Submissions for the Community Calendar are required 10 days preceding the date of publication. Send email to bthomas@pioneerlocal.com; fax (312) 321-9310. Pioneer Press office is at 350 N. Orleans St., Chicago, IL 60654.

Blubs

• The Northbrook Garden Club meeting will take place at 10:30 a.m., Feb. 4 in the Pollack Room at the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane. The topic is —What’s So”Deadly” About Tomatoes?!

What do tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, and peppers have in common? In addition to being vegetables we love to eat fresh from our back yard gardens, they are all members of the “Deadly Nightshade” (Solanaceae) plant family.

The program is open to the public and refreshments will be served. For information, contact membership chair Donna Marchand at (224) 365-5828. Visit www.NorthbrookGardenClub.org for information about the club.

• The North Suburban Genealogical Society invites the public to attend its Feb. 8 meeting beginning at 1 p.m. at the Northbrook History Museum (1776 Walters Ave., Northbrook). The meeting is free, refreshments will be served, and the room is handicap accessible.

The meeting will feature Tina Beaird speaking on Military Genealogy. Beaird will explain the significance behind using original records for tracing your ancestor’s military service. Records from the American Revolution to WWII will be discussed as well as some sources for modern records. Learn what types of documents are available within federal, state and local archives.

• Illinois Quilters Inc. will meet on Feb. 6 at Beth Hillel Congregation, 3220 Big Tree Lane, Wilmette. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for sign-ups, library and socializing. Meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. This month’s speaker will be Suzanne Marshall. The lecture is titled “The Evolution of a Quilt maker.” Guests welcome. There is a $5 fee. Marshall will also lead workshops titled “Hand Quilting Without a Frame or Hoop” on Feb. 7 and “Rhapsody in Bloom” on Feb. 8. Email: workshops@illinoisquiltersinc.org with any questions.

• Northbrook Woman’s Club is hosting a program at noon on Feb. 6 at United Methodist Church, 1190 Western Ave., Northbrook.

If you love “Downton Abbey” then you will love this February program entitled “Below the Stairs”. Leslie Goddard is a local author/historian/book dramatist who will portray Margaret Powell the author of the best-selling memoir Below Stairs which was a huge inspiration for the popular PBS series “Downton Abbey.”

Margaret Powell was a kitchen maid and a cook who worked in several stately English homes in the 1920s. This first-person program introduces you to Powell as she shares stories about the work it took to run a wealthy household in that era. For more information, go to www.northbrookwomansclub.org.

Health

Free programs at Cancer Wellness Center

For anyone impacted by cancer, including those with a diagnosis, family members and those who have lost a loved one to cancer at the Center, 215 Revere Drive, Northbrook. Call (847) 509-9595 to register or visit www.cancerwellness.org.

Library

The following programs are offered at the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane. Call (847) 272-6224 visit northbrook.info.

Concerts

• Concerts on 3 — 2 p.m., Library Auditorium — Feb. 2 — Consuelo Lepauw — violin, works by J.S. Bach; Feb. 9 — Calumet Chamber Musicians — flute, cello, piano, works by Chopin, Liebermann; Feb. 16 — Er-Gene Kahng David Gerstein — violin cello, works by Martinu, Kodaly, Schulhoff; Feb. 23 — Vienna Waltz Ensemble — violin, viola, bass, works by Johann Strauss, Jr., Beethoven, Haydn, Rossini. Concerts are sponsored by the Northbrook Arts Commission.

• Parisian Salon Concert — 7:30 p.m., Feb. 7, Library Auditorium — Hosts Didier and Jane Lepauw host the Campanella Children’s Choir accompanied by the Chicago Trio composed of Irene Schweizer, violin, Natalya Chernish, cello and Diana Kofman, piano with music by Benjamin Britten, Henry Purcell and songs from the British Isles.

Programs

• Gentle Yoga — 10:30 a.m. Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28, Library Auditorium. with Olga Rudiak. Exercises are done in a chair or standing.

