The Gardens

 

The display gardens are the heart and soul of all world-class flower shows. Thank you to Marenakos Rock Center and Sawdust Supply for partnering with us to help build the gardens.  Every year for 25 years they have been right there with us helping create these beautiful gardens.  Marenakos Rock Center provides the stone and big boulders you see throughout the gardens.  Sawdust Supply provides the foundation of any healthy garden, mulch.  Without good soil, we would not have beautiful gardens.

We also owe a “thank you” to the Students at Lake Washington Institute of Technology Environmental Horticulture Program for their many hours of volunteer time helping construct the gardens.

2013 Garden Creators

 

 

A Blooming Good Time – Spring is in the Air 

“Oh, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!”

Capturing the whimsy and fun of Mary Poppins, this garden combines the practicality of recycled and repurposed materials with the creative use of garden art, including wind catchers and bird baths. A stone pathway leads to an English-style garden shed, accented by a low stone wall and iron fence.

And you can expect the film’s very unusual nanny, “practically perfect in every way,” to “pop in” for a visit!

Inspirations to take home: Using color and hardscape materials for visual impact

 

 

 

A Hobbit’s New Zealand Garden

Middle-earth comes to life in a garden featuring plants native to New Zealand—where The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed. The cozy hobbit cottage is framed with granite boulders and plantings of sedges and ferns. An intimate inner garden greets visitors at the home’s entry, and the landscape is splashed with colorful flowers, variegated foliage and a grove of tea trees!

This garden pays homage to a feature coming soon to a garden near you: the new eco-graphic “New Zealand Forest” to be planted in the Washington Park Arboretum.

Inspirations to take home: Plants from a world away suitable for Pacific Northwest gardens

 

Special Recognition Awards - Ethel Moss People’s Choice Award, Fred Palmer Garden Creator’s Award, Pacific Horticultural Society Award, Sunset Western Living Award & the 425 Magazine Editor’s Choice Award

 

 

 

A Pacific Northwest Beach Garden – It’s Never Too Late to Learn to Dance

The exuberant dance sequence in Zorba the Greek and its shoreside setting are recreated—“Northwest-style” –in this environmentally-friendly garden.

Like Basil, one of the primary characters in the 1964 film, we learn to dance on the beach and experience living in harmony with our environment. The natural setting is accented with coastal beach grasses, hardy succulents, a beach shack and attractive water column sculpture.

Drought-tolerant coastal plants, good soil preparation and mulch are used to create an environment without the need for extra water and fertilizers.

Opa!

Inspirations to take home: Look for several species of uncommon plants

 

 

 

 

A River Runs Through It

The great outdoors comes indoors in this four-season garden. It’s a verdant environment that captures our love of gardening and connection with native wildlife.

The centerpiece–a flowing stream—provides sanctuary for native black bears, cougars, eagles and trout. For them, the brook serves many purposes. For human visitors, it’s a refuge where we can enjoy the serene view and take in the soothing sounds.

Don’t count on a cameo appearance by the sexy male star of this 1992 film… Mother Nature gets top billing here!

Inspirations to take home: Plants and water features for a year-around garden experience

 

 

 

Alien On Vacation – Xenomorph Meets Earth’s Most Lethal Plant Colony

“The Circle of Death”….”Deck Chair Flip”…”The Suspended Human Entertainment Pod (S.H.E.P.)” are among the features in this unusual walk-through garden experience.

Inspired by the 1979 sci-fi classic, Alien, the Creator has assembled an elite team of local artists working mediums of neon, metal and glass. Their work is showcased in a setting dominated by a deck packed with innovations—including automated panels revealing hidden deck furniture, a water wall, and a personal digital viewing “pod,” to name a few.

The “Circle of Death” zone showcases some of the most deadly plants native to the Pacific Northwest. These aren’t recommended plantings for the home—after all, you’ll want to see the second part of the double feature.

