Just returned home from  Seattle and the Northwest Flower Show–the annual kickoff event for the gardening year in our region.  Last years’ show had a bittersweet edge.  Duane Kelly was actively engaged in trying to find a buyer for the show but uncertainty was in the air.  Would he find a buyer or not?  O’Loughlin Trade Shows purchased the show late in the spring and immediately went to work  putting together the 2010 event.   The decision to retain key staff resulted in a seamless transition and an exciting show that honored the past while looking to the future.

I love the garden shows–for me they are a way to connect with other gardeners, writers, lecturers and passionate plantsmen and women that I might not see all that regularly. We are all members of the same horticulture tribe–and we were out in full force–from the young, neophyte veggie gardener to the wise and witty Roger Swain who for years hosted The Victory Garden.  A group of stellar speakers headlined the seminars from Fergus Garrett, head gardener at  Englands’ Great Dixter to well known Oregon nursery owners Roger Gossler, of Gossler Farms Nursery in Springfield and Maurice Horn from Joy Creek Nursery in Scappoose.  My lectures were packed with folks excited about the prospect of getting their hands back in the dirt. We are ready for the renewal of spring and anxious to leave the stress and trials of the last year behind.

The show floor hummed as shoppers checked out new products, purchased plants and wandered through the display gardens.  The display gardens, a dichotomy of fantasy and reality, were fun–filled with ideas for home gardeners.  Sustainability and ecological design prevailed in several displays.  My fave featured an urban farmette with raised beds, a chicken tractor, rain barrels, composting, repurposed building materials and goats.  Yes, goats–their antics, including standing on the roof of a small shed–delighted and entertained.

Goat surveying her domain.

This Friday is opening day for the Yard, Garden and Patio Show–Portland’s own garden show.  It runs from Friday, Feb. 12 through Sunday, Feb. 14 at the Oregon Convention Center.  Expect great gardens, vendors and seminars.  The planning committee is excited about showcasing the best of gardening and horticulture in our region.

Dan Hinkley, world renowned horticulturalist and plant explorer, is headlining the seminar series, speaking on Friday and Saturday.  The three day schedule of lectures and demonstrations covers all aspects of gardening from pruning to seed starting, design and decor, new plants and heirloom vegetables.  Each day offers a range of experts sharing their insights and information.  Join us as Kym Pokorny, garden writer for the Oregonian and dean of the airwaves Mike Darcy discuss their favorite plants–think debate.  An esteemed panel of writers and gardeners, Dulcy Mahar, columnist for the Oregonian, Barbara Blossom of the Tribune and Rob Rosser who writes for the Columbian, bare it all sharing their worst garden bloopers.

Cracked Pots, the non-profit group of artists who create home and garden accessories out of recyled materials, is going to have a large presence at the show with 25 artists in attendance.  What could be more fun than shopping for garden art.  Visit the Remarkable Green Market where many of the regions best specialty nurseries will be selling their wares.   This is an event not to be missed.