“I’d say that Rainbow Gardens has been San Antonio’s best kept secret for some time,” owner Brandon Kirby said as the garden nursery prepares for the upcoming spring season.
But marketing has been tough for the family-owned business in operation since 1976.
The business has two locations, 8516 Bandera Road and 2585 Thousand Oaks, and Kirby says he hopes its participation in San Antonio’s Spring Home + Garden will boost sales.
The nursery holds a “hyper-local” emphasis and carries plants that are tailored to San Antonio residents. “You can find just about anything here. If you can’t find it at Rainbow Gardens, it’s likely not gonna be in San Antonio,” said Kirby.
Rainbow Gardens will be one of many exhibitors at this year’s show that kicks off Friday and runs through Sunday at the Alamodome. Attendees will be able to learn tips, tricks and get some to-do lists from local professionals and businesses in the home and garden field.
“We’re really excited to be a part of the show,” Kirby said. “[The show has] given us a platform to really express who we are, what we do, and the value that we can bring to the people.”
Kim Wolfe, local designer and renovator, founder of Wolfe Home, host of HGTV’s “Why The Heck Did I Buy This House?” and winner of CBS’ “Survivor: One World,” will speak at 5 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday offering tips on how to set up for a successful design process.
Destin Noak, also known as “Texan Garden Guy,” is a local expert and personality in all things backyard gardening for suburban homes. Destin will share his tips on the best ways to grow your dream garden in South Texas conditions. He will be at the show Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m.
By scanning the QR codes located at the entrances of the event, guests are automatically entered to win “Bloom Bundles” or “Bloom Bucks” provided by Rainbow Gardens. The Bloom Bundle, a door prize awarded every hour of each show, includes seasonal shrubs/flowers/herbs for guests to take home. Three grand prize winners will also be awarded up to $200 in a gift certificate.
Kirby advises winners to hold off on planting their winnings until next week due to the freezing temperatures. If people are interested in planting anything right now, Kirby recommends hearty shrubs and trees.
“Once that risk of cold is gone, when it’s above 40 [degrees] at night, you’re totally fine to plant them,” Kirby said.
Other exhibitors include “The Home Depot Children’s Workshop,” which allows for little ones to tap into their creative side and build something with expert assistance and “The Happy Homeowner’s Guide to Happy Pets” presented by God’s Dogs and San Antonio Pets Alive! These informative workshops will teach guests how to have a safe, healthy and happy home for their pets. And if you’re looking to adopt, the “Hearts & Home: San Antonio’s Adoptable Pup Showcase” will feature local rescues that are all available to take home.
For those who enjoy cozying up around a campfire, Interior Affairs is partnering with Magnolia Turf Co. to host “Cozy Up: Pit Inspiration for Your Outdoor Oasis” where guests can learn about everything it takes to build your own outdoor fire pit area.
San Antonio Spring Home + Garden Show Schedule
Friday, Feb. 21: noon to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 22: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 23: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors (60 and older). Children 17 and under are free, and a $2 off coupon is available for guests at sanantoniospringhomeshow.com/information.
All weekend military personnel, veterans, fire, police and first aid responders will have free admission with a valid ID at the box office. Teacher Appreciation Day is Sunday and allows educators and administrators to get in free with a valid ID at the box office.
For more information on these events and their schedules, visit sanantoniospringhomeshow.com/show-features.
