Spectacular display gardens, family-friendly attractions, free “how-to” seminars and more are in the line-up for the 2010 Northwest Flower &Garden Show Feb. 3-7 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center.
The rich tradition of the show, accented by new trends in sustainability and new family-friendly attractions, returns this year under new management and sponsorship.
“Beauty and Functionality” is the theme of this Northwest tradition, which debuted in 1989.
The 2010 show again showcases inspiring work by over 20 top regional garden creators — integrating sustainable features with thousands of flowers and plants into spectacular full-scale themed gardens.
A mid-winter classic, the show also features a line-up off internationally-known speakers in over 120 hours of seminars, shopping in the “Marketplace” area and activities for the entire family.
New to the show is the family-friendly “Butterflies” exhibit, designed to educate children about the lifecycle of a butterfly by taking them on a tour where they can interact with over 300 live butterflies.
Sponsored by U.S. Bank and free with admission to the show, the colorful interactive exhibit takes children and families through three main areas: the butterfly house, the life-cycle kiosk and the activity pavilion.
For $10 showgoers can purchase a “Butterfly Hatching Kit,” with proceeds benefitting Seattle Children’s Playgarden, an exciting project taking shape at Seattle’s Coleman Playfield.
Whether you’re new to gardening or an old pro with a thirst for new ideas, the show offers around-the-clock free “how-to” seminars and demonstrations geared for garden spaces large and small. A number of seminars will reflect the growing interest in vegetable gardening.
The seminar line-up includes three world-class luminaries who will also review and judge the display gardens, including Fergus Garrett, Andrea Cochran and Roger Swain.
Other top speakers who will be introducing new books include authors Suzy Bales, Rich Darke, John Greenlee, Valerie Easton, Debra Lee Baldwin, Kathy Brenzel, Saxon Holt, Roger Gossler and Keeyla Meadows.
The show is known as a one-stop shopping showcase, with over 350 nurseries and other exhibitors in the “Marketplace” spotlighting products and services related to gardening and outdoor living.
More attractions include the “Sproutopia” children’s area, which includes fun and educational kid-friendly seminars during the weekend; the handiwork of high school horticulture students in the “Funky Junk” display, floral display competitions and much more.
The popular show was sold in July 2009 to Northwest-based O’Loughlin Trade Shows, Inc. Over four generations and 70 years, the family-owned company has grown to become the largest producer of consumer shows in the West, including the popular Portland Home &Garden Show and the Tacoma Home &Garden Show.
“We are proud and excited to be the stewards of an event that has been a highlight for thousands of flower and garden devotees for the past two decades,” said show producer Terry O’Loughlin.
Show hours Wednesday – Saturday will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with Sunday hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults at the door, $16 for early purchase online or at participating ticket outlets or online through Tues., Feb. 2. and $5 for youths 13 – 17.
For more information visit www.gardenshow.com.
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