NW Flower & Garden Show

Hi there, I went and sorry wasn't impressed at all. I know it is early in the season for some plants. I know setting up in a few days is tough. But,,,,,, I thought it was way too dark. I went Sunday and it was slow. Some plants looked dry. I liked some of the cool conifers and stump. I bought a few things nothing I was drooling over. I was supporting my fellow specialty nursery folks. I have most of what they have plus more. Maybe they sold out of cool stuff earlier. I heard the plant vendors did well. I don't understand some of them selling stuff they bought from another vendor. Tory said it is about money. I was expecting maybe some really cool cutting edge hardscaped since plants are whatever in the spring. Susan Plants woman design had borrowed plants from me. Well Since I hadn't been to Seattle since 1986 I see I haven't missed one thing and I am happy to be home.

I came home Sunday afternoon and 3 people were in here shopping and Poor Dave said I'm glad your back. I zipped through in probably less than 3 hours,. I love the art sculpture with the kinetic motion. It looked like something from willy wonka and the chocolate factory. Also the guy who made some of the cool glass and metal dragonflies and horned beetles. Those were cool.

Made me realize I've got great stuff. Tory said I'm in and I don't even Know it.

I'd love it if anyone who took photos would post them!

I heard that the show was much smaller this year, and that the vendors had fewer things. Yes, Heidi, you are definitely 'in', but I thought you knew it! LOL!

Yeah - that art sculpture is fabulous. But it's at least twice as expensive as when he was first starting out, even taking into account normal inflation . . .

I have felt that the last couple of times I've been. Some displays look hastily put together and dry. And over half of it ends up being something way too experimental or exotic that I wouldn't even do if I did have the money.

And while some vendors reduce prices for the shows, in many cases, the vendor prices were the same or more.

To get in to hear anyone speak means you have to take a day off from work and then spend much of your show time waiting in line . . .

For me, the payoff really isn't that great . . .

I really liked it the one year I went (last year.) I didn't go this year because we have zero money right now. Two kids in college is killing us and I desparately need to get back to work. Then it turned out at the last minute I had the opportunity to sub for the school district, so it all worked out for the best for me. But I would have loved to have gone. I had the opportunity to work in a couple of the booths, but for me, it's no fun to go to something like that if I can't buy any plants. I'll go window shopping for clothes or just about anything, but window shopping for plants is zero fun, imo. LOL Then, after I got the chance to work and actually make some money, I was really glad I was able to accept that.


I agree on the speakers, it takes the whole day waiting in line, too many people, etc. Not worth it.

I must have done something wrong...or else I timed it right...I attended 6 seminars (along with a couple you didn't need tickets for on the DIY stage)...and I never once waited or had anyone in front of m for a ticket. I'd be walking around the fair, remember I needed a ticket, walked up to the lady who was just sitting there and got my ticket. Not sure if I went after the lines or what, but because I was coordinating meeting a friend, etc., I never knew for sure if I wanted to attend way far ahead. Maybe they used to fill-up or something and I did see lines, but I never waited in one and always got a ticket and a great seat even though the speaker room would fill...Guess I got lucky...LOL

Lucky is right, CM!!

FYI - was born and raised in Fairbanks. Lived in Taku subdivision, west of town, toward the airport. Graduated from [East] Lathrop. Headed to North Pole many times for basketball and volleyball games . . .