• Guided Meditation — 10:30 a.m. Feb. 5, 12, 19 26, Library Pollak Room with Om Johari.

• Adult Library Winter Reading Club is going on now. Join the Adult Winter Reading Club and earn video coupons and weekly raffle chances for every five books you read. Theme is “A Reader’s Feast.”

• 7 Keys to Writing the Perfect Query Letter —10 a.m.-1 p.m., Feb. 1, Library Auditorium — Author Bret Nicholaus and literary agent/acquisitions editor Joe Durepos teach the essential steps and little known tips for crafting query letters that demand the attention of agents and publishers. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends.

• Four Seasons of Landscaping — Winter — 1 p.m., Feb. 3, Library Auditorium Northbrook Park District Grounds Operation Manager, Michael Brouillard shares ideas for your winter yard. He discusses snow removal and deicing, monitoring your plants, and preparing for spring! This event is co-sponsored by the Northbrook Park District.

• Countdown to College — 7 p.m., Feb. 4, Library Auditorium — Narrowing down college options can be a daunting process. Join Sandra Gilbert of Ravinia College Consultants for insights about where to apply and what colleges are looking for in applications. For parents and students.

• First Thursday Program — Elder Abuse — 1 p.m., Feb. 6, Library Pollak Room — Elder abuse topics within an ethical and legal framework will be presented by the Abington of Glenview.

• Drop-In Tech Help — 10 a.m.-noon, Feb. 8, Library Loft — Need help with your tablet, smartphone, or ereader? Get one-on-one help from our knowledgeable teen volunteers at this new monthly drop-in event. Teens will be available for 20 minute sessions on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please make sure you bring your charged device and have access to your username or Apple ID and passwords.

• Love Your Library Week — Feb. 8, All day event — An all-day event is planned with Raffle prizes to celebrate all the reasons to love your library! Attend a program during the week and be sure to stop by each department to learn more about what we can do for you. End the week with a Valentine’s Day Jazz Concert. Weeklong Celebration Feb. 8-14.

• Those Were the Days Radio Players — 7 p.m., Feb. 10, Library Auditorium — Radio Players perform the radio shows you loved best from the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Whether it be comedy (Jack Benny, Burns and Allen) or mystery (Inner Sanctum, Lights Outs) the Radio Players are sure to entertain you with golden memories.

• Jazz Forum XLI — 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Feb. 11, Library Auditorium — Rare filmed jazz performances from the swing era featuring Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw, Stan Kenton Benny Goodman. Jazz performed by the masters of the era.

• Looking Ahead to Spring Fashions — 7 p.m., Feb. 13, Library Auditorium — Jan Alberts presents the latest fashion tips on updating your wardrobe for parties, weddings, graduations and vacations.

• AARP Driver Safety Program — 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Feb. 15 and 22, Library Pollak Room — Two-session defensive driving course sponsored by AARP will help make you a better and safer driver. Register online at www.northbrook.info or at Reader Services (847) 272-2958. Fee for AARP members is $12; for nonmembers $14.

• Lyric Opera Lectures — Sundays, 2 p.m., Library Auditorium — Feb. 16, Rusalka by Dvorak: lecture by Karen Jared; March 2 — La Clemenza di Tito by Mozart: lecture by Sue McCanless. The Lyric Opera Lecture Corps of Chicago presents a full season of lectures that will be an invaluable prelude to your opera experience with composer information, story insights, music history, and musical highlights.

Literary Discussions

• Book Lovers Discussion group for romance and chick lit — Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding — 7 p.m., Feb. 11, Library Civic Room — led by Tracy Gossage

• Book Discussion — Nemesis by Philip Roth — 10 a.m., Feb. 12, Library Civic Room — led by Benjamin Goluboff.

• Book Discussion — Leon and Louise by Alex Capus — 10 a.m., Feb. 18, Library Civic Room — led by Nancy Buehler.

• Books on Tap held at The Landmark Inn — 7 p.m., Feb. 26. Books Brews — Share what you’re reading with fellow tappers.

