Northwest Flower & Garden Show 2017: Surrounded by Succulents

(It was this selection at a local garden center that got me thinking about buying succulents. 

This is the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.)

I love to write about themes I notice at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. Everywhere I looked this year, I saw succulents. Firm, dusty, pastel beauties adding a touch of dry elegance to everything from cakes to grand floral displays. They were for sale, of course at the many garden center booths. I was tempted!

Pine Creek Farm & Nursery (Vintage Garden Market, Booth 80) arranged a display that looked like the 50 Shade of Green! I just love how they layered old paint and new growth to make a booth you simply had to stop and admire. They had succulents tucked in small pots for sale - what a wonderful gift.

I have been planning to make myself a tabletop arrangement of succulents in a large cement bowl for my partially shaded deck. Planning is the operative word, as it snowed enough to cover the grass last night. Drat.

So all I can do is plan right now, which is why it's a perfect week to go to the Northwest Flower & Garden Show!

Fena Flowers used succulents in their prize winning floral arrangement. They gave us a "A Floral Feast" by mixing vegetables with vibrant blooms and they won First Place!

Here is a closer look at Fena Flowers' beautiful floral display. The entry featured fresh vegetables (notice the slices of purple cabbage), flowers and succulents. It is a masterpiece. My favorite part is how they arranged carrots and scallions across the top of the display and made their growth a focal point. It is witty and wonderful.

I absolutely loved how Celebrity Cake Studio in Tacoma, WA created this striking southwestern style cake featuring in edible succulents. They didn't stop at a great cake, but included edible potted succulents as well. Bravo!

Have I convinced you that succulents are everywhere at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show? I know that part of the appeal is their require low maintenance care. I was given a tiny succulent in a sweet pot last week and was told that all I need is bright light and 2 Tablespoons of water once a week during the warm months. It's easy! 

Succulents here I come. As for you, be sure to come to the Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle!

Northwest Flower & Garden Show 2017: First Blush

(Orchid Garden Wedding Banquet display garden 

designed by Northwest Orchid Society)

It's February in Seattle, but we can all pretend spring is here at the beloved Northwest Flower and Garden Show. This tremendous show has a world of inspiration and opportunity all under one roof. 

Your experience will begin with a long walk along the raised garden "Blooming Abundance" created by the Flower Growers of Puget Sound. A spectacular selection of flowering bulbs, plants, herbs and trees that showcase our local bounty. Every item shown here is available in local nurseries right now. 

After purchasing your ticket, stop and admire the Floral Competition entries and try to decide which designer suits your aesthetic. I dare you to pick just one! 

Young Flowers accented their stunning arrangement called "Succulent & Delicious" (below) with clusters of live succulents in dusty green. This luscious design was awarded 3rd Place in the Floral Competition - congratulations!

Now enter the South Hall of the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle and wind your way around the 20 display gardens. They are life size representations of each landscape design company's style or aesthetic. What a wonderful way for them to bring their vision to life. 

"An Evening in the Mountains" designed by Choice Landscapes

There are boulders as big as a small car, full-size trees, real grass, giant water features, garden sheds, glass greenhouses - all telling a story in keeping with the theme: A Taste of Spring. 

Visually, the Northwest Flower & Garden Show is top notch. And I haven't even told you about the shopping yet! Stay tuned. #NWFGS