Seattle Garden Show 2008

With all this yucky rain, we have really been itching for spring and some garden inspiration. So, O and I headed down south to the Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle. We took a break from it last year, so we were pretty excited to see what was in store for 08'. Lots of great goodies. We managed to complete it in a day and were definitely inspired by some great ideas. Some of the highlights:

1.0 Going Native:

It seemed a few years back the overall theme was bulb mania, this year it was replaced by lots of exhibits featuring indigenous plantings and mild mulches, which as we all know requires little maintenance and drought tolerance- an easy recipe for any urban gardener. One we loved: A Weekend Adventure- by New Leaf Creations.

2.0 Eat Your Greens:

Thanks to the Northwest Horticulture Society we were so thrilled to see that a large amount of the show was dedicated to kitchen gardens. From small container arrangements to large potagers this was definitely my favorite part of the show.

I was just as ecstatic when I saw the live chicken coop at the Seattle Urban Farm Co display. This was way to cool for its own good, with a vegetable garden lined brick pathway, edible green roof, mini orchard, farm kitchen and the beloved livestock. Way to go guys!

3.0 Contemporary Arrangements:

We always seem to gravitate to the modern, but there were so many great container arrangements this year. Check out these sleek planters.

 4.0 Think Green:

Sunset sponsors this event, so I felt like a kid in a candy shop trying to make sure we made enough time to hear some of the speaker series. The most memorable was, by one of their editors Lauren Bonar Swzey who spoke on the design savy sustainable gardens she has visited over the years. Can we say job envy!

5.0 Designer Spotting... And A Little Bit Of Crush Really:

To say that I didn't go bright red and a bit sweaty would be completely lying, when I got to meet one of my favorite international designers Jamie Durie. He was just as gorgeous and lovely in person. I talked with him for a bit about his books and even scored an autograph. O was thoroughly embarrassed for me.

6.0 Monrovia Plants:

Monrovia is in my opinion one of the best plant suppliers out there. If my long desired job at Sunset doesn't pan out, I think these guys would be my second choice. It was great to see some of the new species they have developed. Two that intrigued us were: Baby Bliss Flax Lilly and Wates Golden Pine. Now if only our nurseries carried more of their stock.

7.0 Farmers Rock:

We talked with some great suppliers in the 'Marketplace' but our favorite couple were from Half Moon Bay, CA. Farmer John Muller and his wife Eda run a pumpkin farm and and distribute Franchi old world heirloom seeds from Italy. We bought up some gems and successfully managed to smuggle them back home, yippee!

8.0 Classic Designs:

I have been on a serious search for some girlie- as- girlie- can- be- rain- boots. I finally found them at the Smith and Hawkins booth. As much as I am ready to see the rain disappear, maybe a few more days wouldn't hurt, so I can sport these cutsies.

9.0 Eco Friendly Products:

Two real interesting products caught our eyes. One is a non toxic organic pesticide spray that has packaging reminiscent of Method, called Pharm Solutions made locally in Washington State.

The other was a  5 gallon compost tea brewer made from a company called Keep It Simple.

10.0 A Resting Place:

After being on our feet all day we were ready for a seat and a tall one. We found the perfect answer in Ballard at Kings Hardware- a local watering hole that serves cold local brews and mini little burgers. A nice end to a great day.

 

Comments

[Brian Schecter]

well done! Envious of your trip. Food for thought on get cracking - if you can find a way to put the chicken before the egg!

[World Reclaimed]

When you turned your back to him, I saw Durie go over to the next booth and borrow one of those rubber-wonder-mops to soak up the drool you left on his podium.