With the current economic challenges facing businesses of all kinds, those in the home building and remodeling and landscape and nursery industries are hoping that some upcoming events will help them to better reach their potential customers.

And for the homeowner or gardening enthusiast, these events provide one-stop shopping to see the latest trends and products.

Three events in particular are available in the North Georgia area.

They include the Southeastern Flower Show, the Georgia Home & Garden Show and the Northeast Georgia Home Expo.

The 23rd annual Southeastern Flower Show at the Cobb Galleria Centre in northwest Atlanta runs today through Saturday and includes indoor landscape displays built by some of Georgia’s best landscape professionals.

In addition to juried competition in landscape, floral design and horticulture, the show features a marketplace of approximately 100 vendors, floral and cooking demonstrations, and educational activities for children of all ages.

Nationally recognized speakers will also be featured at the show. They include Georgia gardening guru Walter Reeves; UGA Horticulture Professor Michael Dirr; P. Allen Smith, TV host, writer and professional gardener; TV personality Joe Washington; Erica Glasener, horticulturist and author; and Ashton Ritchie, gardening and lawn care expert.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Southeastern Horticultural Society's Web site.

Another great event a little closer to home is the Georgia Home & Garden Show, set for noon to 6 p.m. Feb 12, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 13 and noon to 5 p.m. Feb 14 at the Gwinnett Civic Center in Duluth. Tickets are $7 and kids are free.

It’s easy to get to from Interstate 85; just take Sugarloaf Parkway. And there’s lots of free parking.

The Home & Garden Show has exhibits and seminars on a variety of topics, including landscaping and lawn care, kitchen appliances, fixtures, flooring, roofing, siding, concrete, windows, patios and a whole lot more.

And right here in Gainesville, the 2010 Northeast Georgia Home Expo is set to be held at the Georgia Mountains Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 6 and noon to 6 p.m. March 7.

The expo features many businesses from across this area including home builders, remodelers, painting, flooring, patios, sunrooms, decks, landscaping and home décor.

The Home Expo also features a number of great speakers covering your favorite home and garden subjects.