Monday, February 27, 2017

Northwest Flower and Garden Show


Hello, Dear Friends, I hope that you had
a pleasant weekend ! With spring just around
the corner, The Ramblin' Man and I 
took a little journey into Seattle to attend 
the Northwest Flower and Garden Show
for some much-needed inspiration. 

It's been cool here with lots of rain and a 
few snow flurries in between, but it was a lovely day 
on our trip into the city for the show. 


We live 50 miles south of this beautiful city, 
and it is always a little thrill when we come 
around the corner and there it is, right before us. 

I took this photo from I-5, driving 50 mph,
 with my little Canon Power Shot ELPH 300 HS
 that fits so nicely into my pocket
wherever I go.

You can see the 'Big Wheel' under the Space Needle
and the orange cranes surrounding our seaport on the water. 
Our two sports stadiums, Safeco and Qwest field, are on the lower right. 
The tall black building on the right is the Columbia Tower
where you can rent space on the upper levels 
for business functions and parties. 

We've attended one of these, and the views 
are breath-taking with scenes of Puget Sound
and the Olympic mountains to the west, the city lights, 
and the Cascade mountains and Mt. Rainier
to the south-east. 


Let's go inside the Seattle Convention Center 
for the show! As we enter the lobby, the scent of 
flowers fill the air, as we walk by wonderful spring
garden displays filled with hyacinths, tulips,
daffodils, primrose, and English daisies. 


Inside, the show consists of about a dozen separate garden displays. 

These displays are set up to look like beautiful 
and inspiring outdoor living spaces. 
I will show you my favorites.......

This one had a wonderful paved sitting area
anchored by an outdoor fireplace.

Can you see the decorated wooden spoon garden markers?


Constructed entirely from pavers, bricks,
and concrete slabs, this could easily be constructed
by anyone with a little money, help and time.


Here's a closer look at the construction details.

Of course, if this were to be permanent,
a little mortar would come in handy :)


You would need a small fortune to buy all of the pavers
and bricks to achieve this look, but if money were no
obstacle, this would make a great 'do-it-yourself' project.


The courtyard was surrounded by a simple, but decorative
wall with planter columns on each corner.
The wall provided the perfect backdrop for colorful,
low-growing flower gardens.


This 2nd garden area features a wonderful log arbor
next to a rustic potting shed.


Large stones were used as backdrops to this
naturalistic setting.
I'm sure they were those 'fake' stones you
can buy at some garden centers.
When money is no object.........


This is the quintessential Northwest garden style,
utilizing nature as elements in design.


Evergreens, stone walls, and a beautiful waterfall
complete this idyllic space.
Moss and twinkle lights decorate the arbor.


Here you can see the construction of the log arbor
built over a 'stone' outcrop
with a rustic table set for two.

Imagine dining here under candlelight
with the sound of the babbling brook nearby.


When the mosquitoes and the sounds of the night
prove to be too much,
you could retreat to the cozy little shed where
a comfy seating area awaits inside.

Can you hear the coyotes singing?


3.
This simple, more urbane garden features a
a space for the home brewer or wine maker.
The perfect 'man-cave'.

Let's take a closer look......



You can see a '12th man' flag on the ceiling,
a term for all the fans of our beloved Seahawks.

A rustic table stands at the ready for eager taste testers.


My Son-in-law is a home brewer and I know he would love
this little space in his backyard.

I love the signs......


Simple gardens keep the focus on the brewing.



4.
This little garden was my absolute favorite <3

I love the charming red potting shed, the
sweet seating area, and all the wonderful plantings.
Herbs, vegetables, flowers and trees all gathered
together in happy exuberance.


A small seating area to relax with a glass of wine,
 after a hard day of working the garden.


Pretty paving stones between raised bed planters.


Off to the side, a small bench and fencing topped with moss,
 made from recycled pallet boards. 

A surprised friend keeps company. 


I could see myself spending the whole day here :)


5.
Here we have a beautiful and peaceful Japanese garden
featuring a simple and lovely tea-house.


An inviting picnic area off to the side beckons.....


A pretty bamboo fence, mosses and flowering trees
sets the scene. 




Put on your kimono and come enjoy a lovely spring afternoon. 

A beautiful place to re-read that amazing book, 
'Memoirs of a Geisha'. 
If you've never read it, I highly recommend it. 
It is so much better than the movie. 


