"There's no question that outdoor living has become a

top prioity for Atlanta-area homeowners over the last

decade," noted Lindsey Miller, show director for SEMCO

Productions, Inc., producer of the event.

"Last year alone, we welcomed well over 30,000 of these

homeowners at the Atlanta Garden & Patio Show, and we're expecting

even more this year."

Among the show's most popular attractions is Garden Alley,

a living display of eight magnificent gardens created by some of

metro-Atlanta's leading landscape-design firms.

"Although anyone visiting the show can appreciate their

beauty, active gardenrs find them particularly fascinating," Miller

said. "Whether they're looking for new ways to add color to a shady spot

or are thinking about adding architectural elements like

fountains, arbors or statuary to the landscape, a stroll through Garden Alley

is always inspirational."

The show's nearly 250 exhibitors can also provide

do-it-yourself exterior designers with a wealth of ideas, she added.

"Visitors will find tens of thousands of products in one

convenient spot everything from plants, bulbs and garden tools

to lawn ornamnets, grills and outdoor furniture, with many

items available at special show prices. They'll have the chance to

compare the credentials of a wide variety of service providers, from

builders of decks, swimming pools and sunrooms to landscape

contractors and tree-care specialists."

That's just the start, she said. Visitors will also be able to

attend free seminars on everything from constructing decks, paving

walks, and driveways to spring lawn care, water gardening and Feng Shui

in the garden.

Children can also learn a great deal at the show, Miller said,

thanks to such efforts as the Fernbank Science Center and Georgia

Wildlife Federation. "As host of our Wild about Georgia Nature

Stage, their representatives will provide visitors of all ages with

hands-on lessons on subjects from protecting our environment to turning

even an ordinary backyard into a wildlife sanctuary."

Admission to the Fifth Annual Atlanta Garden & Patio Show

is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $2 for children from 7-12, with

special discount rates available for adult groups of 20 or more.

Children under 7 and card-carrying members of the American

Horticultural Society will be admitted at no charge. For details, call

770-998-9800 or the 24-hour information line at 770-849-5555 or

visit www.gardenandpatio.com.

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