Discussions

• Great Ideas Discussion Group — 10-11:30 a.m., Jan. 30; Feb. 13 27, Library Pollak Room — Focus is on Zionism implementation in Israel, followed by Communism implementation in the USSR. Led by Mark Gelfeld. For topics see northshoreflashpoints.blogspot.com.

• Poetry — 10 a.m., Feb. 4, Library Auditorium — Isabel Soffer, literary critic will lead a poetry discussion. No advance reading is required.

• Current Events Roundtable — 10 a.m., Feb. 6 20, Library Auditorium — Voice your opinion and hear the opinions of others on the important events of the day moderated by Ron Mantegna. For topics see northshoreflashpoints.blogspot.com

• Essential Tremor Support Group — 10 a.m., Feb. 8, Library Pollak Room — Informal discussions emphasize medication and coping techniques.

• Writing Workshops — Using the Memory — 2 p.m., Feb. 15, Library Civic Room — Kathleen Anne Fleming presents a series of writing workshops. She is the author of three mystery novels.

• Great Books Discussion — 10 a.m., Feb. 17, Library Civic Room, — Iphigeneia at Aulis by Euripides.

Youth Services, register at (847) 272-4300

Special Events

• PELS: Support for Parents of Children with Special Needs (Parents) — 9:30-11:30 a.m., Feb. 7, Youth Services Activity Room — A parents’ group sponsored by the North Suburban Special Education district (NSSED) meets the first Friday of each month to provide information and peer support to parents who have children with special needs.

• Stomp Your Feet with Amy Lowe (Families) — 10-11 a.m., Feb. 15, Library Auditorium — Amy Lowe entertains with songs like I Like Gum and Brighter than Fireflies.

Programs

• Story Jam — (Kindergarten-Grade 2) 4-4:45 p.m., Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Listen to cool stories and make a craft.

• Art-ability: especially for kids with special needs (All ages, with caregiver), 10-11 a.m., Feb. 1. This unique workshop offers children with all abilities the opportunity to engage in art. Presented in partnership with NSYMCA Art Academy. Register at Youth Services.

• Elephant and Piggie Party — 4-5 p.m., Feb. 7. Do you love Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie books? Party Gerald and Piggie style. Register at Youth Services.

• Art Smart (For Families) — 10-11 a.m., Feb. 8. Start your Saturday with art in this fun class for families, brought to you by the NSYMCA Art Academy.

• Globe Trotters — Destination: Vietnam (Grades K-3) — 2-3 p.m., Feb. 16. Celebrate the Vietnamese New Year with music stories, a dragon craft and lucky money! Register at Youth Services.

• Board Game Smackdown! (Grades 4-8) — 10 a.m.-noon, Feb. 17. Are you a Monopoly master? Savvy at Sorry? Prepare for a dice rolling battle of wits.

Storytimes

Drop-In Programs

• Two-Year-Old Storytime (with adult) — 10:30-11 a.m., Tuesdays, Feb. 4, 11,18 and 25; and 10:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19, and 26.

• Preschool Storytime (Ages 3-5) — 10:30-11 a.m., Tuesdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25; and 10:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26.

• Wee Play (Birth – 24 months) — 10-10:45 and 11-11:45 a.m., Thursdays, Jan. 30; and Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27. Music, Mother Goose, rhymes, giggles and books for caregiver and baby.

Teen Programs

Teen programs are for grades 6-12, unless otherwise noted. Teens are called to volunteer and earn service hours at the Library. If you are interested in being a volunteer, please fill out the form at http://ow.ly/qladw or at the teen homepage: northbrook.info/teens

• Teen Tech Playground — 4-5:30 p.m., Jan. 31. Come over and play with our new tech toys. We have Raspberry Pi kits, Arduino micro-controllers, Fritz the Robot Head, MaKey MaKey kits and even a crazy Solar Kit to experiment and play.