6.
This outdoor space would be perfect 
for someone who loves mid-century modern design. 


The table combines a rustic slab of wood 
with modern under-pinnings. 


The bar combines rough wood 
and a concrete counter with modern shelving. 
The large concrete pavers are very attractive.



7.
This outdoor space combines rustic camp style
with a flea-market vibe. 
Simple wildflowers and herbs grow between 
the stones. 


Vintage camp photos......


and flea-market herb planters. 
I actually had a crock-pot just like the one on the left, years ago! 


A potting bench turned food prep table....
The mosaics on the wall are interestingly
made from stones and shells. 


Lots of rustic paving and a camp fire cooking tripod. 


The side of the 'bunk house' had more vintage photos. 
This would be a fun idea for a family reunion. 
The kids could keep busy making the mosaic 
wall hangings :)


Inside the window was a fountain 
made from 3 shower heads hanging from the arbor,
 dripping onto a bed of stones. 

Perfect for dirty little children 
and perhaps the dogs, too! :)


Lastly, I would like to show you these
delightful little garden sheds made from salvaged materials,
 that were for sale.


This one had these cute funnel hanging planters.


Would you like to look inside?




Just room enough to do a bit of potting
and tinkering.

Coffee cans were used for planters and bird houses :)

You can buy one of these delightful
 little buildings from Bob Bowling at
bobbowlingrustics.homestead.com
although you might have to live in Washington State
to get one.


There were many people crowded around......
it was hard to get photos.
This little lady reminds me so much of my Mom :)
Check out the little shelving unit with the tin roof!

Let's look inside this one.....


I like the bracketed shelving.


There were also 'Little Lending Libraries'
on posts to put in your neighborhood.
 Simply open the glass door
and take a book - or add one!

Don't you love that idea?!?

I love the tin 'cupolas' on all the roofs.

xoxo
Thank you for coming along with me to the
Northwest Flower and Garden Show.


I hope this inspires you to start dreaming
of spring!

xoxo

And thank you for your sweet comments
on my funky applique in my last post!

You guys are the best.
No matter what, always positive
and cheering me on :)

xoxo

Today I am linking with:

Cooking and Crafting with J&J

Won't you join the fun?

48 comments:

  1. Oh man, this looks like great fun! I would love to go peeking inside all of those little sheds, and I spied a fun thing I am going to try with all of the wild turkey feathers I have found in my woods. That feather garland hanging in front of the window! Lots of inspiration here, and after our freaky northeast weather, from blizzards to 70 degrees, to tornado, to 30 degrees...yikes! Spring better be near! Thanks for sharing your little getaway!

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    1. well after looking further, I guess those are not feathers at all. But that's what I am going to do anyway with feathers.

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  2. Karen, what a delightful visit to the flower and garden show! Love the log arbor. I can imagine flowering vines climbing up the posts and hanging twinkling lights along the top. What fun looking at the potting sheds! Thank you for sharing your adventure with us.

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  3. Don't you just love visiting a Home and Garden Show? I do. I love seeing what is new and out there, cool ways of doing planting and gardens. Great pics.

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  4. I love ALL of this! So many ideas and great concepts.

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  5. Oh so thankful you shared these photos. I like the little sheds. I want one! I've seen a few made out of different items. Maybe one day I'll have one and it would be my outdoor getaway with a spot to read or do nothing! I still have a crock pot like the one you once had. My sister went to the same show on Sat. So much different than the one in Portland. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. Thank you so much for sharing your trip! My husband would strangle me if I stopped to take pics but you have an angel and I love that you have posted so much 'Flower Candy'!!!

    You have a great variety of plants that differ from ours due to climate, of course. I really enjoyed this. We have a nice flower and garden show on Navy Pier here in Chicago in April...we've gone a few times. I love it!

    Thanks again, Karen!

    Jane x

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  7. Oh so many lovely pictures! So much inspiration and lovely flowers...
    Thank´s for sharing this with us this grey tuesday in february!
    Love from Titti

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  8. It always amazes me how the show exhibitors manage to put these gardens together so quickly and convincingly. I think I agree with you that the one with all the tulips is my favourite. You must have enjoyed your trip with so much to see. The Seattle skyline looks wonderful in your photo. x

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  9. Wow so many stunning displays and ideas! This was a great visit and such an inspiration!
    I loved your shot of the Seattle skyline too!
    Have a wonderful week!

