Gardenia Fair is traditionally held on the grounds of Poznan International Fair during the end of February, just before the horticulture industry comes to life in the spring. It replaced the National Horticulture Exhibition which took place in the autumn as a part of Polagra Fair Gardenia 2013 was the 7th edition organized in its current format. It has been growing steadily over the years – this spring it hosted over 500 exhibitors in 6 pavilions, occupying a total area of 32,000 square meters. This year Gardenia was run in conjunction with Animal Market (zoological fair), Rybomania (fishing fair) and Special Days which displays decorations for occasions such as Easter, Christmas and weddings. As always, a large proportion of the exhibits were taken up by various machines such as tractors, lawn mowers and irrigation systems. The inventive robotic lawn mower which does not need human assistance to do its job caught my attention. This technology might find customers among busy garden owners. The John Deere TANGO E5 autonomous mower won a Gold Medal at the Poznan International Fair.
Gardenia from above, credit: Marta Ratajszczak
Another big group of exhibitors were, as usual, plant nurseries and producers of seeds and other plant material. Due to it being early in the season, the stands lacked color and variety in comparison to the
“Green is Life” Warsaw Exhibition. This has been true of previous editions as well. Exhibitors usually employ inventive methods of designing their stands to make up for the lack of flowers and greenery. This year the exhibits seemed strangely dull and unimaginative.
Above all, the Vilmorin seed producer exhibit definitely stood out. They organized a brilliant cooking show. A professional cook presented the dishes prepared with vegetables grown from Vilmorin seeds. The spectators had the opportunity to sample the food. They were also offered a booklet with the recipes demonstrated and an example of a balcony design – a perfect solution for garden enthusiasts who are not fortunate enough to own a plot of land!
Vilmorin products cooking show, credit: Marta Ratajszczak
Professionals use this opportunity to predict fashions in local landscape architecture and garden design for the upcoming year.
The growing interest in green roofs and walls was clearly visible. Stone as garden decoration, ground cover or gabion walls was also much more present then in previous years. Speeches regarding the construction of green roofs, transition towns and plants used for urban green spaces were interesting and informative. Unfortunately, other talks seemed strangely similar to previous years.
Green roof examples, credit: Marta Ratajszczak
Permeable surfaces with bike, credit: Marta Ratajszczak
Decorative stones on display, credit: Marta Ratajszczak
Gardenia did not lack attractions for visitors, especially amateur gardeners. It definitely does a great job promoting landscape architecture and horticulture.
The local university held a special program titled “Design Emergency” for people who need help designing their gardens. There were lectures held in a show garden organized by OSTO (Polish Society of Garden Makers). The visitors had the opportunity to admire two design exhibitions; “Greenery in the City”comprised of the best works for a landscape architecture competition, and the “EKOOSIEDLA” “Eco-dwellings” competition. Some of the boards were of very high-quality – both visually and in terms of design. A few, however, were not worthy of being showcased at such an event.
“Eco-dwellings” competition entry, credit: Marta Ratajszczak
Gardenia is certainly growing. Every year it is taking up more space, there are more exhibitors and it attracts a larger number of visitors. I am just not entirely sure whether it is heading in the right direction, especially with the aforementioned side events such as Special Days or Rybomania. I would also like to see a fair intended only for landscape architecture and garden design students and professionals, free from tractors, lawn mowers, rabbits, Christmas baubles and dog food! Report written by
Marta Ratajszczak Dates: February 22-24, 2013
Venue: Poznan International Fair Grounds, Poznan, Poland
Organizer: Poznan International Fair Limited
Tel.: +(48)-(61)-8692000
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