• Teen Advisory Board Meeting #5 — 5-6 p.m., Feb. 11. Help plan for summer and the teen volunteer program. It’s the Valentine’s Day TAB meeting, so expect a little something extra with your pizza and soda. Register at Youth Services.

• Computer Hacking: Arduinos — 3-4:30 p.m., Feb. 17, Teen Loft — A hacker is a tech visionary who likes to play, build and modify software; someone who enjoys testing the limits and seeing what is possible. We’ll program tiny computers called Arduino (ar-dwee-no) microcontrollers, to do cool things using LED lights, circuits, sensors — maybe even lasers!

This program was made possible by a generous donations from the Potash Corp, Community Investment Grant. Register at Youth Services

Parks

Dog Park Memberships

Membership passes are available for the new Northbrook Dog Park at Coast Guard Park. Details are online at nbparks.org and at the Leisure Center, Village Green Center and Northbrook Sports Center. Residents need to submit proof of a current Northbrook dog license, a completed Dog Park Application, and completed Dog Park Veterinarian Verification Form. For more information about membership, call (847) 291-2980.

Open Art Studio

Looking for a place away from home to create art? Northbrook residents can bring artwork to the Leisure Center from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in February and enjoy free studio time. Tables, stools and easels are available for 2-D art. Non-residents can use the studio for $5 after signing up at the Leisure Center or at nbparks.org.

Goodnight Moon the Musical

A musical version of Goodnight Moon runs through Feb. 22 at the Northbrook Theatre. The simple bedtime story will be transformed into a 3-D wonderland with catchy songs, delightful choreography, a colorful set and smile-inducing costumes. Performances are on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., presented by the Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences. Tickets are $12, with discounts for groups and Friday purchases at the Box Office. For more information, visit nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2367.

Daddy-Daughter Dance

The annual Daddy-Daughter Dance from the Northbrook Park District offers an evening of music and memories 6:30-9 p.m., Feb. 7 at the Northbrook Hilton. This year’s theme is “Under the Sea.” The event includes DJ music, appetizers and desserts, a corsage for the girls, boutonnieres for the dads, photos and a commemorative T-shirt. The fee is $79 per adult/child couple for Northbrook residents and $99 for non-residents. For more information, visit nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2995.

Indoor Golf Lessons

Kids can learn to play golf indoors on Sunday mornings at Greenbriar Gym with the Northbrook Park District. Winter Stars classes begin on Feb. 2 and March 2, under the direction of Michael Wenzel, an Illinois PGA Junior Golf Leader. Four-week sessions focus on skills development with a low student-to-coach ratio. Register online at nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2351, ext. 3 for more information.

Early Fee Camp Deadline

Feb. 12 is the Early Fee Deadline for summer camps and workshops with the Northbrook Park District.

Most camps offer a discount for early registration if paid in full. The District offers 10 weeks of enriching experiences for tots through teens, including variety camps and specialty programs for art, golf, hockey, ice skating, performing arts and sports. Camp information is in the Winter Guide, which is online at nbparks.org.

Cosmic Skating Event

The Northbrook Sports Center will host a Cosmic Skating Event 7:30-9 p.m., Feb. 15 with a Valentine’s Day theme. Junior high students can skate with a DJ and enjoy club-style lighting, games and activities. The admission fee is $5. If needed, skate rental is $3. For more information, call (847) 291-2993.

School’s Out Fun Trip

On Feb. 17, children can enjoy a School’s Out Fun trip to the Field Museum for a day of exploration among the wonders of the world. The Northbrook Park District trip includes transportation, supervision and admission. Children should bring a nut-free lunch and a drink and meet at the Leisure Center at 9 a.m.; extended care is available before and after the trip. For more information, visit nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2995.

Early Fee Soccer Deadline

Feb. 21 is the Early Fee Registration Deadline for spring soccer with the Northbrook Park District. Games are scheduled to begin on April 5. The program strives to provide a fun and safe atmosphere in which children learn respect, sportsmanship and soccer skills. For more information, visit nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2995.

