I decided to check out the Calgary Home & Garden Show today at the BMO Centre. Deciding to head down when the doors open on a Thursday was an excellent idea. The crowds were quite small and I was able to speak to any sales rep I wanted without waiting in line. They had the regular home show booths: landscaping companies, realtors, home builders, renovation specialists, custom closets, marble/granite companies, appliances, hot tubs, art exhibits and even the mop guys. I even ran into my friend Karen who promotes Sunset Gourmet and tried some delicious samples. The list is endless. The exhibits that caught my eye were Striking Glass and Lynne’s Window Treatments Inc.

Striking Glass creates unique and contemporary glass bowls and wall art. Their artwork is not only stunning and original but they’re also green. They look for new ways to reuse glass into their art. They’re offering 10% off on any art purchased at the Home & Garden Show. Check them out!

Lynne’s Window Treatments Inc. creates blinds, valances, drapery, bedding and cushions. I didn’t get to speak with Lynne personally but did get to speak with another friendly lady at this exhibit who explained to me that Lynne has an exclusive affiliation with a line of fabrics called Swatch Box from the United Kingdom. The samples she showed me were extremely well coordinated with colours and textures. I will definitely be contacting her in the near future.

I also got the chance to sit in on a presentation by Kath Smyth from Countryside Landscapes and Garden Centre on Green Roofs. This is a new green trend where homeowners and corporations plant gardens on their roofs. Green roofing reduces energy costs, absorbs storm water and improves air quality. Adding a roof top garden patio to a condo, apartment, restaurant, office building or downtown high rise is an excellent idea but I’m not sold on adding one to my residential roof.

I would definitely recommend visiting the Home & Garden Show this weekend for all of your home and gardening ideas and projects.