Show Features
In addition to the hundreds of great local experts and exhibitors, the show offers fantastic giveaways and unique features! Check out the lineup below!
Pergola Giveaways
Our friends at Britton Construction Solutions are building two 10′ x 10′ pergolas and landscaping our feature stage area during the show. After the show ends, we’ll give the pergolas away to two lucky winners!
Showgoers can sign up to win these pergolas near the stage in the seminar area of the Convention Hall!
Thank you to our partner!
Image does not specifically represent the design of the pergolas to be given away.
Daily Prize Giveaways
Each day, we’ll be giving away a prize valued at approximately $275! Winners will have a choice of a new Blackstone Grill OR an Outdoor Water Fountain! Once winners are notified, we’ll ship the winning prize to their door!
Showgoers can sign up to win these prizes each day near the stage in the seminar area of the Convention Hall!
Images do not specifically represent the design of the grill & outdoor fountain to be given away.
Local Expert Seminars
Below you will find a listing of gardening topics, presented by local experts from the following organizations. Simply click on a time / topic, to open up the details about the presentation!
A special thank you to the Sedgwick County Extension Office and the Kansas Pond Society for helping secure speakers for the event.
Thursday Seminars
1p - 3p - Landscaping & Tree Trimming
Presentation Description:
In this engaging seminar, Russ Logan will guide you through the best practices for landscaping your yard and trimming your trees to perfection. Whether you’re looking to enhance your curb appeal or simply maintain a healthy and beautiful outdoor space, Russ’s expert advice will ensure your yard stands out on the block. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional and transform your landscape into a stunning masterpiece.
Presented By: Russ Logan, Owner of Logan’s Landscaping
3p - 4p - Starting the Construction Process
Presentation Description:
Embarking on the journey of building a new home is both exciting and overwhelming, especially for first-time builders. This Seminar will help laying the foundation for navigating the construction process for new home builders and is designed to demystify the complexities of home construction and empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
Join us for an engaging and informative session where our industry expert, Ron Bartlett, will guide you through the essential steps of the construction process. He will cover everything from understanding key specifications and construction terms to effective planning strategies that ensure your project stays on track and within budget.
Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of building your dream home or are ready to break ground, this seminar will provide you with the foundational knowledge and confidence to move forward. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Presented By: Ron Bartlett, R.B. Drafting
Friday & Saturday Seminars
11:30a - 12:30p - Managing Johnsongrass & Other Invasive Plants
Presentation Description: Our native, tallgrass prairie ecosystem has come under increasing stress from non-native plant species introduced by man. Bradford Pear trees, Eastern Red Cedar, and Johnsongrass are all examples of plants that can easily take over our property if not managed correctly. In this presentation, learn more about the history of Johnsongrass, and how you can manage aggressive plants on your property.
Presented By: Steve Eichert, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Presenter Bio: Steve Eichert is an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer with the K-State Research & Extension Office in Sedgwick County. Steve is a lifelong gardener, but a transplant Midwesterner and Kansan. Since moving to Kansas, he has been truly fascinated by the grasses and fauna of the Flint Hills. In his own garden, Steve embraces the English Formal, Cottage, and Zen Garden styles. Regardless of the garden style you choose, today Steve will share with you his presentation on Managing Johnsongrass & Other Invasive Plants, in order to keep your gardens beautiful, and free of aggressive plants that threaten to take over.
12:30p - 1:30p – Composting & Other Green Gardening Practices
Presentation Description: Compost enriches the soil and promotes healthy plant growth, but how do you get started? This presentation will help you identify what gardening practices you can implement and what composting methods you can try in order to make your garden greener and composting easier. Learn how to harness your garden waste in order to improve your soil and decrease landfill waste.
Presented By: Mary Singleton, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Presenter Bio: Mary Singleton is an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer with the K-State Research & Extension Office in Sedgwick County. Mary is an avid life-long composter and leader in adopting green, often time saving, gardening practices. Since becoming a Master Gardener in 2016, Mary has spent the past 8 years educating the community on many greener gardening practices. Today Mary will share with you her composting expertise as she offers her presentation on Composting & Other Green Gardening Practices.
1:30p - 2:30p – Easy To Grow Ornamental Grasses For Kansas
Presentation Description: The climate is changing, and we have become more aware of the resiliency of our prairie environment. Discover how using ornamental grasses and their look-a-likes can help to beautify your yard and protect our environment, while also decreasing our water use. Ornamental grasses, once established, require very little care and little water. This allows us to create beautiful landscapes, while also spending less time gardening, and more time enjoying the garden. Learn which ornamental grasses will grow best, and how to care for them.
Presented By: Laura Knight, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Presenter Bio: Laura Knight is an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer with the K-State Research & Extension Office in Sedgwick County. Laura enjoys spending her time learning about and exploring fantastic gardens across the United States, as well as gardens around the world. In her retirement, Laura has also become a hands-on gardener. She loves the Prairie/Naturalistic Garden Style, along with the latest style of CHAOS Gardening. Most of all, Laura loves grasses and sedges. Today Laura will share with you her expertise through her presentation on Easy To Grow Ornamental Grasses For Kansas.
