In other parts of the country, ground hogs, asparagus, bluebonnets, etc., herald the coming of spring. But not in Seattle! Here in the Emerald City, the Northwest Flower & Garden Show announces in all its Technicolor glory that the grey, gloomy months of winter are drawing to a close. Seattle gardening aficionados and lovers flock to the show annually, but did you know that the show offers fun and frolic for children of all ages and abilities? Kids will learn about urban farming techniques, vegetable gardening, and poultry keeping through interactive activities. Parents, too, will take away practical tips on gardening with kids at home. And this year’s tinsel town-flavored theme, “The Silver Screen Takes Root…Gardens Go Hollywood” offers much to inspire and entertain both master and (wee) budding gardener alike.

Hands-on fun in the PlayGarden
Backdropped by swaying palm trees and a man-made beach, this year’s 5,000 square-foot PlayGarden embraces the film adaptation of Swiss Family Robinson. As always, the PlayGarden is the main attraction for families.

At the PlayGarden, co-produced with the Seattle Children’s PlayGarden, kiddos will be happy to abide by the “please touch everything!” rule. Kids of all abilities can explore low-level tree houses made from faux shipwreck remnants, play hide-and-seek in a bamboo grove, as well as build structures out of seashells and moon sand (moldable, squishable sand, so no mess!) at the sensory tables. Plus, kids can get down and dirty as they dig in the kitchen garden and plant and harvest greens. To bring home the “farming is fun” message, kids can plant seeds in coconut half-shells and make whimsical pantyhose grass heads as keepsakes.

Bop till you drop
Throughout the day, popular musicians—think Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Caspar Babypants and children’s musician/songwriter Nancy Stewart—will perform on the Sprout Stage in the PlayGarden. Kids will have a bushel of fun as they giggle and hop to silly songs about plants and nature, and being kind to the earth.

Photo-op
Click your heels and head on over to Subaru’s The Wizard of Oz-themed garden: “There’s No Place Like Home–And The Great Outdoors!” in the South Lobby. Surrounded by a garden of blazing poppies, your kids (and you!) can have your photo taken with your favorite Oz character– Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow! Oh my!

Hunt for treasure
Who doesn’t love a treasure hunt? Kids especially so! Join in the fun and track down all the hidden items (they’ll be revealed at the show) in the display gardens. Turn in a completed Treasure Hunt form and win fabulous prizes!

Northwest Flower and Garden Show
February 20–24, 2013
Washington State Convention Center
800 Convention Place
Seattle, Wa 98101

Hours:
Wednesday through Saturday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Admission:
Adults, $20 ($16 before February 20); $5, Youth (ages 13 – 17); Children 12 and under, Free.
Buy your tickets online and you can add a $1 (or greater) donation to support the Seattle Children’s Playgarden.

Online: www.gardenshow.com

What is your favorite part of the Northwest Flower & Garden Show? Will you be attending the show with your kids this year? Let us know in a comment below.

– Pat Tanumihardja

Photo credit: Northwest Flower & Garden Show