It’s that time of year when people start thinking of gardening. For the past 12 years, That Bloomin’ Garden Show & Art Sale has been a place for people to gather, learn new things, and take in the fares that vendors offer.

With over 30 vendors or organizations attending the event on May 12, there will plenty for people to see, including The Edmonton African Violet & Gesneriad Society and Sacred Earth Terrariums.

Velvet-leaved beauties: the vast world of the African violet

Did you know there are over 40,000 varieties of African violets, ranging from the standard size, with a leaf spread of up to 30 cm, all the way to micro miniatures with a leaf span of only a few centimeters? The colour spectrum alone is spectacular.

Learn interesting facts such as this and more from The Edmonton African Violet & Gesneriad Society (EAVGS) at Bloomin’.

Colyn O’Reilly is a dedicated and informative member of EAVGS. With the energy of a sprite, she joyfully divulges her vast knowledge of African violets to me.

She explained the society chose to attend Bloomin’ because it is an established event which draws crowds of people interested in plants.

“We love the plants we grow, and each plant gets individual care by our member,” said O’Reilly.   

The society will also be selling African violets and Gesneriads that they lovingly cared for.

“It is a great event to showcase what we grow,” O’Reilly added, “We like talking to others that have an interest in plants.”

Find them on their Facebook page, Edmonton African Violet and Gesneriad Society, and through email at eavgsociety@gmail.com.

Succulent living: turning love for botany into living art

Kailee Forest from Sacred Earth Terrariums is passionate about her beautiful handiwork and it’s easy to see why. She creates marvellous living compositions for people to use in their homes.

Forest describes the creations as, “plant-based art pieces and botanical jewelry for those looking to add green to their modern concrete living.”

Forest often participates in and supports local art shows and craft sales, but believes the Bloomin’ Garden Show & Art Sale is the perfect opportunity to showcase projects to the garden community and like-minded folks.

Expect to see a wide variety of products for sale such as succulents, air plants, and cacti terrariums. Forest also offers preserved botanical jewellery. All the products are long-lasting, which makes great Mother’s Day gifts. Forest’s passion shows in the distinctive and chic terrariums which maintain the natural vibration of the living art.

She invites people to come by the booth to hear about upcoming giveaways and check out the low-maintenance creations, which complement any décor.

She also offers workshops which you can book directly at the event.

Forest said, “…workshops make excellent team building exercises, low-key parties, or a fun date night.”

Visit Sacred Earth online at sacred__earth on Instagram, sacredearthyeg on Facebook, and via email at sacredearthyeg@gmail.com. Contact her anytime to view pieces for sale.

THAT BLOOMIN’ GARDEN SHOW & ART SALE

May 12, 10 am-4 pm

Alberta Avenue Community Centre

9210 118 Ave

Featured Image: Kailee Forest of Sacred Earth Terrariums uses her passion for plants to make living art pieces. | Tracey Jazmin