2:30p - 3:30p – Introduction to Water Gardening
Presentation Description: Welcome to an exciting presentation on the enchanting world of water gardens and Koi Ponds. Today we will dive into the serene and captivating realm of these aquatic wonders, exploring the reasons you might want to create one in your own backyard. As well as some considerations to keep in mind before taking the plunge. A water garden or Koi Pond can be a stunning addition to your home, offering beauty and relaxation and a connection to nature. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the responsibilities to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
Presented By: Mike Kandt, Kansas Pond Society
Mike Kandt is a retired architect and 30-year president of the Kansas Pond Society, a water gardening club in Wichita Kansas with membership of about 180 households. Married to his wife Susan for 49 years, they have been involved in water gardening for 32 years (since they bought their house) and have learned everything the hard way.
– Involved with other garden clubs, Mike is a past member and president of his local Garden Council, a group of several garden clubs in town. He has spent time as a Trustee/Board member and as president of Botanica, the Wichita Gardens and continues to volunteer for that organization.
– When not water gardening, he is an amateur woodworker, home repairer, gardener and Santa in the season.
3:30p - 4:30p - Plant Propagation – Multiplying Your Garden Plants
Presentation Description: Learn the basics of plant propagation for the home gardener. With a little knowledge and some simple tools, this presentation will teach you how to be successful propagating your plants. Learn how to use plant stems, leaves, and roots in order to multiply the plants in your garden.
Presented By: Ben Herzog, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Presenter Bio: Ben Herzog is an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer with the K-State Research & Extension Office in Sedgwick County. With a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Ben retired as VP of Strategic Planning at INVISTA (Koch). Continuing his lifelong love of learning, Ben joined the Extension Master Gardener program in 2023 to pursue his enjoyment of nature. In his own garden, Ben enjoys focusing his efforts growing trees, roses, perennials, and vegetables. Today Ben will share with you his presentation on Plant Propagation – Multiplying Your Garden Plants.
4:30p - 5:30p - Growing Herbs Indoors
Presentation Description: Growing herbs indoors can be an easy way to perk up your kitchen and provide you fresh herbs to cook with year-round. Learn about several herbs that can grow well indoors, and discover the various ways these herbs can be grown. Find out more about the kit options that are available, and if you’re ready to take growing herbs to the next level, view a demonstration of a small countertop garden that uses LED grow lights.
Presented By: B.J. Wells, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer
Presenter Bio: BJ Wells is an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer with the K-State Research & Extension Office in Sedgwick County. BJ joined the program in 2021, but has experienced growing plants around the world. When living in Wisconsin, she planted seeds and seedlings in a community garden plot, harvesting vegetables for just two months during Wisconsin’s brief summers. While on a mission to Vienna, Austria, BJ gained gardening experience watering rose plants and pruning geraniums. When living in Berlin, Germany she grew sprouts in the refrigerator in empty Miracle Whip jars to support her vegetarian diet. Since that time BJ has continued to expand her gardening experience, including her indoor gardening expertise. Today BJ will share with you her presentation on Growing Herbs Indoors.
5:30p - 6:30p – Water Garden Maintenance & Care
Presentation Description: Discover the essential steps and considerations involved in maintaining a beautiful and thriving pond. Mike Kandt will provide you with valuable insights into the various maintenance tasks required to keep your aquatic paradise in pristine condition. From understanding the nuances of different pond types to learning about seasonal care routines, you’ll leave with a clear picture of what it takes to nurture and enjoy your own serene water oasis.
Presented By: Mike Kandt, Kansas Pond Society
Mike Kandt is a retired architect and 30-year president of the Kansas Pond Society, a water gardening club in Wichita Kansas with membership of about 180 households. Married to his wife Susan for 49 years, they have been involved in water gardening for 32 years (since they bought their house) and have learned everything the hard way.
– Involved with other garden clubs, Mike is a past member and president of his local Garden Council, a group of several garden clubs in town. He has spent time as a Trustee/Board member and as president of Botanica, the Wichita Gardens and continues to volunteer for that organization.
– When not water gardening, he is an amateur woodworker, home repairer, gardener and Santa in the season.
Kids’ Day – Sunday
Bring the whole family on Sunday and join us for Kids’ Day! We’ve got a fun lineup of experiences and activities! Check out the details below!
Tanganyika Wildlife Park Animal Experience
2:30p – 4:30p in the Seminar Area of the Convention Hall
Ever dreamed of petting a sloth? Or maybe getting a selfie with a penguin? Now you can!
Join us for an unforgettable experience at Kids’ Day, on Sunday, where guests can enjoy opportunities to not only learn about the animals but also interact with them. This hands-on approach offers a rare chance to connect with some of nature’s most unique and often endangered species.
Bring your family and friends for a wildly different experience that promises to be both educational and fun!
Plus we’ll give away two single day passes to Tanganyika Wildlife Park for the 2025 season, which runs from March – mid-November.
Windy appearance
Come meet Windy, the Wichita Wind Surge mascot, on Sunday from 12p – 2p! Windy will pose for pictures and interact with fans! Plus, the Wind Surge will offer an Enter-to-Win a Suite for a Night prize package giveaway! This prize package allows up to 25 guests to watch a game from an air-conditioned suite – a prize value of $2,250!
Face Painting
Let your kids’ imaginations run wild with creative face painting designs!
Balloon Animals
Troubles the Clown will be on-site to twist and turn balloons into amazing shapes at the following times…
- Saturday 11a – 2p
- Sunday (Kids Day) 11a – 5p
iPad Giveaway
Sign up for a chance to win an Apple iPad (10th Generation)! Participants must be 17 and under.
Landscaped Entryway
Showgoers will be welcomed to the show by a beautifully landscaped pathway in the lobby, courtesy of our friends at Professional Landscaping Services!
