From home design and landscaping to organic farming, the Home and Garden Expo is covering a lot of territory this year. It opened to the public Thursday and runs through Sunday.

Steve Nabity, representing Omaha for the National Remodeler’s Association, said he’s seen a big increase over the past few months, in the people who want to fix up their homes.

“A lot of people are staying in their homes more than they were, staying a little longer,” he said, “and deciding to fix it up, really make it their home.”

Those who don’t plan on staying, he said, can still get the most bang for their remodel buck by redoing kitchens and bathrooms, “And then after that you’ll get into family entertainment areas,” he said.

Nabity’s design showroom is among the many featured exhibits, which includes an organic farm section. Andrew Pittz represents Sawmill Hollow Family Farm, out of Missouri Valley. “We’re the first Aronia berry farm in North America, so we kind of reintroduced the cultivated plant,” he said.

The berry is a dark, purple color with a taste that slightly resembles a cranberry, but healthier. “It’s got three times the antioxidants of a blueberry and double that of the Acai berry, and Aronia powder even has more Resveretrol than red wine,” he said.

The farm has samples and products on-hand to buy, some tried and true and some new for this year. “We’ve got everything from a freeze dried powder which you can use in smoothies or yogurt to hand cream or face cream,” he said. They also have a new chili starter recipe, sold by the jar. Their products are sold at farmer’s markets, Hy-Vee health market’s, Jane’s Markets and Tomato-Tomato.

Children will find some activities to keep them entertained, as well, at the expo. An exotic animals show allows them to not only see but touch animals from around the world.

Admission for adults is $7. Children aged five to 12 get into the show for $3.50, and those under five are free. For more information, Click here.