now have the resources and information to facilitate and maintain it. I also know more about my community, and have plans to make visits to several garden centers in Siouxland.