Unless there’s somewhere else you just have to be on Wednesday, February 3, at 9 am, you’re going to want to be at the Convention Center as that’s when the Northwest Flower and Garden show opens to public. Lush, amazing display gardens, seminars on gardening for everyone from the novice to the expert covering topics relevent to both the condo-dwelling container gardener to the McMansion owner with a huge, comples garden, the Northwest Flower and Garden Show has something for everyone.

Even people who don’t garden, like me. I’ve been going to this show year in and year out for a very long time now because I find it soothing and interesting and inspirational. People I know who do garden tell me they’ve gotten more useful information from one day at the NWF&GS than they’ve gotten in an entire year of study, but even someone like me, with black thumbs and an aversion to putting my hands in dirt, anyway, find much fascination at the show. The display gradens are truly spectacular, presenting not just interesting ideas on using one’s available space, but dreams and desires. I’ve learned a tremendous amount of information about our local landscape, weather, culture, flora and fauna, all of which has been interesting and enjoyable.

If you are a gardener, you’ll gain even more: besides the seminars, there are a zillion vendors and other visitors on hand to give you advice to make your garden grow exactly how you want it to grow. If you’re looking for gardening supplies, well, you’ve got a whole world of items all at your hands in one convenient location.

The show runs through February 7. Wednesday through Saturday the show’s hours are 9 am to 8 pm. See the show Sunday between 9 am and 6 pm.

Tickets are $20 at the door for adults and $5 for anyone 13 – 17. Children 12 and under are free.