GREEN YOUR GARDEN IN THE EMERALD CITY
Seattle’s super flower show, in its 30th year, is the second-largest in the United States
If you need a little winter pickme-up and you have an interest in or passion for all things green, then make plans to visit the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle.
In 1988, creator Duane Kelly had a vision of what a flower and garden show could be. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Kelly and seeing his vision come to life. I also greatly admire the new owners, the O’Loughlin family, who took over in 2009 and consulted with gardening communities in the area to learn about their expectations for the show.
The new owners took those comments to heart, and did they ever deliver. The Seattle show is the second-largest flower and garden show in America, second only to the Philadelphia Flower Show. It is the show’s 30th year, and the 2018 theme is Garden Party.
“There will be more flowers than ever this year,” says Janet Endsley, who organizes the schedule of outstanding speakers at the show.
Presented in the beautiful Washington State Convention Centre, the core of this event is still the world-class display gardens, created in a theatrical environment with professional lighting. The temperature is controlled to keep the massive flower displays at their prime over the five-day event.
Each garden is a huge undertaking, representing the enormous combined efforts of talented designers and creative installers who do amazing work almost non-stop to complete their displays in a 72-hour period. This is especially challenging because of the time of year — it takes a lot of meticulous planning and a long forcing period to have all the plants at their prime or in bloom for these few days in February.
The display gardens alone make the show spectacular, but there’s so much more to take in. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary in the garden world, the festival’s marketplace has over 350 exhibitors who are evaluated annually, and this year 50 new exhibitors will be featured. You’ll find some of the coolest new garden tools, accessories, art, vintage and funky collectibles, books and more.
You’ll also find plants, bulbs, seeds and even dried black pussy willows. For Canadian visitors, show planners have arranged for American inspectors from the USDA to be on site to provide a phytosanitary certificate that allows plants to be taken across the Canadian border. There are, of course, restrictions on certain plants, but the inspectors will let you know.
Lots of horticultural societies are represented at the show, and they are a source of great information on everything from bamboo to bonsai. I love to pick up new information on the latest trends and ideas.
Something new this year is a tasting corner offering samples and sales of artisan foods like chocolate, hot sauces, cheeses, breads, honey and more. There are 40 exhibitors in this area; if you’re a foodie, there’s lots to love. Speaking of food, you’ll also find a great selection of refreshments to enjoy and lots of seating areas. You can also enjoy wine and craft beer as you wander the show.
For entertainment, there are two reality shows MCed by horticultural authors Marianne Binetti and Debra Prinzing: Container Wars and Floral Wars. In Container Wars, two award-winning designers and garden writers will each plant up to three containers within one hour. In Floral Wars, two highly qualified floral arts designers compete in creating a centrepiece, a bridal bouquet and a surprise floral creation. Both events will have a lot of fun audience participation.
Be sure to take in other major attractions such as the city living section, with 10 balcony-sized vignettes providing excellent ideas for folks living in condos and apartments. If you enjoy floral arts, you’ll love the unique arrangements in the entry foyer. The winners are always spectacular. The seminar program offers some of the best garden communicators, writers and educators speaking on a range of subjects. This year they are categorized in nine areas from wildlife and edible gardens to design and indoor decor.
Large screens, darkened rooms and lots of space make it a comfortable experience. During the five days, over 100 seminars are scheduled. You’ll learn lots.
You can do the show in a day as I always do, but many folks make a weekend of it.
If you wish to book a hotel, Endsley encourages people to book through the show’s website — but do it soon. To avoid the largest crowds, plan on being there early in the morning or later in the evening.
You can purchase tickets at the door, but if you buy online now you can get a discount of $5.
Some groups, such as garden clubs, organize bus trips from a number of areas of the province.
Having participated as an exhibitor, speaker and judge over the past 30 years, I highly recommend the experience.