 | Peter X. Salmeron
was born in Peru and came to the US in 1971. He attended WSU and KU, earning a BS in Biology. He started Complete Landscaping Systems in 1983, on a part-time basis, and became a full-time entrepreneur in 1987. Today, Complete Landscaping Systems is one of the leading grounds maintenance and landscaping companies in Kansas and recipient of the Department of Commerce Service Company of the Year Award for Kansas in 2001. Mr. Salmeron is former President of the Wichita Garden Show Association and its Board and current Board member, is an executive member of the Board of Directors for Wichita Chamber of Commerce, President of Amigoes de Ser, was named SBA Small Business Person of the Year for 2000, and new Board member of the Wichita Conventions Bureau. You can contact Mr. Salmeron by phone at (316) 832-0061 or by email at petersalmeron@lycos.com |
Lawn, Garden & Landscaping
2004-03-01 16:02:00
Where do all the plants go?
: I've attended the Wichita Garden Show for many years and always enjoy the elaborate, Center Garden displays. My question is, "What happens to all the plants, shrubs, flowers and trees after the Garden Show is over? Do these just die and go to waste?"
ANSWER: The Wichita Garden Show marks the beginning of the gardening and landscaping season. This year's show is March 3-7 at Century II. Center Garden contractors begin planning well in advance of the show date. Many of them begin their design planning in August or September of the previous year. Plant material is ordered and "forced" to bloom in greenhouses during December, January and February so that when the show arrives in March, everything is mature and looks perfect.To answer your question, Center Garden contractors try to sell plant materials during the last day of the show, and usually the prices are discounted. Some of the plant materials may be saved and sold in nurseries or replanted as part of another project. Most of the trees and shrubs can be saved for resale. Unfortunately, many of the flowers, if unsold, are given away, or sadly; they end up in the trash since the weather conditions in early March will not allow flowers to survive outdoors. If you want to save some money, talk to the exhibitors at the show about the plant materials used in their displays. Hopefully you can get a bargain!
