It’s show time.
This week marks the beginning of the 29th annual Northwest Flower and Garden Show, which kicked off Wednesday and will run through Sunday at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle.
This is a world-class production that is sure to get you in the mood for the upcoming gardening season. Every year I come away with some new ideas, a few plant purchases and an overall renewed excitement for gardening. If you have yet to partake in this event, then you should really consider going this year.
I have been attending the show since its inception in 1989 and have never been disappointed. There is something for everyone.
With more than 6 acres of displays, the show gardens are the focal point of the event and are designed to inspire us as well as to educate. While they are not always horticulturally accurate, they nevertheless convey a sense of creative energy that we can take back to our own gardens.
Some are whimsical and some serious, some bold and expansive and others intricately detailed, but all will tweak your senses.
The show gardens are of course just one facet of this production. There are purchasing opportunities up the gazoo. Hundreds of commercial booths await your arrival. You can purchase new and cool plants, garden gadgets that make our gardening lives easier and all sorts of garden art. It’s hard not to come away with some new treasure.
My yard is littered with past purchases that are a constant reminder of the good time my wife and I had at the show. Carrying purchases around while trying to enjoy the show can sometimes be a pain in the neck but the event makes it possible for you to store things for you while you continue shopping. Just don’t forget to pick them up at the end of the day.
Another feature of the show is its seminars. Over 100 seminars are being presented during the five days of the show. In the past we could learn how to grow mushrooms, prune fruit trees, design with gold foliage, divide perennials, install a micro-spray irrigation system, garden successfully in dry sun or shade, press flowers, build a fence, make an herbal candle, train your dog to stay out of the garden, and so on and so forth. For a list of this year’s topics go to www.gardenshow.com.
I still think one of the best ways to do the show is to stay overnight in Seattle and spread the experience out over two days. It will be more relaxing. Many of the nearby hotels offer specials during the show.
If you only have one day, however, Thursday is best because the plant selection has yet to be picked over. Go down early so you can find a parking space and don’t come home until the rush-hour traffic has abated.
Steve Smith is owner of Sunnyside Nursery in Marysville and can be reached at info@sunnysidenursery.net.
Dealing with diseases and insects
A free class on how to handle diseases and insects in the garden is 10 a.m. Feb. 25 at Sunnyside Nursery, 3915 Sunnyside Blvd, Marysville. For more information, visit www.sunnysidenursery.net.
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