New gardening show in Winnipeg connects audiences with experts
Living Green is the latest and newest event hosted by the Red River Exhibition Association – most known for putting on the 10-day Red River Ex in June. With a focus on gardening, Living Green takes root in Red River Exhibition Place April 7-9, 2023.
Today’s fairs started as agricultural exhibitions. Livestock and horticultural displays and competitions advanced agricultural innovation. As an agricultural society, the Red River Exhibition Association continues to look for ways to deliver on that mandate while carrying out its core business of putting on events.
“As we evolve over time as an agricultural organization, we start looking at what is of interest to an urban audience,” explains Garth Rogerson, Red River Exhibition Association CEO.
Gardening is one of those interests.
A 2021 survey by Dalhousie University and Angus Reid shows gardening has never been more popular in Canada. People of all ages got into gardening over the last two years, and 85% of Canada’s new gardeners live in cities.
Living Green-Cosmea
Connecting the urban audience of Winnipeg with gardening experts seemed like a natural fit for the Red River Exhibition Association.
The show’s format offers guests the chance to connect with and buy directly from exhibitors like T & T Seeds, the Manitoba-based company known for its seed catalogue.
“We’re well known across Canada, so we’re excited to have the opportunity to get our name out locally and be more connected with the community here,” said T & T Seeds marketing manager, Stephanie Guerra.
Living Green’s speaker series will provide opportunities to learn from experts, including the team from T & T Seeds. Guerra says they’re happy to answer questions.
“The number one question we get asked is ‘what should I grow’,” she explains. “It can be difficult for new gardeners to get information about what’s best to grow here in Manitoba. When someone asks what the best tomato is to grow on the Prairies, we take that extra step to help guide those new gardeners.”
With the addition of a seed swap, Living Green will also encourage growth and connection in the gardening community. Guests can connect with groups like the Manitoba Master Gardeners Association.
“You can feel the passion,” Rogerson says of Winnipeg’s gardening community. “Living Green is an opportunity to share that passion. This show is for anyone with an interest in gardening and living a greener lifestyle.”
Living Green runs April 7 (12-7 pm), 8 (12-7 pm) and 9 (12-5 pm) at Red River Exhibition Place in Winnipeg. Tickets are $10 and are available online at redriverex.com or at the door.
