THE LAST FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW  

You all have probably heard the ads and seen the articles about the fact that this may be the last Flower and Garden Show ever for the Pacific Northwest.  I for one hope it isn’t.  I have nothing but fond memories of this marvelous event, have been to each and every one of them, and wouldn’t know what to do with myself next February if there was no show to go to.  Just in case it does turn out to be the last, you should most certainly make plans to attend.

The show starts today and runs through Sunday at the Convention Center in Seattle.  From 9am to 8pm (9am to 6pm on Sunday) you can stroll through 26 inspirational gardens, attend a myriad of demonstrations and lectures, meet with professional gardeners and nursery owners and shop till you drop.  And while you are in Seattle you can partake of some of the wonderful culinary opportunities that surround the Convention Center.  In fact, many people make a couple days out of it and spend a night in a hotel so they aren’t so rushed.  Last year the missus and I stayed three nights at the Crown Plaza and never ran out of things to see or do.

Got kids?  First of all, if they are under 5 then they get in for FREE.  6 and older kids only cost $4.  Overall, the show if very kid friendly with wide isles for strollers, an activity center called Sproutopia where little ones can stay busy and make all sorts of crafty things, and here is my favorite part;  lots of vendors give out candy from their booths.  It’s like Halloween in February.

One of the new features this year will be a section dedicated to businesses that support sustainable living practices.  You will be able to chat with professionals about new products that are considered to be safer and easier on our environment and often result in healthier life styles.  Coupled with this is the Green Living Seminar Series on Friday 20 where you can get more in depth information.

Speaking of seminars, there are close to 100 different seminars during the 5 days of the show, all free for the price of admission.  All of them run from 45 to 60 minutes long and about one third of them are demonstrations and the rest lectures, always with fabulous slides that will leave you salivating for more.  You can’t help but go away with new ideas and projects to fill your entire summer and a few more after that.

If you are looking for new and groovy plants then the show is a great opportunity to find stuff before it is on the general market.  Nurseries use this venue to introduce new varieties, often specially grown just for the show.  You will see perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees and seeds just to mention a few.  And in addition to plants there are garden accessories, furniture, art, statuary, fountains, and pretty much all things garden.

What’s it cost?  Several options exist.   A basic adult ticket is $20.   Half-day tickets (from 3 pm on) are $13 or if you really want to go several days you can purchase an All-Show pass for $65 or two day pass for $29.  You can get the tickets at the Convention Center, online at the show website or from local nurseries such as ours in Marysville.  Plan on going with some friends and making a day of it.  It may be your last chance.

In the last 20 years the Northwest Flower and Garden Show has become a northwest phenomenon that is recognized as one of top three shows around.  To have a show of this caliber right in our own back yard is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.  Whether you are looking for entertainment, education or therapy for winter depression, this show is a prescription for recovery.  You will leave with a smile on your face, ideas in your head, and a positive attitude toward life, something we could all use these days.