Three Ballard companies are putting together major exhibits for the Salmon Bay Event's Northwest Flower and Garden Show coming up on today through Sunday at the Washington State Convention Center.

The shows main attraction will be 26 full-scale display gardens ranging in size from 400 to 1,800 square feet.

Colin McCrate, owner of the Seattle Urban Farm Company in Crown Hill is planning a garden that features edible plants. The design will include a backyard farm with a chicken coop and flowers.

"Everything is something you can eat. It's a big project for us," said McCrate. He is both stressed out and excited with the garden show opening for a press only preview on Feb. 19 along with judging for show award. Then comes garden show four days in front of the public.

Seattle Urban Farm works with clients to produce vegetable gardens in the yards. The company can install irrigation systems and grow starter plants for vegetables.

The organic vegetables McCrate provides clients can include tomatoes, peppers, beans, salad greens, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, celery and leeks. He believes an urban farm can help foster a connection to the food people eat, the environment and the community.

Karen Stefonick, owner/designer of Le Jardin Landscape Design is back at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show again this year. This year she is creating a "Tequila Sunrise" garden.

Stefonick said this year's design has texture and a tactile feel to it, featuring the warmer colors found south of the border. Like the other garden exhibitors, Stefonick has a little over three days to build the garden before judges do their inspection.

"I build real gardens for real people," said Stefonick. She does not advertise her company says every year business doubles because of her participation in the garden show.

Le Jardin specializes in outdoor rooms, patios, decks, lighting, hardscape, water features and kitchens. Her company has won numerous awards and has been featured in Sunset Magazine, Seattle Homes and Lifestyle Magazine.

Another garden exhibitor is Exteriorscapes in Greenwood, owned by Cameron Scott. The company specializes in eco-friendly gardens using natural materials and renewable resources. Their designs include sculpture, metal, wood, stone and water.

New this year to the Northwest Flower and Garden Show is the "Living It Up" showcase with three display patios. As the city's density increases with condominum owners who have decks and terraces instead of yards and the show will provide ideas for that target audience.

Young couples with children will find free childcare at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show.

Sunset Magazine is sponsoring 120 seminars and hands-on presentations by gardening and design experts.

"It continues to inspire homeowners to do more with their yard," said Duane Kelly chairman and founder of Salmon Bay Events.

Academy-award winning actress Sally Fields will lead a seminar entitled, "Gardening for Good Health: Benefits for Body and Mind."

Visit http://www.gardenshow.com for details.

Swanson's Nursery, 9701 15th Ave. N.W., Ballard Market, 1400 N.W. 56th St. and Greenwood Market, 8500 3rd Ave. N.W. are selling tickets for Northwest Flower and Garden Show.

Dean Wong may be contacted at deanw@robinsonnews.com or 783.1244.