Monday, February 28, 2011

2011 NWF&G Show - the Container Gardens

The Northwest Flower and Garden Show is an exciting, overwhelming experience. I've attended many years and each time I look forward to seeing what's new and what the designers have done with the display gardens. Most years I haven't had as much time as I'd like to see everything. Not this year: I attended two days out of the five it was open, so I really absorbed everything I wanted to see.

The show always features container gardens on the glass skybridge that spans Pike Street. This year, I had the time to give them a bit more attention.

This succulent display was the perfect solution to the limited space. From the contrasts in foliage types to the whimsical containers, it hit every mark.

Each little detail was carefully presented.

Some of the container gardens were more limited in their component parts.

I liked this simple water bowl.

The subtle colors in this composition absolutely compelled me to record them (not to mention this is the biggest Tillandsia I have ever seen.)

Talk about color!

Another whimsical container garden had a Barbie theme (with James Dean adding a bad-boy note to the wholesome group.)

 It was a definite hit with the young set. This little girl kept wanting to rearrange the participants.


This garden was a tropical dream, complete with amazing orchids.

It's easy to see how people get intrigued and infatuated with them.

One container garden had a winter patio theme, complete with "snow."

And this last container garden encouraged you to have your picture taken with Don Dirt. He didn't have a lot to say about the garden, but I liked his welcoming attitude!







6 comments:

  1. Gorgeous! Love the orchids - they remind me of a Georgia O'Keefe painting - thanks for sharing!

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  2. Snow? How did I completely miss that?

    I met one of the designers and she said the lady behind that succulent display had been collecting the things used as planters for years...it really showed didn't it?

    She also told tales of staging the plants used in her display in her dining room and watching them drop leaves and wondering if there would be anything left when it came time to install. It was interesting to hear some of the tales of behind the scenes struggles and then look at these wonderful creations and see that it was all worth it (at least for us, the show visitors).

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  3. succulents + barnacles = totally awesome

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  4. Thanks for the post. I seem to shy away from these big events... it looks worth a visit , maybe next year... I could use some container planting ideas.

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  5. I think that water bowl is my favorite...especially with the Papyrus...I really lust after Papyrus :-)

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  6. Love your photo with Don! It borders on torturous to see all these lovely displays and not be able to get outside and play. Soon!

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