Inspirations to take home: Custom inlays in the deck, use of experimental deck board

 

Special Recognition Award - South Sound Magazine Editor’s Choice Award

 

   

 

 

Audrey’s Roman Holiday

Who better to visit Rome with than Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, stars of 1952’s Roman Holiday. Though they’ll be absent at the show, the Creator has engineered a fitting backdrop for the couple’s on-screen romance.

It’s a Mediterranean setting incorporating visual touchstones from the film, including a lion’s head fountain. Architectural accents include a custom metal gate, and metal wall hangings are among the artistic pieces that convey the atmosphere of mid-20th century Italy.

One of Italy’s great modes of transportation, the Vespa motor scooter, is a featured co-star in this garden.

Inspirations to take home: Bringing architecture into a garden; outdoor living and entertainment spaces

 

 

 

Backyard Box Office

With its red velvet rope, buttered popcorn-themed plants and movie screen of glass, film buffs will feel right at home in this backyard “screening room.”

The centerpiece is a pergola housing a movie screen; the surrounding lawn forms a natural amphitheater for movie viewing. Special features include a large, daisy-like metal flower made from oversized movie reels, popcorn box planters, and the extensive use of art made entirely from recycled glass.

Plantings of bright white hydrangeas, yellow bulbs, primroses and Popcorn Viburnum underscore the colorful, popcorn-flavored environment.

Inspirations to take home: Ideas for backyard entertainment; use of flowers and shrubs in dedicated color scheme

 

 

 

 

California Dreaming 

“A state somewhere between fantasy and reality.”

This line, direct from the movie poster for the 1979 film the garden is named for, captures the retro spirit of 1970’s California. The style, primary color schemes and carefree nature of the era are represented through plantings and well-placed props—including a surfboard or two.

Showgoers are transported to the sunnier climes of the “Golden State” through the liberal use of palm trees to set the scene, while drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plants are the perfect complement to an active, “California-ized” lifestyle.

Inspirations to take home: “Outside the box” gardening approach to capture a special time and place

 

 

Disco Fever!

“Can you dig it? I knew that you could.”

Uttered by characters in the disco classic Saturday Night Fever, that quote will likely be repeated by showgoers who visit this garden. Disco balls in a formal stone pond, innovative use of multi-level lighting, pillar-like Italian Cypress trees and a mix of evergreen and blooming plants accent the festive patio setting.

This is a place to party. You can safely visit your closet and dig out that old leisure suit without feeling guilty.

Inspirations to take home: Props and accents of a specific theme to create a unique entertainment space

 

 

Honey I Shrunk the Yard 

You won’t have to worry where your pint-sized kids wandered off to in this 560-square-foot garden space.

This walk-through environment gives audiences an up close look at a feature-packed, small-space garden. From a deck, showgoers view lighthearted yet functional features—a working pizza oven, multi-activity wall, putting green and an “insect” sculpture—plus an outstanding array of plantings. Most notable: a gnarly 50-year-old cutleaf sumac tree.

This smaller garden “footprint” was requested by the Creator to demonstrate how a small space can be transformed to appear larger than its actual size.

Inspirations to take home: Dynamic “big garden” effects in a small space

 

 

 

In a Garden Far, Far Away… An Edible Forest Sanctuary

The “opening crawl” of each film in the Star Wars saga begins with “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….” Luckily for showgoers, they don’t have to travel long, or far, to enjoy this adventurous garden-themed setting.

It symbolizes a contemporary “food rebellion” and the noble quest for edible forest gardening. With an emphasis on working with, not against, our environment, this garden focuses on creating systems of plantings that naturally support each other.

Majestic salvaged timbers rise more than ten feet to support functional tree houses, decks and planting containers. Stone and other organic materials are used extensively to define multiple vertical levels and pathways.

Inspirations to take home: A catalyst for growing your own food

 

 

 

IP Man

With its focus on Chinese culture, history and symbolism, this garden is a fitting retreat for a legendary martial arts master—the subject of the 2008 semi-biographical film. The private courtyard garden uses bonsai, bamboos, bulbous plants and other species to create a soothing place for meditation and quiet conversation.