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  10. What a wonderful photo of Seattle skyline and such a great tour of the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. So much inspiration!! Very different to the English gardens I see on the telly at Chelsea Flower Show.
    I'm sure Ramblin Man will be kept busy for a while!!
    Have a wonderful Tuesday :)x

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  11. I haven't been to a show like this in years! Now I am inspired. Such great ideas. I love the potted crock pots!

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  12. Everything is so truly beautiful! I love to be inspired! Thank you for sharing your lovely day and pictures with us! :)

    Blessings!!! Net

    By the way, the sweet picture of your Maggie kitty below reminds me of one of mine!!! :)

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  13. Dear Bea, Thanks for taking me on a wonderful Garden Tour. I needed it.
    Can't wait for Spring in Maine May is a way off. Strange weather here. 10 degrees then 50 degrees??? yvonne

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  14. Oh Karen, thank you so much for this sneak peak to spring! In Finland it's still very wintry and your photos are a lovely escape. :)

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  15. What an amazing show, a real inspiration. I had to scroll up and down a few times to take it all in, a real delight to see.

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  16. I always wonder if anyone ever walks up and says I WANT THAT DISPLAY BUILT IN MY BACKYARD. They would definitely have to be rich! I live outside of Portland and they also do the same show here. It is always fun to see it all and smell it as well. Right now I am looking forward to blossoms coming up!

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  17. You've provided a great tour of the garden show Karen! Love those little sheds the best...probably because they would be something I might even be able to afford ;) The lending libraries at the end are becoming quite popular around here. I saw a few of them in Peterborough where my daughter attended university. They were always quite full of books!
    Wendy

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  18. Hello, what a fun visit to the garden show. I see many things I would like and some great ideas. I like the cute picnic idea too. Great view of Seattle.
    Happy Tuesday, enjoy your day!

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  19. The flower and garden show sounds delightful, Karen. How nice that you spent the afternoon with husband here. The tulips caught my eye, as they are a favorite flower of mine. The shed with the twinkling lights is charming. It sounds like you had a very nice day just browsing around looking at all the flowers and getting ideas.

    ~Sheri

    by the way, I have a Canon Power Shot too. But it's a big one that doesn't fit in my pocket. : ) The picture of the city you took is soooooo pretty.

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  20. Now this little bird would think a bird house inside a coffee house/tin would be a perfect abode :) Isn't it always incredible how they manage to get these gardens looking so established? How sensational that you were able to visit without hoards of people around, at our Melbourne International Garden and Flower show, you can hardly move. Hope you got the inspiration that you needed!
    Wren x

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  21. This is a great show, Karen, so full of ideas and inspiration. You must have had a fun day.
    Amalia
    xo

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  22. When I was in my teens my Mum and I used to go to the Ideal Homes Exhibition in London every year which was in a huge exhibition centre. It was a time when folk were beginning to have more finances to do up their existing home and garden and we enjoyed seeing a whole hall of exhibition houses with their gardens. One could dream of owning such a home. Even though it was all idyllic you could get ideas for your own home. I've enjoyed the tour of the Garden Exhibition you visited at the Seattle Convention Centre. It must have been good to be under cover as you walked around. You've made a great photo record and I love the colourful Spring flowers that have been planted in the different garden settings. Very uplifting. Wishing you a good new month.

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  23. What a fun visit, I could spend a lot of time out in all of those gardens while my hubby pottered in the sheds. A lot of inspiration here :)

    Diana

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  24. Oh how I wish I had gardens so beautiful!!!

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  25. It was as if I was there in person!
    Thank you for your lovely photographs and description of the Northwest Flower and Garden Show... I thoroughly enjoyed the visit.

    Good wishes for the month of March

    All the best Jan

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  26. awesome captures karen, all of these are lovely!! our area has a similar garden show but not nearly as elaborate as this. i wasn't able to pick a favorite, all of these had favorite elements for me!!!

