Home and Garden Expo in Austintown

March 24, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

By DANNY RESTIVO

AUSTINTOWN

A chilly start to spring may have deterred some from beginning their seasonal yard-working duties, but it had little effect on the patrons and vendors attending the Greater Youngstown Home and Garden Show.

“Even though it’s been cold so far, the warm weather isn’t far off, and we have plenty of services that can help around house,” said Debora Grim, show coordinator.

More than 100 vendors and thousands of visitors stopped at the Austintown Expo Center on Saturday to view demonstrations and receive information on various home improvement items, including patio furnishings, flower beds, grills, recreational vehicles, hot tubs, invisible fences, roofing and other items.

One of the more popular features at the expo was the Lawnbott — a futuristic-looking machine that can mow a lawn all by itself.

“It can cut your grass three to four times a week on its own,” said Jess Plizga of Lawnbott of Eastern Ohio.

The 20-pound machine is a four-wheeled mower that looks similar to the end of a household vacuum cleaner. Plizga said the machine allows the homeowner to free up his time because the Lawnbott is programed to leave a charging dock and begin cutting the lawn on its own. She said the Lawnbott cuts the lawn in random patterns, but because of its weight, it will not leave any crooked lines.

“You can expect your lawn to look like a green golf course,” said Plizga.

Steve Aubel of Canfield came to the expo with his daughter Ashley Rose, 5. He said the Lawnbott was cool, but he questioned if it could do a proper mow on his property.

“It’s a little too casual looking,” said Aubel. “I don’t know if I trust it on my acre and a half.”

Aubel and his daughter did enjoy some of the recreational vehicles that were on display as well. Expo visitors were able to look inside a couple of campers that were fully furnished. One included a full kitchen with a gas-powered stove, oven, flat-screen television, couch and two recliners. Aubel said he enjoyed the amenities of an RV more than the upcoming yard work he’ll soon be doing.

“Honestly, I don’t really care if it warms up,” said Aubel. “The longer it stays cold the less work I have to do.”

The show concludes today. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.