information from the NW Flower and Garden show

The 27th annual Northwest Flower & Garden Show provides imagination and inspiration with its magnificent showcase of 23 display gardens, 110 free seminars by top experts, ideas for condo and apartment gardening, and a big line-up of exhibitors in the Marketplace and more, February 11-15, 2015 at the Washington State Convention Center.

The region’s top Garden Creators are embracing the show-wide “Romance Blossoms” theme—the show’s amazing collection of 23 marquee display gardens will feature upwards of 50% more flowers in bloom.

West Seattle area participants include Sponsor Sawdust Supply and Garden Creator West Seattle Nursery’s “Birds Do It…Bees Do It…”

West Seattle Nursery’s garden really is about the birds and the bees (in the literal sense); but a lush, grassy area accented by a subtle water feature provides a setting to form your own interpretation of romance. Blooming spring bulbs add splashes of color, but it’s also a setting where backyard gardeners grow their own fruits and vegetables.

The Nursery's Bill HIbler added, "Prior to 2013, our only presence was one of the small displays on the Skybridge. In 2013, we were asked to provide the plant material for one of the large garden designs. We installed over 63 varieties of conifers and other shrubs and were the unofficial designate of second place in the People’s Choice award. The garden itself earned a silver medal. In 2014, we elected to have our own display garden and won a gold medal as well as the “Best Show Theme”. The show was very pleased with our performance as a first time displayer and invited us back. This year, we will have a display twice as large as last year and be in one of the main islands in the center of the floor. We will be displaying a variety of plants and habitat for birds and bees, all constructed from reclaimed materials."

Tickets for the show are available at the nursery.

Show sponsors take active roles in this event, starting with the move-in process the weekend before the show. Marenakos Rock Center, Sawdust Supply and Country Green Turf Farms literally provide the foundations for the show gardens and other attractions. This year alone Sawdust Supply will deliver an estimated 90 truckloads of sawdust and mulch to the Convention Center.

If you live in a condo apartment—or simply have a small space that needs invigoration—plan on visiting the show’s new “City Living” area on the Skybridge. You’ll find nine idea-generating, 8’x14’ displays chock full of take-home inspiration. Leading retail nurseries and landscape designers spotlight the imaginative use of foliage, containers, art and outdoor furniture to create a welcoming outdoor environment for those working with limited space.

Located in the South Lobby, the Floral Competition is an amazing artistry of spectacularly arranged blooms showcasing the area’s best--and most innovative--designers and florists.

Original designs by top Northwest artists working in a variety of mediums will create romantic handcrafted privacy screens in the “Garden Gallery,” located within the show’s popular “Plant Market” area.
Showgoers can cheer on favorite news anchors and media personalities from KIRO-TV, KING-TV, KOMO-TV, KCPQ-TV, and Click 98.9 FM and Warm 106.9 FM as they battle it out in “Garden Wars,” an all-new event benefitting local charities.

For both newbie and lifelong gardeners, the show offers 110 seminars presented by a big line-up of top-tier experts, all free with admission to the show. It’s a great way to jump-start your gardening experiences, and learn about trends that not only beautify but are practical, too. Speakers include Show Judges Linda Engstrom, Troy B. Marden, and Ann Raver, Stephanie Cohen, Roy Diblik, Rochelle Greayer, Tony Avent, Donna Balzer, Jessi Bloom, David Culp, C.L. Fornari, Lucy Hardiman, Sean Hogan, Mark Weathington, Northwest locals Graham Kerr and Ciscoe Morris, and many more.

The bustling Marketplace, which includes the Vintage Garden Market and Plant Market, is a shopping destination with over 350 exhibitors offering the hottest new tools and other gardening gear, plants, and unique art for the home and garden.

The show’s new Family Farm Center, presented by Farmer Frog, offers plenty of hands-on family fun, with an emphasis on urban farming for all ages. Children can also participate in a show-wide treasure hunt, with entry forms available at the Family Farm Center.

Show dates and hours are Wednesday through Saturday (Feb. 11-14), 9am to 8pm; and Sunday (Feb. 15), 9am to 6pm.

Prices range from $17 Early Bird for adults (reg. $22 the week of the show or at the door); $15 per person for group advance purchases (minimum of 20 tickets online or at the door); $31 for single 2-day pass; $70 for single 5-day pass; and $5 for youth (ages 13 – 17). Children 12 and under are admitted free to the show.
Subaru embraces the show’s theme with its “Love Takes Flight” garden on the Skybridge. And you can share the love in a photo opp in the “Tree Hugger” display with the new 2015 Subaru Outback in the South Lobby.
Fine Gardening joins the line-up with special offers and a seminar presentation. Stop by their booth at the show to meet members of their staff—and enter to win a great prize package.
.