Customer Appreciation Event

To thank loyal customers and welcome new ones, the Northbrook Park District offers a free family skating event from 4:30-6:20 p.m. on Feb. 22 at the Northbrook Sports Center. The Customer Appreciation Event includes free admission and rental skates, on-ice games, a short demonstration by talented ice athletes, and prizes. Registration is not required. All ages are welcome.

Park Board Meeting

The Park Board of Commissioners will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m., on Feb. 26 in the Little Theatre of the Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave. The public is welcome to attend. Agendas for the monthly meetings are posted online at nbparks.org in the About Us section, under Board of Commissioners.

Senior Center Events

The Northbrook Park District Senior Center at 3323 Walters Ave. offers a wide variety of programs for adults age 55 and over. For information and reservations, call (847) 291-2988 or visit nbparks.org.

Senior Drop-In Tennis

The Northbrook Park District offers drop-in tennis for seniors from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays through March 27 at the Northbrook Racquet Club, 2995 Dundee Road. The daily fee is $27. For more information, call the Racquet Club at (847) 498-2520.

Four Seasons of Landscaping

Ever wonder what you should do each season to make your yard look good? On Feb. 3, Michael Brouillard, Grounds Operation Manager for the Park District, will discuss snow removal, plant monitoring, spring preparation and summer planning. The free program begins at 1 p.m. at the Northbrook Library.

AARP Driver Safety Program

An AARP driving program on Feb. 10 and 11 can sharpen driving skills and help develop strategies for adjusting to age-related changes. The two-day program runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Leisure Center. The fee is $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. Call (847) 291-2988 or stop by the Senior Center to register.

Take Charge of Your Diabetes Workshop

On Feb. 13, the Northbrook Senior Center begins a free six-week workshop for people with Type 2 diabetes. Each session will provide tools to help adults manage the disease and reach their personal goals. The sessions run from 9-11:30 a.m. Call (847) 291-2988 or stop by the Senior Center to register.

Introduction to the iPhone

Adults can learn how to use an iPhone during a two-week program from 10 a.m.-noon, Feb. 13 and 20, at the Leisure Center. The fee is $45 for Senior Center members and $55 for non-members. For reservations or more information, call (847) 291-2988 or stop by the Senior Center.

Valentine’s Day Lunch

On Feb. 14, the Northbrook Senior Center will host a party with lunch, entertainment, musical games and a sing-along with Dr. Burton Fischman and The Great American Songbook. The fee is $19 for Senior Center members and $29 for non-members. The program runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Leisure Center and is sponsored by The Abington of Glenview.

Theatre Trip to Gypsy

Everything’s Coming up Roses! On Feb. 19, the Northbrook Senior Center will take a group to the Shakespeare Theatre at Navy Pier for a performance of Gypsy and lunch at Riva. The fee is $109 for Senior Center members and $119 for non-members. For reservations or more information, call (847) 291-2988 or stop by the Senior Center.

Lunch and a Movie

On Feb. 20, the Northbrook Senior Center will present the Oscar-winning film Argo, starring Ben Affleck. Based on a true story, the suspenseful drama portrays a dangerous CIA operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the hostage crisis in 1980. The program runs from noon-3 p.m. at the Leisure Center; the fee for lunch and the movie is $9 for Senior Center members and $12 for non-members. Visit the Senior Center or call (847) 291-2988 to register.

Fun and Easy Cooking: Cooking from Your Pantry

On Feb. 24, adults can learn what foods to keep on hand and what recipes to make with them during a joint program from the Northbrook and Glenview Senior Centers from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Leisure Center. Join cooking instructor Jill Roter for a fun afternoon of cooking, and take home three individual meals and recipes. The fee is $25 for Senior Center members and $35 for non-members. Sign up at the Senior Center or call (847) 291∙2988.

Introduction to the iPad

Adults can learn how to use an iPad during a two-week program at the Leisure Center on Feb. 27 and March 6 from 10 a.m.-noon. The fee is $45 for Senior Center members and $55 for non-members. Sign up at the Senior Center or call (847) 291-2988 for reservations or more information.

