The 25th annual Northwest Flower & Garden Show continues its rich tradition as a showcase of imagination and inspiration with gardens big and small, over 120 free seminars, “The PlayGarden” for families, a big line-up of exhibitors and more, Feb. 20-24, at the Washington State Convention Center.
Bothell participants in the show include Fancy Plants Gardens (Display Garden creator) and Fragrance Fragrance (Floral Competition participant).”The Silver Screen Takes Root … Gardens Go Hollywood,” is the theme for the show’s Silver Anniversary, and the region’s top garden designers and landscape firms have embraced the tribute to filmdom in 23 colorful and dramatic display gardens. It’s a Technicolor-like display of color, with thousands of blooming flowers and exotic plants giving show participants a “sneak preview” of spring.
With children 12 and under admitted free to the show, it’s a fun-filled environment where children can touch, play, learn–and take something home. Low-level tree houses, a bamboo grove, sandy sensory tables with sea shells, and vegetables for digging and planting are among the many hands-on activities. Kids can take home a “bit-o-fun,” too, with seeds planted in coconut shells and whimsical “pantyhose grass heads.”
At the Sprout stage, families can sing along with popular children’s singer/songwriters Caspar Babypants, Recess Monkey, Nancy Stewart and Your Imaginary Friend.
Performances are Wednesday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11:30 am, 1:15 p.m. and 3 p.m. Visit the show’s website, www.gardenshow.com, or the PlayGarden, for performer-specific showtimes. Children can also participate in a show-wide treasure hunt, with entry forms available in “The PlayGarden” and show information booths.
Hours and admission
Show hours are Wednesday through Saturday (Feb. 20-23), 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday (Feb. 24), 9.a.m. to 6 p.m. Adult “Early bird” discount tickets of$16 are available up to Feb. 19, and can be purchased by visiting the show’s website or at over 75 participating nurseries and retail outlets in the region. Visit www.gardenshow.com for online purchases and complete listing of ticket sale outlets. Phone orders can be placed at 800-343-6973. Regularly priced adult admission tickets are $20, $15 per person for group purchases (minimum of 20 tickets online or at the door); $29 for single 2-day pass; $65 for single 5-day pass and $5 for youth (ages 13 – 17).
