Calgary Home + Garden Show garden features prepping visitors for spring

They say you can't judge a book by its cover. Yet when it comes to purchasing a home, first impressions can be everything.

"What's really exciting for me right now, especially when it comes to home value, is that landscaping has replaced the top five best return-on-investments according to Remodeling Magazine 2015," said Carson Arthur, co-star of HGTV's Critical Listing and founder of Carson Arthur Design, who will be among a dozen celebrity presenters and more than 650 vendors at the 34th annual Calgary Home + Garden Show, running from Feb. 26 to March 1.

Arthur, who grew up on a farm two hours outside Toronto, said there are a couple simple tips for home sellers when it comes to grabbing the eye of potential buyers.

More than 350 exhibitors on hand for 2014 Home + Design Show

Born in Calgary, interior designer Heather Draper spent seven years in Victoria before realizing her heart remained in Alberta.

"There's a vibrancy," she said. "Calgary resonates this positive energy that I absolutely love."

Draper will be sharing that positive energy, as well as some ins and outs of interior design, when she presents on the main stage of the Calgary Home + Design Show Sept. 18-21.