Brian Minter: Seattle's Northwest Flower and Garden Festival a must-see
Credit to Author: Tracey Tufnail| Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2020 19:00:59 +0000
When: Feb. 26 to March 1
Where: Washington State Convention Center
Tickets and info: gardenshow.com
Whether you have a passion for gardening or just need a little inspiration in the midst of a dreary winter, the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle is a must-see. In America, it is second in size only to the Philadelphia Flower Show.
At the marketplace find that special horticultural treasure. Photo credit: Northwest Flower and Garden Festival.
Over the past 30 years, I’ve become very familiar with the Seattle show, and I’ve had the privilege of getting to know each of the show’s owners and their dedicated teams. Together, they pull out all the stops and always create an outstanding experience. This year’s theme is Spring Fever.
Spokeswoman Courtney Goetz says, “It is the largest horticultural gathering on the West Coast of North America, and it is, quite simply, five days of gardening nirvana.”
As you glide up two flights of escalators to the show’s entrance, the sight of so many flowering bulbs, perennials and trees — most having been forced into full bloom for this event — you will feel as though you have been whisked forward in time and spring has arrived.
The lobby is always filled with such impressive floral art that you can’t help but stop and admire and drool a little as you appreciate the talent showcased in the individual entries. They are all stunning.
The main hall of the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival features spectacular gardens created to inspire. Photo credit: Northwest Flower and Garden Festival
Then you enter the main hall. it is strategically illuminated with theatrical lighting and purposely kept cool to preserve the beauty the thousands of flowers. Here you will see artistically designed gardens that truly inspire, and each reflects the Spring Fever theme in its own unique way.
Landscape architects, garden designers and talented horticultural folks have spent so much time creating these spectacular gardens; all vying for prestigious medals. Just before the show opens to the public, three judges determine the winning designs. Seeing who has created the top-placed entries is always my favourite part of the show.
At the marketplace find that special horticultural treasure. Photo credit: Northwest Flower and Garden Festival.
Once you tear yourself away from all this beauty, there is so much more to enjoy. The marketplace is where you will discover new, cool, funky and fun garden and lifestyle products — from shears and pruners to greenhouses, cold frames and watering accessories, everything garden related that you can possibly imagine or wish you had.
There are also the more traditional booths that feature a very diverse range of goods from garden art extraordinaire to fine cheeses, sweets, wines and, of course, bulbs. It’s quite an eclectic and zany mix.
At the marketplace find that special horticultural treasure. Photo credit: Northwest Flower and Garden Festival.
Also featured at the show are many associations, like the American Bamboo Society where I learned a great deal about running and non-running varieties. Garden, tree and environmental societies are all there to provide a wealth of great information.
If you love bonsai and ikebana, you’ll discover some amazing displays. Some Seattle area ikebana chapters have been active for over 60 years. Headmaster Hiroki Ohara is coming from Japan to both present and oversee the displays. His participation will be something quite special.
Seminars are an important part of the show experience. Photo credit: Northwest Flower and Garden Festival
With over 100 seminars scheduled, education is also a big part of the show, and all sessions are free. As usual, seminar and judging manager Janet Endsley has lined up an impressive assemblage of great speakers. Each of the well-known show judges — James Alexander-Sinclair, Dan Hinkley and David L. Culp — will be presenting as well.
Seattle television personality Ciscoe Morris will be appearing, and of course he will bring his good sense of humour. So, too, will the phenomenal garden guru Laura LeBoutillier, who has had so much success with her social media platform Garden Answer, which has 2.5 million followers.
Again this year, Gardening 101 presentations will offer three 30-minute, back-to-back sessions on topics we all need to learn more about, such as pruning, pollination and herbs.
Container Wars will also be back. It is a lot of fast-paced fun as local personalities compete to plant up amazing containers.
Fleur de Villes creations are stunning masterpieces. Photo credit: Fleurs de Villes.
New this year is the global sensation Fleurs de Villes. Some of Seattle’s top creative florists will dress 13 mannequins with over 1000 flowers adorning each. The results are sure to be stunning masterpieces of floral design.
The Northwest Flower and Garden Festival is an outstanding event, and it is always very popular and well attended. To avoid congestion, it’s a good idea to visit either early or later in the day. To refuel yourself, take advantage of the great food options both inside the Convention Center, and outside.
Seattle is a great cosmopolitan city with much to offer. Why not plan an overnight late winter getaway that includes spending time at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival? I promise it will be an experience you won’t soon forget.
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