48th Spring Show set Feb. 27-March 2

Sculptures will again be found throughout the gardens at the Southern Spring Home and Garden Show. CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Kermit must be proud. Everywhere we turn these days, we're reminded that, "Green is good. Green is America's solution to saving the world from self-destructing. Why, green is downright patriotic."

Kermit's not the only one who's proud - the folks who produce the Southern Spring Home and Garden Show are proud, too. In fact, they believe they helped create some of this green tidal wave.

"We like to think that we've been ahead of the curve in providing education and conservation options to our show guests," says David Zimmerman, president of Southern Shows, Inc.

This year's show at the Charlotte Merchandise Mart, Feb. 27- March 2, is themed "Shades of Green," but according to Zimmerman, they, and the exhibitors who are part of the show, have been beating the 'green drums' for quite a few years. This year will be no exception. In one place, at one time, there will be every size, shape and price of green products, ideas, programs, and advice for inside and outside the home.

Some of the innovations guests can look forward to include hi-tech watering solutions, solar panels and drought resistant plants, built into the luscious landscapes the show is known for.

Sharing the limelight with the gardens will be designer rooms, emphasizing bringing the outside inside. Plus, there'll be a huge Green Marketplace, packed with plants, shrubs, bulbs and everything for greening up your life.

The Outdoor Marketplace will offer decks, pavers, patios, grills, furniture, garden ornaments and all the comforts and innovations for enjoying the outdoors. Many of the show's kitchen, bath, building and home improvement exhibitors will feature products that are kind to the environment and easy on the utility budget.

The North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association will have a Green Building Pavilion at the show that has doubled in size this year, as well as an entire day devoted to programs and seminars on conservation of energy.

The Seagrove Potters will be back, along with many artists and craftspeople, with one-of-a kind treasures for the home that are not for a throwaway society. There will be an Orchid Pavilion, as well as Bonsai, Ikebana and incredible workshops and seminars on gardening, interiors and conservation.

Show hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 10.a.m- 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Tickets are $9 at the door, $7.50 in advance, $7 groups of 20 or more.

Advance tickets are available on-line at www.Southern SpringHome&Garden- Show. com or by calling 800- 849-0248.

A preview night on Feb. 27 from 7-10 p.m. will benefit the Council For Children's Rights. Tickets for the preview are $50.