seattle garden show- 2009

Ok, this may be the latest, most out of date post yet, but busy life and work got in the way. Nevertheless, for those who are still interested here it is:

Sadly this was the last year of the Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle-  which has become a staple inspirational boost that gets us into spring mode each and every season. Hopefully someone will pick it up again in the coming months.  This year’s theme was sustainability, which is quickly becoming a synonymous term with gardening. A large focus was concentrated on native planting schemes, reclaimed materials, green roofs and living walls.

While I don’t like to start off negative, I have to make note that that we were very surprised to find zero edibles, only 1 rain barrel, and one very sad attempt at a custom compost bin. Not too mention the random showcased quilt garden display (can someone explain this one to me, please!) Last I checked, the mere mention of sustainability had the above terms in mind. On a more positive note, some of Aloe’s highlights that got us itching to get back to the studio and designing!

1.0    Trees We Heart:

While these are nothing new, there is something about seeing trees live in settings that gets us, well Owen, particularly excited to be working with nature. Our favourites for this year are: Quaking Aspen- Populous tremuloides, White Fir- Abies concolor, Flowering Cherry- Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’ and Himalayan White Birch- Betula jacquemontii.

2.0    Rooftop Living:

Rebbecca Cole’s, Sky’s the Limit was the ultimate rooftop patio. What struck us, was the use of custom seating with a mix of unconventional materials and great splashes of color in the patterned fabric. In addition was a soothing green wall and living carpets, that made you want to take your shoes off and stay a while, just for a drink or two...  With a mix of grasses and super low maintenance plantings, this won us over in a major way. 

3.0    Welcome to Your Weekend:

Le Jardin Landscape Design modern and natural landscape spoke volumes to all those juicy materials that make up an outdoor living space. I loved the use of varied pavers and stones, dimly cast lighting, perfectly proportioned arbor and the oh so comfortable and sleek Gloster line of furniture. This was the perfect space to enjoy your weekend cooking, playing and relaxing. Who needs to pack into the car for the beach, when this is in your own backyard!

4.0    Sheddin It- Zen Style:

Collaborating with Nature’s set was the most artful display of an Asian themed garden that I have see in a long time. I especially liked the use of framing in the landscape with mini windows onto the world of bonsai heaven. And Modern Shed’s mix of sustainable materials was the icing on the cake. Modern Shed you rock, you know you do!

5.0    Farm Re purposed:

While stumbling in the market place we came across this great idea that we can’t wait to incorporate in our designs this summer. Molbaks, a local plant center, put together a fantastic reuse for growing edibles in Feed Troughs! Need I say more.

6.0    To Market To Market:

Smith & Hawkens’  wins the prize for best display garden in our minds, even if it was in the marketplace area. Every detail was here- walls included.

7.0    Setting the Stage:

We always try to plan our visit around the speaker series. We really enjoyed this year’s talks by the Sunset staff themselves. Julie Chai’s “Garden Transformations” was a real hit, as Before & After stories always are. And Scott Calhoun’s “Designing with Colored Walls” was really inspiring. We can’t wait to try to design with a vibrant backdrop in our next project.

8.0    Containing Beauty:

We always like the container garden space that is used in the convention foyer. A nice use of color and texture and a great old country scene for the terra cotta pot lovers out there.

9.0    Finds:

We can’t seem to leave empty handed from a garden show. Some of our favourite finds this year were: a new worm bin compost system that will put our other two bins to shame. Some Seedballz that are to be scattered in a field of wildflowers- guerrilla gardening style.  A fun new juicy lime green garden bin for vegetable harvesting. And our favourite farmer this side of the continent- Farmer John and his lovely wife from Half Moon Bay, CA, who we always get our heirloom Italian seeds from. Thanks John!

10.0    Beers and Eatz:

After a long day on the pavement and bright lights we were excited to hit up our favourite local watering hole for a cold one. Thanks Seattle, we hope to see you again soon!

Comments

[M]

Do please share if you have any photos of the feed troughs from Molbaks. I'm intrigued.

[M]

Thank you. :)

[k8]

whoa gardening inspiration! i really need to get serious about year-round native plants (as in something other than my current moss and chickweed combo). cute beer shots ;)

[Sms full version]

You have good insight on the issue, i have bookmarked your article. I have to show my mate this.

[Richard Boles]

I love the concept of the tables and chairs. The entire setup looks almost like a poolside lounge; the only thing that's missing is the swimming pool.