It features extensive use of natural stone sculptures, lanterns, and benches; and handmade metal prayer wheels further accentuate spiritual elements of this garden.

Inspirations to take home: Use of “all green and natural” materials in a low maintenance garden

 

 

 

It’s All in the Movies 

Three classic film genres—the Western, the Romance and Black & White—are showcased in this three-part display garden. The “Western” garden uses drought tolerant plantings, a hitchin’ post and scattered bows and arrows to underscore its theme, while a large gazebo surrounded by flowers is the perfect setting for a lovers’ rendezvous. The classic “black & white’ theme is carried out with the creative use of materials, plantings and light.

John Wayne, Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart would all feel right at home here!

Inspirations to take home: Use of plantings and prop accents to create fun and unique spaces

 

 

 

Jardin Noir – Fild Noir Style in a Modern Garden

In this stylish tribute to a cult-like movie genre, one can imagine this setting as the lair of a beautiful and alluring femme fatale out to double-cross the film’s anti-hero.

You are introduced to a black-and-white celluloid world, where the dark and gritty atmosphere is enhanced by the Creator’s imaginative use of light, shadow and plant selections. Tributes to film noir abound: the urban setting (extensive use of repurposed metal) and a formal living area with appropriate motifs (formal fireplace, venetian blinds and mirrors casting grids of moody light). Blue-toned plants are punctuated with arrangements of dark and light plants—with touches of red to suggest a plot twist!

Inspirations to take home: Extensive use of recycled materials

 

Special Recognition Award - X Factor Award

 


 

Lights, Camera, Orchids!

Directed by the Northwest Orchid Society, this garden has already garnered a fictitious “Orchidemy Award” for its tongue-in-cheek tribute to Hollywood.

February is the peak natural bloom time for orchids, so you’re sure to find a candidate for “Best Windowsill Bloomer.” Multiple vignettes, depicting the filmmaking process, spotlight these tropical beauties grown by local hobbyists, commercial growers, the University of Washington Botany Greenhouse and the Volunteer Park Conservatory.

Volunteers will be on hand to share information and answer questions about this colorful cast of characters.

Inspirations to take home: Orchids available at the show for indoor or greenhouse environments

 

 

 

Living Amongst the Stars

Live like a star, under the stars, in this glamorous “garden escape.”

With its customized stainless steel spa, cabana, and sculpted art, this glamorous garden is a fitting retreat for a busy actor or star-gazer. An intimate garden for two — perfect for a celebrity couple attempting to escape the prying eyes of the paparazzi.

Guided by the cornerstones of good film-making—plot, script, sound and lighting—this Northwest garden invites viewers to “get into character” of their own choosing.

Inspirations to take home: Custom-spa; unusual pavers new to this market

 

   

 

 

On the Road to Oz!

In the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy and Toto left the dreary black-and-white landscape of Kansas behind, only to find themselves in a vivid “Technicolor world” of blooming flowers–not to mention a few strange characters!

The duo and their fellow “Yellow Brick Road” travel companions–Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion—are creatively represented here in topiary forms. Tin Man still has his “flexibility issues” –he’s created from plant pots!

“There’s no place like home” in this showcase of garden color generated by a broad assortment of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs.

Inspirations to take home: Splashes of color easily duplicated in home gardens; groundcovers that prevent run-off

 

*This garden was not judged.

 

 

Pillow Talk 

A wink at the charm of 1950’s romantic comedies, these two neighboring interior and exterior garden spaces portray how opposites attract.

“She” lives in a 50’s-style, ultra-feminine environment where she pampers herself–when not flirting on the telephone. “Her” garden is blooming and creates colorful textures suiting her personal style. Surrounded by masculine serenity, “he” relishes the lively telephone repartee while ensconced in his favorite chair. “His” low-maintenance garden is decidedly simple —the perfect backdrop for his evening cocktail.

Separated by only a white picket fence, you can assume that a sequel is in the works!

