Blooms and Boom: Navigating the Minneapolis Home + Garden Shows Growing Inspiration

The Minneapolis Home + Garden Show has been gearing up for its 90th anniversary, taking place at the Minneapolis Convention Center. It is a vibrant mix of tradition and innovation and awaits attendees. Show Manager Bruce Evans orchestrated this dynamic celebration, and he provides insights into what makes this year’s “Growing Inspiration” theme a unique blend of the past and the future.

“The ‘Growing Inspiration’ theme is not just a celebration of our rich history but a commitment to staying at the forefront of home and garden trends. We want to provide attendees with an experience that’s not only nostalgic but also forward-thinking,” said Evans.

The Home + Garden Show prides itself on adapting to the times, carefully curating a diverse array of exhibitors. This harmonious blend features both cherished returning contributors and fresh faces, ensuring coverage of every aspect of home and garden, from cutting-edge technology to time-honored traditions.

“Growing Inspiration” goes beyond a theme; it’s a guiding philosophy, influencing the selection of events and features. Attendees can expect a mix of innovative presentations, interactive workshops, and expert advice—all aimed at sparking fresh ideas and transforming living spaces.

One standout addition to this year’s lineup is the “Make It, Take It” Floral Arrangements workshop, offering a hands-on experience where attendees can unleash their creativity with guidance from experts at The Flower Bar. Evans remarked, “We want people to not just observe but actively participate and engage with different aspects of home and garden. This workshop is a perfect example of that immersive experience.”

Dunwoody College of Technology takes center stage with the Tomorrow’s Designer Showcase, featuring student-designed custom chairs inspired by iconic brands. Evans notes, “This collaboration between education and creativity adds a unique dimension to our show, showcasing the talent and imagination of emerging designers.”

Nature takes the spotlight with The Living Wall by Lost in the Forrest, a mesmerizing display of houseplants accompanied by expert advice on selecting the perfect green companions for homes. The Flower Bar enhances the sensory experience with a vibrant floral display at the main entrance of Hall D, a welcoming burst of color for every visitor.

For those seeking a more active experience, Smash Park presents a Pickleball court, inviting attendees to try out this trendy new sport. Meanwhile, the Family Area introduces a student-built playhouse available via silent auction, with proceeds benefiting Spot’s Last Stop Canine Rescue. Evans remarked, “It’s not just about the show; it’s about making a positive impact in our community. We’re excited to contribute to a cause that resonates with our attendees.”

And who could resist the allure of adoptable pets strutting their stuff in a fashion show at the Pet Zone on Thursday night?

To add a melodic touch to the event, local musicians like Matt Yetter will entertain visitors in the Food & Drink Pavilion. “It’s a perfect opportunity for attendees to relax, refuel, and soak in the ambiance as they explore the latest trends in culinary delights,” says Evans.

Adding a sprinkle of celebrity flair to the show, Stephanie Hansen, Emmy Award-winning TV and radio host, cookbook author, and local food enthusiast, takes the stage. Hansen, known for projects like “Taste Buds with Stephanie” on FOX+ and her podcast “Makers of Minnesota,” brings a wealth of culinary inspiration to the Fresh Ideas Stage at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 1.

We were able to sit-down with Hansen as she reflected on her culinary journey, and shared, “I wrote the True North Cabin Cookbook partly due to the pandemic. There were favorite recipes that we were making every summer in steady rotation, like Kurt’s Ribs, Janice’s Potato Salad, Grandma’s Rhubarb Custard Pie, and my Rhubarb Bars that I knew would be worthy of documenting in cookbook format as a way to keep the recipes together for future generations and friends of the True North Cabin.”

She added, “The other reason was that I had always wanted to document our family’s recipes. My mom and I talked a lot about food and recipes; she was a great Midwestern cook. She died at 63 from breast cancer when I was 40, and we lost a lot of her recipe knowledge because we didn’t have any of the recipes she used to make written down. I knew recipes and the lore surrounding them in a family are essential to document, so this book is also a love letter to her, my mother-in-law, and my family. I knew the recipes in the book would be keepers and loved by many.”

With Stephanie’s culinary wisdom and the exciting array of features at the Minneapolis Home & Garden Show, this year’s event promises not just to be a celebration of the past but a journey into a blooming future. As the doors swing open, attendees are in for the immersive experience that marries floral design with pickleball, leaving them with a trove of fresh ideas for their homes and gardens this spring.

The five-day extravaganza began on Wednesday, February 21. There are still some time to catch before it closes on Sunday, February 25.

Minneapolis Home + Garden Show
Running through Sunday, February 25 (Thursday: 12:00 PM-8:00 PM; Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM-8:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM)
Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis
$13.00-15.00 with discounts available
https://www.homeandgardenshow.com