Destinations: 2017 Northwest Flower & Garden Show Feb 22 - 26
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
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| Flower Growers of Puget Sound “Blooming Abundance” Designed by Gail Payne (At the entrance to the show.) A road-side produce stand. A vine covered, rustic split rail fence spotlights products offered by the Flower Growers of Puget Sound in the early spring. Photo by Steven H. Robinson |
Text by Victoria Gilleland
It’s hard to imagine a more powerful antidote to the winter doldrums than a visit to the NW Flower and Garden Show! This year’s “Taste of Spring” theme celebrates growing and enjoying food outdoors with family and friends. You’ll see edibles cleverly worked into each of the 20 Display Gardens. The gardens are diverse, inspirational and full of take-home ideas for your garden.
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| An Evening in the Mountains Photo by Doug Gochanour |
While there were 20 outstanding gardens to consider, my favorite was “An Evening in the Mountains,” designed by Ryan Gaither of Choice Landscapes in Mount Vernon. The designer used color, texture and layout masterfully to create a warm and inviting mountain retreat. Boulders, a natural stone patio, and a pondless waterfall go beautifully with the plant material chosen for the garden. The rustic structures don’t detract from the beauty of the natural surroundings. A few carefully chosen décor items along with subtle lighting add to the ambience. Edibles included in this design are blueberry bushes, strawberries, salad greens and herbs. A most alluring scene!
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| Bugs Abode: Life Under the Lettuce Leaf Photo by Doug Gochanour |
“Bugs Abode: Life Under the Lettuce Leaf” is a unique garden with a cartoon-like quality to it. This is Fancy Fronds Nursery’s fanciful creation by Judith Jones and Vanca Lumsden. Larger than life beneficial insects work the garden keeping it healthy and clean while they recycle organics and control pests. Bugs spend their time off at the Compost Café and nearby watering holes. Bright Insect hotels provide safe havens for all workers. What a good reminder that beneficial Insects should be encouraged in every garden!
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| The Fruits of Our Labor Photo by Doug Gochanour |
The large contorted filbert is the focal point in this back yard filled with rock outcroppings. Elegantly and artistically pruned specimen trees of filbert and apple add beauty to the landscape as well as bearing fruit each year. With their garden “The Fruits of Our Labor” Elandan Gardens’ Dan and Will Robinson have created another design stunning in its simple beauty.
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| 5. Nature Perfect Landscaping, “Good Times, Great Food.” Designed by Landen Moore Guests won’t go hungry here, with piping hot pizza served from a wood-fired oven. The chef is just steps away from a selection of herbs. Complementing the oven and rustic outdoor fireplace is a heavy natural stone table, rough-hewn cedar arbors and a bubbly water feature. Photo by Steven H. Robinson |
We sometimes forget that there’s more to the Flower and Garden show than show gardens. For those in need, there’s ample opportunity for ‘Retail Therapy’ via the 350 vendors at the Garden Marketplace. Quality plants, bulbs and seeds, one of a kind art, clothing and accessories, garden tools and food products abound. There’s a Tasting Corner, which is new for the 2017 show, where you can sample wonderful specialty foods and beverages. There are tasty new and expanded food and beverage offerings throughout the show.
City Living vignettes by designers and local nurseries offer outdoor living ideas for those living in smaller spaces such as condos or apartments.
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| It's not a garden show without Ciscoe Morris Display: Treeline Design Photo by Steven H. Robinson |
To get the latest advice on eco-friendly gardening sign up for one or more of the 110 Seminars presented by gardening experts from across North America. Some of your favorite local gardeners, including plantsman Dan Hinkley and radio and TV host Ciscoe Morris will be there to inspire and entertain.
Plan an early ‘Taste of Spring’ this year at the 2017 Northwest Flower and Garden Show! Visit 20 beautiful show gardens, get some take home ideas for your garden, enjoy a unique shopping destination, and learn about the latest gardening trends. A day well spent!
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Steven H. Robinson reports
Convenient, comfortable shuttle services to the Washington State Convention Center.
In partnership with Starline Coaches, the show is introducing round-trip shuttle transportation services, with convenient pick-up locations in Shoreline, Kirkland, Issaquah and Federal Way to the Washington State Convention Center.
Round-trip tickets are $22 and can be purchased online through the show’s website or Starline Coaches. Reservations will be required at least 24 hours in advance); one-way tickets are also available for $11.
Pick-up and drop-off locations include Shoreline: Sky Nursery, 18528 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133.
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