The Northwest Flower & Garden Show 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. It is held at the Washington State Convention Center, and has been since the first year. The show has lush, fully built display gardens, 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. 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 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 SeattleWashington StateConvention Centerever 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.
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:
Founder's Cup - Garden that is deemed "Best in Show" and a majority favorite of the 30 judges for the other awards
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
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. The City Living display awards are:
