The Home and Garden Expo Center celebrates a grand opening July 11 at locations in Peoria, Central Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Home and Garden Expo Center is a year-round home and garden show that gives shoppers instant access to thousands of decorating, remodeling and home improvement ideas, all in a 36,000-square-foot idea center. The idea centers eliminate the need for homeowners to drive from place to place, just to shop for flooring, paint and appliances.

There are booths with information and examples of cutting-edge products from hundreds of home improvement vendors. From granite counter tops and hardwood floors to custom tile, kitchens, landscaping and home theaters, shoppers can choose colors, feel textures and find out the latest home improvement products all in one place.

The Peoria location is at 8606 W. Ludlow Drive, off the Loop 101 at Thunderbird Road, just behind Dillon’s Restaurant. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. On the opening day, the following free home improvement and gardening seminars will be offered.

• 9:30 a.m. Design inspiration for the back yard.
• 10:30 dress up your home with energy efficient lighting inside and out.
• 11:30 how to save money on your electric bill, live demos with the “green machine.”
• 12:30 p.m. Maximize the efficiency of your home up to 55 percent.
• 1:30 Peoria Police and Fire Departments with hints on water safety and Block Watch programs.
• 2:30 Get the most bang for your buck in flooring.
• 3:30 Maintaining your landscape in the hot summer months.

There also will be local artisans presenting work in clay, jewelry and fine art, a coloring contest and balloons for kids and the Desert Cruisers Indoor Auto Show from 4 to 8 p.m.

Grand opening giveaways and specials will include everything from granite to landcape, and each location will give away a free weekend trip to Napa.

Admission and parking is free. The Central Phoenix and Scottsdale locations have a similar list of seminars and promotions. For information on the grand opening celebration and locations, visit www.homeandgardenexpocenter.com.