Northwest Flower and Garden Show

The Northwest Flower & Garden Show (also known as the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival) is an annual exhibition of horticulture and gardening held in Seattle, Washington, for five days each February. It is the largest garden show west of Philadelphia and is regarded as the second largest garden show in the country.[1][2] It is held at the Washington State Convention Center, and has been since the first year. The show has lush, fully built display gardens (which are judged for awards), over 100 educational and entertaining seminars, and a garden marketplace exclusively for plants, gardening supplies, botanical art, vintage garden art and locally sourced artisan gourmet foods – the largest Marketplace of any garden show in the U.S.

2014 Northwest Flower & Garden Show display created by WALP and WSNLA
Northwest Flower and Garden Show
StatusActive
GenreFestival
Date(s)1989 (1989)
FrequencyAnnually
VenueWashington State Convention Center
Location(s)Seattle, Washington
CountryUS
FounderDuane Kelly
Attendance60,000-65,000
Organized byMarketplace Events
Websitegardenshow.com

The Northwest Flower & Garden Show serves the west coast of North America from Alaska and Vancouver, BC to San Francisco, California, as well as the western US. Attendance has ranged from 60,000–65,000. The show runs from Wednesday through Sunday, and is typically held in February. There are three main components: approximately 22 display gardens built in three days and ranging from 500 to 1,500 sq ft (46 to 139 m2) in area, over 350 exhibitors selling garden-related products, and over 100 free seminars on three stages, including a do-it-yourself demo stage.

The show's 75–80 seminar speakers include garden writers and garden design experts from around the US, Canada, and UK. The show also has a City Living gardening demonstration, a balcony garden exhibition, the Vintage Garden Market, the Gourmet Marketplace, Ikebana displays, and a floral competition. There is a live reality show held daily in front of show audiences which have friendly competitions. Container Wars challenges two designers to create three lush planted containers in under an hour.

History

The show was started in 1989 by Duane and Alice Kelly, remaining in the downtown Seattle Washington State Convention Center ever since. It was the first large public event ever held at the Convention Center. Duane Kelly said he was inspired to start the show by his visits the mid-1980s to the large flower shows in Philadelphia and Boston, and by his own interest for gardening and the theater. Portland-based O'Loughlin Trade Shows took over production after buying the show from Duane Kelly in 2009. Ohio-based Marketplace Events acquired the show in June 2018.[3]

Awards

Display Gardens

Gold, silver, and bronze medal levels are, presented to the display gardens by a panel of three judges. Crystal medals had been given until 2012. The show has other special awards that are given to display gardens by various judges:[4]

  • Founder's Cup (Best in Show) - Garden that is deemed "Best in Show" and a majority favorite of the 30 judges for the other awards
  • American Horticultural Society Environmental award - Garden that best demonstrates the bond between horticulture and the environment
  • Ethel Moss People's Choice Award - Favorite garden as voted by the public
  • Fred Palmer Garden Creator's Award - Garden voted the most accomplished by fellow garden creators
  • Sunset Magazine Western Living Award - Garden that beautifully incorporates fresh, achievable ideas for outdoor living
  • Fine Gardening Magazine award - Garden that best balances the ideals of inspiration and attainability
  • Best Use of Horticulture Award - Garden that best incorporates plants incorporating color, texture, size and shape to enhance the garden's theme.
  • Professional's Choice Award - Garden that best demonstrates excellence in design concepts, horticulture, and quality of execution reflecting the highest level of workmanship
  • Best Use of Natural Stone - Marenakos Rock Center Award

Floral Competition and City Living

The Floral Competition is judged by floral professionals for first, second, and third place, along with People's Choice and Best Use of Show Theme.[4]

2011 Northwest Flower & Garden Show Small Space Showcase display (renamed City Living) by Ravenna Gardens.

The City Living display awards are:[4]

  • Best Plant Material
  • Best Design
  • Best Use of Show Theme
  • Best Sanctuary
  • People's Choice Award
  • Fine Gardening Award

References
  1. Jackson, Sarah (January 31, 2009), "Flower and garden show may be kept alive; Four buyers express interest in taking over the annual exhibition", The Daily Herald, Everett, Washington, archived from the original on March 3, 2016
  2. Endsley, Janet (January 2013), "A Gathering of Gardeners; The Northwest Flower & Garden Show celebrates 25 years", Pacific Horticulture
  3. https://marketplaceevents.com/news/press-releases/company-news-detail/2018/06/04/marketplace-events-acquires-shows-in-seattle-tacoma
  4. Awards, Marketplace Events, 2018
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