The 23rd annual Home and Garden Show kicked off this year on Feb. 20 at the Kern County Fairgrounds with over 500 people attending, and most said they had hopes of buying something for their home or garden.

There were over 300 displays and 100 companies selling everything from cookware to imported wines to lawnmowers.

For home, garden and outdoor living there were displays like landscapes, kitchens, baths, spas and barbecues.

Attendees were able to get green-thumb tips and attend the Home Depot’s do-it-yourself clinics, and kids were able to be creative in the kid’s workshops.

Many companies held seminars and demonstrations for the people who attended.

David Monge, owner of Kitchen Craft International, demonstrated how to cook food without using water or oil, which allows “minimum moisture cooking” to preserve flavor and color, reduce shrinkage and odor, retain the maximum amount of minerals and vitamins and saves time and money. The prices of the cookware ranged between $1,200 for the basic set to $2,500 for the chef set.

“The waterless cookware is made in America and has seven layers, one layer of magnetic steel, three layers of stainless steel and three layers of aluminum alloy,” Monge said.

Marketing director of the Home and Garden Show, Jamie Williams, said, “Bargains have never been better, so treat yourself to something special.”

“Dirt cheap is our company’s motto,” said Buck Whitaker of Buck’s Landscape Materials and Pond Shop.

Many said that even though the economy is the way it is, they were able to purchase the cookware, spa, lawnmower, vacuum, garden supplies and a whole remodeled kitchen that they wanted for their home and/or garden.

Attendee Christine Nunes said, “I purchased cabinets for my kitchen that is being remodeled and a spa that I have been wanting for a long time.”