Northbrook Park District offers Free Family Skating Event

The Northbrook Sports Center will host a Customer Appreciation Event from 4:30-6:20 p.m. on Feb. 22 with free ice skating, thrilling ice demonstrations, and a visit from Tommy Hawk, the mascot for the Chicago Blackhawks.

“The Northbrook Park Districts wants to thank our loyal customers and welcome new ones to our facility,” said Leisure Services Supervisor Maura Drew. “We’re planning an exciting event that all ages and levels can enjoy, as we celebrate the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.”

The Park District will provide free admission and free rental skates, off-ice games, and short demonstrations by talented ice athletes, including figure skaters, speed skaters and hockey players.

“The Winter Olympics is even more exciting this year, because three skaters who trained at the Northbrook Sports Center will represent the U.S. in Sochi — figure skater Jason Brown and speed skaters Brian Hansen and Mitch Whitmore,” Drew added. “We want our event to be a chance to celebrate athletes who are living their dreams, those who want to follow in their footsteps, and the sports they have chosen to pursue.”

Registration is not required for the Customer Appreciation Event. The Northbrook Sports Center is at 1730 Pfingsten Road. For more information, call (847) 291-2993.

Religion

Congregation Ahavat Olam

• An all inclusive Reform congregation without walls, where all are welcome. Erev Shabbat Services are held at 7:30 p.m. the second Friday of each month at Christ United Methodist Church, 600 Deerfield Road, led by Spiritual Leader/Rabbinic Student, Cantor Nancy Diamond Landsman. For more information, including membership, contact Alan Posner at ahavat-olam@hotmail.com or call (847) 409-4848.

Congregation Beth Shalom

• Join in for Shabbat with a Twist Feb. 20 at Congregation Beth Shalom, 3433 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Challah making, stories and song for families with children up to PreK. All are welcome, free of charge! Call (847) 498-4100 for information.

• Young Family Outreach Shabbat Dinner and Storybook Shabbat Service on Feb. 7 at Congregation Beth Shalom. Come and enjoy a fun Shabbat dinner at 6 p.m. and stay for a family-friendly service at 6:45 p.m. Cost for dinner is $25 per family. All are welcome! Call (847) 498-411×46 to register or email DFriedman@BethShalomNB.org

Support

Parkinson’s Support Group

For persons with Parkinson’s, their care-partners, caregivers and families meets 10 a.m.-noon on the second and fourth Monday of each month at Covenant Village of Northbrook, 2615 Techny Road. (847) 509-0927.

Memory Loss Support Group

For families and caregivers dealing with Alzheimer’s and other dementias meets at 7 p.m. on the third Thursdays of the month at Covenant Village of Northbrook, 2625 Techny Road. Call (847) 412-7303 for information or to register.~.

For those eager to get a head start on any home and garden expansion no matter the size, make plans to visit more than 250 exhibits featured at the Eighth Annual Katy Home and Garden Show to be held this weekend at the Merrell Center and Robinson Pavilion in Katy. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

“Consumer interest and spending in home remodeling and DIY projects continue to rise for many reasons,” said Robyn Cade, President of RJC Productions and organizer of the Katy Home and Garden Show. “Baby boomers may now find themselves as empty nesters with disposal incomes to refurbish, redecorate and reinvest in their homes, creating beautiful living spaces which reflect their individual personalities and an emphasis on entertaining at home.”  

Additionally, low interest rates make remodeling affordable.  Some of the other reasons to consider remodeling a home include modernizing it. 

“Research shows that investing in your home pays for itself 

in the long haul, particularly with kitchen and bathroom remodels,” said Cade. 

In fact, an American Housing Survey found that adding a half-bath can increase home value 10.5 percent and a full bath contributes 20 percent to home value. Lower heating and cooling bills by replacing outdated windows and doors with energy efficient ones. 

“We’re especially excited about the range of exhibitors, demonstrations and experts who’ll be part of this year’s show,” said Cade.

