A view draped in snow off Black Diamond Road, elevation of 994 feet, in Port Angeles this week. (Andrew May/Peninsula Daily News)

A view draped in snow off Black Diamond Road, elevation of 994 feet, in Port Angeles this week. (Andrew May/Peninsula Daily News)

A GROWING CONCERN: See Gardens of the World all in one place

AFTER THIS WEEK of snow, more snow, then slush along with more snow, I am sure you are ready for a break.

I have just the perfect remedy.

But before we discuss “Gardens of the World,” lets talk a little bit about your plants and all that snow.

First and foremost, check all your woody ornamentals for damage caused by the crushing weight of the aforementioned ice crystals.

Mother Nature is the worst pruner in the universe, so look for twisted, shredded, torn, ripped and snapped branches and prune them back clean, well below the damaged area.

Clean-up all old, soggy, worn-out plant debris for soon it will rot away and cause a plethora of pestilence problems in your yard.

And definitely look around for drainage issues, clear drains and create channels for water to move along.

A week or two of standing, freezing water could cause some plant issues for sure.

But as we hunkered down this week with cabin fever, why not look around the world for botanical inspiration?

This Wednesday, Feb. 20 – 24, the 24th annual Northwest Flower and Garden Show will be held at the lovely Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle at 7th and Pike streets.

This magnificent horticulture extravaganza, the country’s second largest flower show, will be truly an inspiring event. This year the theme is “Gardens of the World.”

Plagiarism is the world’s second oldest profession and here is a huge idea factory waiting for your discovery.

From the cottage gardens to the Chinese gardens; to herb, rose and vegetable gardens; the English gardens along with native, arid and woodland gardens — all these inspire horticulturists around the globe.

For five days the region’s most renowned designers will put their talents on display for your enjoyment and note-taking.

This should truly be one of the best years for the massive display gardens — all 23 of them.

Inspiration abounds at the flower show with the famous “seminar series” featuring over 100 topics.

Taught by acclaimed garden writers and horticulturists, these experts share their knowledge and secrets delivered for both the newbie gardener and the well seasoned veteran.

All these lectures are free with admission.

For me, a real treat is the “Garden Market Place,” which is a bustling array of over 350 vendors offering a cornucopia of quality garden products, services and artwork.

With our lack of gardening products on the Peninsula, going to the largest gardening mall in America is a real plus.

I also enjoy looking at the interesting variety of containers on the amazing “Sky Bridge.”

Surrounded by glass, this vista is a perfect place to get your creative juices flowing and containers are just so easy to plant, maintain and enjoy with little effort.

And if ease of effort is a concern, remember: the flowers show offers two free plant check-in locations so you do not have to schlep your purchases all over the place.

When you enter this garden mecca you first walk through the floral arrangement display and I promise the scent and visual stimulation will be that of spring.

So why not plan a perfect garden party for you, your family and friends and go to the Northwest Flower and Garden Show?

Your yard may be slush and mud now, but in Seattle it is the best of the gardening world.

For detailed information, ticket prices, packages, speakers schedule and vendor information visit www.gardenshow.com.

But please, no matter what, give the snow shovels a break.

Dream of warm sunny days, beautiful flowers, tropical paradise and go to the Northwest Flower and Garden Show Wednesday through Sunday.

You will not regret the choice.

________

Andrew May is an ornamental horticulturist who dreams of having Clallam and Jefferson counties nationally recognized as “Flower Peninsula USA.” Send him questions c/o Peninsula Daily News, P.O. Box 1330, Port Angeles, WA 98362, or email news@peninsuladailynews.com (subject line: Andrew May).

More in Life

Contestants for the 130rd Sequim Irrigation Festival’s royalty court include, from left, Roxy Woods, Glenna Cary, Lily Tjemsland, Malachi Byrne and Joanna Morales. The pageant will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at Sequim High School’s auditorium. (Keith Ross, Keith’s Frame of Mind)
Five candidates set for Irrigation Festival royalty

Creative displays, QA featured on Saturday

A GROWING CONCERN: Dig this dozen garden must-haves

AS WE MOVE closer to the first days of spring, and thus… Continue reading

Shay Christensen, owner of the Pink Pony Café in downtown Port Angeles, creates a designer crepe. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Port Angeles creperie using 100-year-old recipe

Business has changed hands, but taste keeps customers coming back

ISSUES OF FAITH: Remember to keep love in your hearts

IN FEBRUARY 1995, Brigham Young University hosted a Valentine’s dance with a… Continue reading

Shape Note Concert set in Port Townsend

Danny Barnes will present a Shape Note Concert at… Continue reading

GriefShare classes offered to community

Independent Bible Church will host GriefShare at 10 a.m.… Continue reading

Sunday program set for OUUF

Julia McKenna Blessing will present “All You Need is… Continue reading

Rev. Bill Evans
Speaker scheduled for Sunday service at Unity in Olympics

The Rev. William Evans will present “Beyond Love” at… Continue reading

PLAL Aritist of the Month - Ruby Beach and Destruction Island by Steve Deligan
Port Ludlow Arts League to host artist reception

The Port Ludlow Art League will host a reception… Continue reading

Photos by Katie Newton-Salmon
2024 Sequim and Port Angeles Equestrian teams got off to a great start during its first WAHSET competition, bringing home where they brought home nine first place wins. Top row from left: Katelynn Sharpe, Kennedy Gilbertson, Savanah Boulton, Celbie Karjalainen, Asha Swanberg
Bottom row left: Coach Misty Gilbertson, PA member Olivia West, Kenzie Winters, Lilly Meyer, Joanna Seelye, Taylor Lewis, Kiaja Johnson, Paisley Morris, PA member Zakara Braun, and coach Ady Crosby. Not pictured non-competing member Paige Reed and advisor Katie Newton.
HORSEPLAY: First high school equestrian event of the year for Sequim

SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL’S equestrian team had a “great first meet,” said coach… Continue reading

Emily Matthiessen/Olympic Peninsula News Group
Sequim Ballroom intern Brie Rocha follows instructor Werner Figar’s lead as he keeps an eye on his intermediate/advanced swing class.
Dancers work on moves during classes at Sequim schoolhouse

Beginners, intermediate students learn variety of ballroom styles