f your yard is looking a little hopeless and your houseplants are withered and brown, don’t fret. There’s help right around the corner – of the garden variety. The 19th Annual Northwest Flower and Garden Show kicks off on Wednesday, Feb. 14 at the Washington State Convention Center and a green thumb isn’t a requirement for admission.

The show features six acres of gardening nirvana – all under one roof. You’ll find more than 110 free gardening seminars, 25 fully designed display gardens and shopping at the “Marketplace” – 300 vendors offering everything from newfangled gardening gadgets to the latest furniture for your outdoor living room. Here are a few highlights:
More info:

* Northwest Flower and Garden Show
* Lucca Statuary

Related info:

* NWsource editors’ guide: Garden furnishings
* Business is blossoming at Madison Park’s Best Buds floral shop

The Beez Neez (Booth 2267): If you read “The Secret Life of Bees” recently and fell in love with beekeeping (like I did), check out this unique vendor’s supply of buzz-worthy products and accessories. Even if your backyard isn’t ready for a hive of honeybees, you’ll leave with plenty of new information to share at your next dinner party – and maybe a sweet jar of honey, too.

Insomnia Pottery (Booth 2400): Given the name of the company, we’re not sure if this local artist’s work is fueled by lack of sleep or 3 a.m. cups of coffee, but her quirky designs – urns, flower vases, platters and more – are worth a peek.

Two Green Thumbs (Booth 2216): Who isn’t amazed by bonsai trees and other miniature gardens? Check out this local vendor’s supply of tiny container plants and bring one home to showcase in your living room.

Lucca Statuary (Booth 1313): A favorite local maker of stone urns, garden ornaments and statuaries, Lucca will be selling select products at the show and offering customers coupons for future purchases at its Ballard storefront.

Show details

When:
Feb. 14-18, 2007
9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Wednesday-Saturday)
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Sunday)

Admission:
$65: Five-day pass
$28: Two-day pass
$16: Early bird daily admission (purchased at participating ticket outlets or online through Feb. 13)
$19: Regular admission at door
$13: Half-day

For more information about the show call 206-789-5333 or 800-569-2832.

If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you’d like to share, e-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.

source : blog.nwsource.com