It's Showtime 2022!

Noted by Better Homes and Gardens as one of the BEST garden shows in the country, The Northwest Flower & Garden Show is back in Seattle this week. If you're a keen gardener, a new gardener, a gardener with questions or just ready for a day out this is for you. I've only missed one year (when I had to be out of the country) since I first discovered this gem – it's a highlight on my calendar.

With over 90 free seminars and workshops (I'll be presenting three of those), a daily Container Wars competition where you can learn as you laugh at the competitor's antics (and yes I'll be doing this too on the Friday), over 20  show gardens to inspire you, and a huge marketplace where you can buy everything from seeds to shrubs this is truly a wonderful five day event.

Special highlights include the Blooms & Bubbles workshops where you can make an arrangement to take home while sipping (must be booked in advance), the showstopping Fleur de Villes floral mannequin display and the always popular City Living display with practical ideas for pint-sized spaces.

Key Facts

Where? Washington State Convention Center, Seattle

When? Wednesday February 9th -Sunday 13th 2022 Full details

How much? Half day tickets $13, early bird (all day) pass $20. Concessions available and kids under 12 are free

COVID safety? Proof of full vaccination necessary to attend. Masks to be worn at all times. Cashless transactions only. Full details

Preview Eye Candy

I had the opportunity to tour the show this morning as designers were frantically finishing their displays before judging commenced at midday. I'll be curious to know if the two gardens I have highlighted here won any key awards.

My personal favorite: Shinrin-Yoku

From the perfectly designed waterfall on the diagonal axis to the simple bench supported by sculptural branches, every detail is perfect and skillfully thought out. Designed by Redwood Builders

Named after the Japanese term for forest bathing, this serene display centers around a large and old enkianthus, water features and several bonsai. De-stress and listen to the sounds of the stream or enjoy natural reflections in the pond while gazing at the expertly pruned bonsai set in stones and lava rocks. 

This is a garden that needs time to be appreciated. Outstanding use of foliage texture

The restrained color palette combined with tactile textures is what really spoke to me – every detail was carefully crafted.

The soft yellow stems of the hellebore repeat the pale hues on the fir behind

So many great ideas to take home including powerful plant combinations. The “Shinrin Yoku” garden seeks to inspire homeowners to imagine how their spaces can be transformed into private and peaceful sanctuaries where nature eases the mind and refreshes the soul. 

Another hot favorite: A Seeker's Sanctuary

Shade of orange and blue dominate the color palette in this design but that's where 'order' ends in this fantasy garden. Contorted metal sculptures, planters made from repurposed propane tanks and an intriguing fountain are just a few of the fun elements.

Color, whimsy, art and FUN made this display a show stopper. With unique art and custom planters fabricated by the talented Ray Hammar, this garden gives the sense of leaving reality behind and stepping into Wonderland. Crazy Hill Garden & Botanicals are the design team behind this display – this is their first time exhibiting at the show and I for one hope it won't be their last. I'd say the main take-home idea is simply "have fun with it!"

Great color echoes between rusted metal, foliage and flowers: designed by Crazy Hill Garden and Botanicals

Come and say hello!

I'll be there Thursday, Friday and Sunday – do stop by for one of my events or meet me after my talks at the book signing table to say hello. I've got some pretty postcards for you as well as details of my upcoming garden tours.