Politicians pledged to us a year of change; however, some reordering is not

Sculptures in a display garden. ©2008

welcome news. After two decades of operation, the Northwest Flower and Garden Show is closing. Gardeners are going to have to look elsewhere for their spring jumpstart in winter. This is a sad story for all of us who faithfully attend the show. Every winter I look forward to the February event, ogling the display gardens, basking in the company of friends, and soaking up the information that flows through the show. It’s also a time for establishing or reconnecting within the vast network of gardening geeks that descend upon the show.

It’s not just a show; it’s an old friend to many of us in the Pacific Northwest. We have one last celebration before it bids us farewell, and then we will mourn this immense loss for our gardening community.

Duane Kelly, chairperson of Salmon Bay Events, operates both the Northwest Flower and Garden Show and the San

Duane Kelly speaking to media at 2008
Northwest Flower and Garden Show ©2008

Francisco Flower and Garden Show. “My wife Alice and I decided that this year’s event will be our last as organizers and we are pulling out all of the stops to make it the best on record. We’ve enjoyed every minute of the past 21 years but are ready to pursue some other passions,” said Kelly. They placed the business up for sale, but have not found suitable buyers.

The Northwest Flower and Garden Show was the first major event launched at the Washington State Convention Center. Over the years, more than a million and a half of us crowded into the popular show.

To celebrate the last event, this year’s theme is “Sustainable Spaces. Beautiful Places.” How appropriate for today’s

Water Feature ©2008

economic climate. In addition, sustainability is on the minds of many green-minded gardeners. Many of the display gardens and free seminars will focus on this theme.

This winter as we anticipate the upcoming garden season with optimism that every seed will sprout, and every new plant will dazzle us in our gardens, the last Northwest Flower and Garden Show at the Washington State Convention Center will inspire us one last time.

More information about the last Northwest Flower and Garden Show.
February 18-22, 2009.

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