Fall in love with your home all over again.  Get inspired to kick start or finalize renovation plans with the help of design and renovation experts and two buildings of one-stop shopping including: decorating, gardening, remodeling, window treatments, home theater, landscaping, kitchens baths, do-it-yourself, flooring, windows doors, siding, heating/cooling, pools, outdoor entertainment and a myriad of other home related products and services. Whether planning a major renovation or smaller home updates, you’ll be right at home at the Katy Home Garden Show with the ability to comparison shop in one convenient area.  Find out how to make “green” improvements which can reduce electrical and heating bills or creative ideas to improve your home’s curb appeal.  

For those interested in a new garden, landscaping tips or other home improvement how-to’s the Katy Home and Garden Show is brimming with ideas; experts and workshops. Foodies can get in on the fun with more than 20 food sampling booths.  

On Saturday, attendees will meet celebrity DIY TV Host, Jason Cameron, who helps bring life to dreary landscapes and or specialized man caves.

Watch him work and it quickly becomes apparent this licensed contractor really knows his stuff, especially when it comes to his own personal passions: home improvement and landscaping. Jason says he recently even gutted his own home and completely revamped the backyard. Now he’s putting his extensive hands-on expertise to work for DIY Network building, landscaping, hardscaping and more. 

Tickets are $9 for adults; $8 for seniors and $5 for military.  Kids under 12 are free. The facility charges $1 per ticket added at the time of purchase.  For ticket information, directions, parking and more visit www.katyhomeandgardenshow.com.

SALISBURY — Last week I went to the Green Growin Show held at the Greensboro Coliseum. The exposition provided an educational program and trade show for nurserymen, landscapers and other allied landscape professionals throughout the region. Sponsored by the North Carolina Nurserymen Association, the show also allowed those in the green industry the opportunity to share what’s “vogue” in the landscape industry.

A popular plant show nationwide, the event drew 425 vendors from 27 states, including three Canadian provinces. The more than 4,500 people who attended had a chance to visit 760 booths and displays of plant materials, shade trees, shrubs, turf and other landscape or nursery-related accessories. There was even a display of fake indoor plants.

The show featured everything from warm season turf to 4-inch caliper (trunk diameter) trees. But what seemed to be interesting were local North Carolina nurserymen traveling internationally to bring new plants of interest.

Many professionals travel the globe in search of new plant materials.

Research plantings at the JC Raulson Aboretum often feature plant materials recently collected from around the world.

Groundcovers seemed to be one of the key plants of interest. Many booths featured new types that fit well into today’s low-maintenance landscape schemes.

Plant material with unusual leaf shape, color, fruit, flower and bark interest is always appealing. Contractors appreciate the use of tough plant materials — plants that can withstand droughts, poor growing conditions and pests. Reduced irrigation and pesticide usage are benefits both homeowners and maintenance contractors seek from plant materials.

Landscaping is not limited to areas around the yard and home. Planters and containers of all shapes and sizes give sidewalks, decks and patios a splash of color. Window boxes and containers planted with both annuals and perennials add a full season of color to both outside and inside the home.

Flowering perennials, shrubs and trees providing winter interest and attracting wildlife are very popular. Gardens featuring berry-laden plants give a hint that homeowners are yearning for more outdoor activities in both summer and winter.

Contractors are seeking low-maintenance materials, However, there are still those who demand high maintenance areas. It may be a sign of environmental awareness, a fascination with backyard wildlife or a yearning to be outdoors, but the popularity of home gardening seems to be increasing.

One important note: With the upsurge in the building industry, there may be limited plant materials this spring. The nursery industry is greatly affected by supply and demand of the building industry.

It’s time to rethink azaleas and boxwoods and consider newer plant introductions. You’d be surprised at how much the nursery and landscape industry changes within a year — almost as much as in women’s fashions.

Darrell Blackwelder is county Extension director for the Rowan County Center; 704-216-8970; www.rowanextension.com