Sammy J To Inflate His Tropical Garden This Week

Thad James will be spending some time in a tropical settng this week. And it's only a short drive from his Fenton home.

James, also known as Sammy J, is already hard at work putting together a tropical balloon garden for the Home & Garden Show that opens Thursday at America's Center and Edward Jones Dome.

Sammy J Balloon Creations will build the 600 square-foot balloon garden that will feature an over-sized palm tree, a mountain cave with stalagtites and stalagmites, a mountain waterfall, a lagoon filled with flamingoes and a large tiki hut covered with vines and flowers. Monkeys and exotic birds will populate the garden, as well as a variety of tropical flowers, palm trees and all sorts of greenery.

Construction of the garden will take four days to complete and will use more than 7,000 balloons

"Thousands of visitors walked through the garden last year and were amazed by all the balloons," James said. "We have a lot of great plans for this year."

The tropical balloon garden will be located in the pool and spa area of the home show, which runs Thursday through Sunday. Although Thursday and Friday attendees only will be able to watch as the garden takes shape, visitors Saturday and Sunday will be allowed to walk through the forest scene.

The home show is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12 and is free to children 5 and younger. Discounts are available for tickets purchased www.stlhomeshow.com and Schnucks.