Inspirations to take home: Planted containers; gardens can reflect personalities and tastes

 

Special Recognition Award - Best Use of Theme Award

 

  • Created by:
    Wight’s Home & Garden
    5026 196th St SW
    Lynnwood, WA 98036
    425.775.3636
    www.wights.com

 

 

Renewal: Enchanted April in the Northwest

Enchanted April, a film and book originally set in an Italian villa in the 1920’s, is the inspiration for a garden that combines function with beauty. This version takes place in a fictional Pacific Northwest resort but the storylines are shared—gardens offer a place for relaxation, reflection and restoration.

The arrival of Spring marks a rebirth for this garden and its visitors. Bulbs bloom and lush foliage appears, and welcoming informal seating offers opportunities for reading, napping and meditation. Highlights include a distinctive iron fence, an elegant bronze-finished pergola and a lustrous pool featuring vintage glass.

Inspirations to take home: Imaginative use of metals and glass as garden art centerpieces

 

 

 

SHARINg STONE 

Century-old theater seats nestled around a fire pit – flanked by basalt basins and columns – create an intimate space for entertaining. Not surprisingly, stone is used extensively throughout this garden, including Columbia River basalt, slate, bluestone and varieties of flagstone.

Theater-style sidewalks take the viewer through the garden to the stage-like setting, accented by rope lights wrapped with grape vines. Two circular water features evoke the image of movie reels, and evergreen trees, shrubs, grasses and groundcovers underscore the Basic Instinct of this low-maintenance garden.

Inspirations to take home: Use of stone, plantings and lighting to create small-space entertainment areas

 

 

 

Sunshine Dreams

The timeless tale by Brothers Grimm, Rapunzel, is the centerpiece for this garden. Raised by Dame Gothel from birth, Rapunzel grows up to be the most beautiful child in the world with long golden hair. When Rapunzel reaches her twelfth year, Dame Gothel shuts her away in a tower, with neither stairs nor a door, and only one room and one window.

A sunflower and lantern viewed from her tower window become objects of her fascination. These details are incorporated into the design, which includes extensive use of reclaimed materials and antiques. Look for the innovative use of chalk art in garden backdrops and planter boxes.

Inspirations to take home: Creating a fanciful garden theme for children to enjoy at home

 

 

 

The Lost Gardener – A Journey from the Wild to the Cultivated

Several motion pictures serve as inspirations for this garden. A common theme in Jurassic Park, King Kong and Raiders of the Lost Ark is Man’s desire for the newest, rarest and most unusual.

Rare, wild and little-seen plant species are to be treasured and protected in this exotic garden setting—with dire consequences for those seeking to remove them. Warnings are posted, and endangered plant species are protected from outsiders by a pseudo-electrified fence.

Multiple micro-climates are depicted through a rich and diverse plant palette, with unusual plants provided by small specialty growers from throughout the region.

Inspirations to take home: Discover rich plant offerings available from small specialty growers

 

Special Recognition Awards - Founder’s Cup (Best in Show), American Horticultural Society Environmental Award & the Golden Palette Award

 

   

 

 

Urban Castaways

Tom Hanks’ character in the film Castaway was marooned on a remote island… his only “companion” was a deflated Wilson volleyball with a painted-on face.

This garden serves up an “urban-fied” approach to the story, but its owner won’t be left alone for long. There’s plenty to do with friends and family amid the palms, waterfall, garden art, play areas and a motorcycle parked in the garden!

The creative “set” of this garden is sure to attract a crowd with a row boat serving as a sandbox, a teeter totter made from oars–and a hammock to relax in when the crowd goes home.

Inspirations to take home: Use of “tropical” plants suitable for our climate; reclaimed lumber

 

 

Wine Garden

For the second year in a row, the wine garden ON the Garden Floor.

The new Wine Garden location allows you to view the nearby spectacular gardens while simultaneously enjoying local and international wines, beer and cocktails all while relaxing in a garden setting.