Bigger show offers more space, features South Sound exhibitors

SARAH JACKSON, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published Saturday, February 2, 2002

SEATTLE -- Prepare. Be ready, ye great gardeners.

The Northwest Flower and Garden Show is coming -- Wednesday.

Hailed as the biggest and best regional garden event of the year, this five-day rush of gardenistic hedonism boasts 28 mind-blowing display gardens, 10,000 orchids, more than 100 seminars and 400 exhibits, and also -- sigh of relief -- more space.

With a 3-acre expansion at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, there are 100 more exhibits but also more room to move around in a total of 8 acres.

"We've expanded everywhere," show manager Ann Engstrom said. "We've made the show more comfortable for people. The aisles are wider in both the marketplace and the gardens. There's a lot to see, and you need a whole day to see it."

Joanie Parsons, a spokeswoman for the show, said the "move-in" is already under way with the arrival of 415,000 rocks and boulders (some of them weighing more than 7,000 pounds) and 60 dump trucks full of sawdust to form the foundation of the show gardens.

"Move-in is the most amazing thing you've ever seen," Parsons said. "There's all these plants -- 28 garden creators are bringing plants from all over the state."

With more space than ever before, the show will feature five new exhibitors, including:

- Cool Plant Corner: Specialty nurseries will present their out-of-the-ordinary plants for purchase in this fascinating and funky corner of the show.

- Meet the Plants: West Coast growers, both large and small, present a sneak peek at what's going to be new in nurseries this spring.

- The Gate Show: Experience a juried functional art show of garden gates especially designed for the show and also featuring Olympia artists Sandi and Louis Nadelson's gate called "The Garden Guardian," created from a series of iron masks based on different world themes.

- Garden Club Competition: Back after a four-year hiatus, the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs is hosting a 4,000-square-foot Flower Show. Submissions include themed floral arrangements and horticultural displays.

- Theatrical Reading Event: Showgoers can purchase special tickets to a theatrical reading of selections from the works of garden writer Beverley Nichols, set to take place at a high tea event in the afternoon and evening.

- Seattle Interior Show Gallery: Get a glimpse into the offerings of the upcoming Seattle Interior Show, debuting at the Washington State Convention Center in October.

You'll also find South Sound locals in the mix of exhibitors, including Benn Pottery of Shelton, Mostly Orchids of Lacey, Distinctive Garden Solutions of Olympia, The Lily Pad of Olympia, Dan's Dahlias of Oakville and an elaborate metal sculpture by Olympia artist Kim Merriman in the display garden titled "My Tuscan Garden Retreat."

Engstrom said the best part of the show is finding new ideas.

"You'll want to see the gardens -- and the seminar series is pretty phenomenal," Engstrom said. "You pace yourself. You stop and you rest and you enjoy in certain places."

The Northwest Flower and Garden Show

- When: Wednesday through Feb. 10. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday through Feb. 9 and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 10.

- Where: Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle.

- Information: Call the show hot line at 800-229-6311 or check out the event Web site at www.gardenshow.com for a full list of gardens, exhibitors and speakers.

- Tickets: Prices are $18 at the door or $15 in advance, $12 for half day, $59 for an all-show pass. Buy online at the show site or visit College Street Nursery and Garden Center in Lacey and the Bark and Garden Center in Olympia.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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