See Binetti host Container Wars daily at show

Time to take a trip around the world — just by making a trip to Seattle. This year the Northwest Flower and Garden show runs Feb. 20 through 24 at the Washington State Convention Center and the theme is “Gardens of the World.”

Get a ticket to see acres of show gardens, plant vendors and outdoor design inspiration. You can use public transportation or park at the convention center with plenty of nearby parking on the weekend or after 3 p.m. For tickets, hotel deals and more show details visit the website www.gardenshow.com.

You can also watch as I host “Container Wars” every day at 11:30 a.m. in the North Hall Stage.

What is Container Wars?

Container Wars is a reality show, live competition and container garden “how to” all in one. Two gardening experts (on Friday we pit Ciscoe Morris against Richie Steffen) are given a plethora of plants and three different sized containers to design. The clock starts ticking and dirt will fly. As the experts plant, the MC (that would be me) will be asking questions, sharing tips and adding unexpected challenges to the design process.

What do you learn while being entertained by Container Wars?

The country’s top designers, some flying in from the East Coast will be combining plants we can all purchase at local nurseries to come up with unique and eye catching combinations. You see winter/early spring color combos created from locally grown plants available at local nurseries. You’ll also be inspired by a jolt of creativity as the design professionals bring in branches, art glass and even bobble head dolls to dress up their container gardens.

Tips to get the most out of the Container Wars show:

Charge up your phone as you will want photos of not just finished product to imitate for your own patio but also the “how to” steps and planting techniques.

The start time of the show (11:30 a.m.) and location near the food court means you can plan to take a break from touring the show gardens and vendors and recharge while being entertained as you eat. The seating is arranged around tables.

After watching the contestants you will also be invited to sit in on one of their seminars as all will be speaking at the show as well as competing for the blue ribbon container garden against a rival. As an example, Jenny Rose Carey, a competitor on Wednesday, opening day of Container Wars will also be speaking that same afternoon at 3 p.m. on “Gardening without Sprinklers? Dry Gardens and Rain Gardens” so you can expect her container creation to be a winner for anyone that forgets to water their pots.

Marianne Binetti has a degree in horticulture from Washington State University and is the author of “Easy Answers for Great Gardens” and several other books. For book requests or answers to gardening questions, write to her at: P.O. Box 872, Enumclaw, 98022. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope for a personal reply.

For more gardening information, she can be reached at her Web site, www.binettigarden.com.