Feature Story

Visitors to Roosevelt Field Mall next week, will find more than the usual array of stores and eateries. A 27,000 square foot big-top tent, erected on the south side of the property, is ready to attract mallgoers with spring delights, as Roosevelt Field hosts its first-ever "Greatest Home & Garden Show on Earth," next week, Thursday through Sunday.The four-day event features some 80 exhibitors offering a wide range of improvement products and services, emphasizing landscaping, gardening and home improvement, all under an enormous football field-sized tent near Macy's. Show-goers can find inspiration from elaborate home and garden displays, with expert advice and presentations from industry insiders, as well vie for a share in the thousands of dollars worth of giveaways being offered."You can find a lot of ideas and inspiration here. Anything you need-kitchens, baths, interior design, hot tubs, pools, landscaping-it's all here, in a Cirque du Soleil-type setting," commented Renee Goins, president of REG Expo Productions, which is presenting the home extravaganza. "It's a high energy experience, and that sets us apart from other home shows."The tone for the event is immediately apparent, as visitors enter the ticket booth shed display, presented by Wood Kingdom. Then showgoers make their way through a classic wrought iron gate, provided by Great Gates Etc. They experience a bygone era as they stroll by classic antique limousines and view landscapes and gardens in the "Dreamscapes" feature, presented by Primo Landscaping, where landscaping products valued at over $50,000 will be given away. Decorative fencing surrounds the scene, provided by Amendola Fence Company."That will be just the beginning," Goins said. "Showgoers can also check out exhibits from prominent home improvement companies from Long Island and beyond."Leading professionals in the field will be on hand to impart advice and conduct seminars. Among them, interior designer Mindy Greenberg, of cable television's "Decorating Cents," and owner of Encore Decor, is conducting workshops on "Home Decorating Tips to Fit Every Budget." She addresses color confusion, shopping stress and decorating dilemmas that often plague those undertaking an interior design project."Decor should reflect the person who lives there," commented Greenberg. "I'll explain to visitors of the Home Show how utilizing color and accessories, along with the right tricks of the trade will help to achieve goals easily and affordably."For gardening ideas, noted lawn and garden Marie Cinque expert will be on hand to enlighten visitors on how to make their outdoor plants, lawns and gardens flourish. A frequent guest on CBS-TV's "Sunday Morning," Cinque has many tips to share with vistors who attend her sessions.

Marie Cinque's Gardening Workshop - Thursday/Friday, 3 p.m.; Saturday, 7 p.m.Interior Design with Mindy Greenberg- Thursday/Friday, 2 and 9 p.m.Jo's Creative Paints - Thursday through Saturday, 1 and 6 p.m.Sid Silver on "How To Start Up Your Home Business" - Thursday through Saturday, noon, 5 and 8 p.m.

"The Greatest Home & Garden Show On Earth"