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  27. Just brilliant Karen - you explored all the nooks and crannies just as I would! I always enjoy the small details of things and there are hundreds... I can't get over the planning that went into this show, it would have to be the best I've ever heard about.
    Those potting sheds are gorgeous ... oh gosh, I'd have one as a painting shed in a flash!!
    A wonderful post, thanks so much :D)

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    1. oh, by the way, I keep trying to Follow you but it won't work - a bit of a glitch with blogger at the moment apparently, will try another time... but the thought is there. Cheers :D)

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  28. You took an amazing photo of the city. I'll check on that camera. It's nice to have a small one to carry with you always. LOVE all the small buildings and fun spaces you saw. Of course lots of pretty flowers too. What a great place to go in the Spring! Hugs1

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  29. Oh wow what a lovely day out and with so much inspiration, your head must have been spinning with all the great inspiration for the garden!! Our trees have started to bloom here so I am getting into spring coming, although we go from very warm to very cold, one minute it feels like spring and the next winter, can't wait until it stays warm.

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  30. Hi Karen, WOW!! Visiting a flower show like this is incredible. So many great ideas at every turn and the inspiration just flowing. We are seeing spring all around us here beginning to wake up and I can't wait to get out in the garden again. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful photos.
    Have a great weekend ahead. Blessings xo

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  31. Karen, you're right, spring is just around the corner here too and I can't wait.
    Thanks for sharing your lovely pictures.
    Love

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  32. You enjoyed the places full of spring flowers. I have refreshed myself with your beautiful photos.
    Thanks for leaving a comment on my post.

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  33. Wow, that's truly stunning Garden show! I wish I lived closer. LOL

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  34. All the sets are very inspiring. I really loved the last shed.

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  35. Dear Karen,

    Looks like you had a wonderful day out at the Garden show and so much inspiration here with all the gorgeous plants and the way everything has been planned out. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos.
    The little sheds are amazing and all the better to be built from salvaged materials. Would love one for a potting shed.
    I visited Seattle when I was in my 20's and loved it - went up the Space Needle and had a great time there.
    Have a happy weekend
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  36. Loved this post so much Karen!! It's such food for my Spring-starved soul!! The flowers are all so beautiful & Springy. ;) And the different ideas were so fun! I think my favorite was the charming one (with the red shed) that you loved too.

    What an awesome show to get to visit & dream on the season ahead. Not to mention pick up some great ideas! Thanks for taking me along. Xoxi

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  37. Whau,there was a lot to see. Wonderful all the details and care. It is great to live by a nice city. We are a bit far from a good size city. I am now dreaming of Spring.

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  38. WOW!!!!

    What a place - so much to see!

    How long were you there? I think I could spend an entire day looking at all that amazing stuff/ideas/loveliness!

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  39. Oi Karen é uma imagem mais linda que a outra.
    Gostei daquele sapo no jardim e as plaquinhas.
    Bom começo de março.
    Abraços.


    Hi Karen is a picture more beautiful than the other.
    I liked that frog in the garden and the little plaques.
    Good start to March.
    Hugs.

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  40. Now that puts me in the mood for spring, which is hard to do since I am a winter person :)

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  41. Dearest Karen,
    Oh, I sure can see that in your region you really look forward to this annual indoor Flower and Garden Show. It is so refreshing to see new growth and seeing plants and garden possibilities come alive.
    Hope there was something to eat, as you indeed would be spending nearly the entire day and hate to walk away from it!
    I've only landed in Seattle but never got to see the city, like Pieter did before going on the trip to China.
    Sending you hugs and love,
    Mariette

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  42. Bellissimo complimenti
    Ti seguo passa da me testoprovo.blogspot.it

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  43. wow!!!
    these spaces seem pieces of heaven to eyes!
    thank you so much for sharing such delightful blooms and views . It is just soul freshening dear!

    i am sure you and your hubby had joyful time there and this beauty will stay with you guys for long.

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  44. Wow Karen you and your Rambling Man must have had such a fun time at the garden show. There was so much to look at and you both must of gotten some great ideas. I love the crock pot filled up with plants! Thanks for sharing at C&C with J&J. Hope you have a wonderful week. Sorry it took me so long to visit as I have been going crazy with the college process with my teen! LOL. Take care sweetie.
    Hugs, Julie xo

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  45. What a great time of year for a garden show. Do much to see , thanks for sharing. Seattle is on my list of cities to visit. One of these days :). B x

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  46. This looks like a totally amazing gardening show. It would almost be worth it to fly to see that from Texas. What a fun time you must have had seeing this, and your photos are wonderful. I especially LOVE that fireplace, and looks like it would be pretty easy to build. Also love those little garden sheds. Thanks for sharing this. Think I will come to Seattle for this next year!

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Thank you for stopping by! Your comments are important to me and are very much appreciated. xx Karen

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