The 47th rendition of the Dogwood Arts House and Garden Show, which will run from Friday, Feb. 7, through Sunday, Feb. 9, is not just a regular old home and garden convention. There will be booths, refreshments and people moving in and about the space, but what makes it truly unique is how the Knoxville Convention Center will transform.
Ten thousand square feet of gardens will be created in the space by five landscaping businesses as they work to turn the modern metal building into a lush garden of contemplation. Shannon Herron, the marketing and creative director for Dogwood Arts, said the transformation is unbelievable and quintessential to the event.
“They actually work the whole week before the show bringing in boulders and full-size trees and one company called Pond Country even builds a pond with live fish,” Herron said. “It’s crazy to see what they do, and I think that’s what sets us apart from other trade shows.”
Herron said it will smell different and feel different from other shows because of the natural elements of soil and vegetation, and this detail makes it the perfect place to think about one’s garden and home.
At its core, Herron said the event is a place where people can go to meet local business owners offering services and products from work tools to interior design, to roofing and everything in between.
“We have over 200 vendors available at the 47th annual arts and garden show with anything and everything related to your home and garden,” Herron said. “We really like to say the phrase ‘from the ground to the gutter’ because no matter what project you have in mind, you can most likely find a vendor here to help with it.”
Herron said that the event can save so many people from needlessly driving around town to collect quotes on projects they might not be exactly sure about. When they’re not actively consulting about personal projects at the booths, they can engage further with gardening lectures, demonstrations and crafts at the makerspaces.
There are even spaces and activities included for children so families feel more welcome at the event. Food, drinks and merchandise will be available for attendees to peruse.
Tim Wells — the co-owner and founder of Tim’s Fencing, the presenting partner of the convention this year — said the environment feels like an inviting community. He said it’s an easy good time for his whole family.
“I think my favorite thing is the community, it’s not just patrons that visit and vendors but actually building genuine connections with like-minded individuals,” Wells said. “I think my second favorite thing has to be just bringing our son with us and seeing him get hugs and play with other kids and enjoying the kid zone.”
Wells said that the show has helped his business grow so much from the point at which they joined the first Dogwood Arts convention in 2017, and without the support, they might not be where they are today. He said being the presenter this year is a huge honor.
“We’ve been a grassroots business from the beginning and it’s cool not only to see our name on all the marketing and sponsorships, but it’s also great to know that 100 percent of what we do is supported by Dogwood Arts and vice versa,” Wells said.
Herron said the event is the biggest fundraiser that Dogwood Arts holds, allowing them to put on so many other artistic events throughout the year for free. If you wish to support the event, buy tickets or view information you can visit the Dogwood Arts website.
