Home and garden show in fine form

Sculptures will be a highlight at the second Waitakere Home & Garden Show at Trusts Stadium Arena in Henderson this weekend.
Twenty-eight entries have been accepted and will compete in the 2011 Trends Sculptor of the Year Awards. They include work from many well known artists in various mediums - showcasing their work in competition.
The line-up includes: Howard Hirst, Uenuku Hawira, Ron Reichs, Manna Gardens, Jenny Foster, Matt Williams, Aaron Ellis Smith, Murray Swan, Jean Christophe Beraud, Sculptured Metals, Ceramic Sculpture by Sophie Lankovsky, Maurice van Cooten, Sofia Aithineau, Simon Lardelli, Katherine Batchelor, David Poolman, Andrew Deadman, Des Robertshaw, Vickie Comrie Moore, Anneke Bester, Jon Hall Forging Studio, NZ Impressions, The Arts Factory and Cos Clark.
The theme for the awards is contemporary New Zealand inspired sculpture or artwork. The displays will be a wonderful opportunity for the public to get up close with outstanding artwork.
Marketing manager for the show Shirley Randell says the artworks were amazing at the inaugural show last year. "With 28 entries, it should be a fantastic display of art," she says.
Trends spokesman Paul Taylor says planting and hard landscaping are the obvious key elements of our outdoor living areas. "But more and more we're seeing art play a role as well. Garden sculpture can complement the environment you create, or can provide a new focal point in a landscape setting."
Exhibits at this event showcase range of ideas and solutions with show-only specials, promotions and competitions. There is a dedicated arts and crafts section, a food zone for specialty gourmet products, an eco innovations area for sustainability options and ideas, two cafes and a chance to win a home ventilation system.
Free seminar sessions include Dirt Doctor sessions at 11am each day on how to develop soil for optimum plant growth as well as 1pm landscaping presentations on creating gardens of delight. Noon sessions are about making kitchen design simple and are ideal for those planning a renovation or new building project.
On Saturday and Sunday gumboot decorating is tipped to attract visitor interest and provide a creative challenge for entrants to win a prize from Resene.
Waitakere Home & Garden Show

The Trusts Stadium Arena, Henderson
Friday to Sunday, May 6-8
10am-6pm Friday and Saturday. 10am-5pm Sunday 
Door Sales Only
Adult $9, Seniors Special Friday only $5, Under 16 Free (with an adult)
More info: www.homeandgardenshow.co.nz