Madison Park Times RE 03-01-22

MARCH 2022

Madison Park Times

Serving East-Central Seattle since 1983

Real Estate

MADISON PARK - WASHINGTON PARK - MADISON VALLEY - DENNY-BLAINE - MADRONA - LESCHI www .M adison P ark T imes . com

Seattle real estate still a seller’s market, for now

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likely feed increasreater ing prices in our Seattle region. continues Unprecedented to experience a low inventory has very active real led to fewer home estate market sales and increased with a shortage of prices. However, inventory plaguwith the sunset of ing the region. the pandemic upon Continued us, we expect to low interest rates see more invenand a strong job tory coming to market drive our Evan Wyman market this spring. housing market Property Views In addition, as with new hires more companies coming in from out announce their of state for high tech, medical and other industries. return-to-work strategies, buyers Additional pressure on the market and sellers may make decisions about where they can/want to live is expected as reportedly Amazon depending on their employer’s is more than doubling its maxiwork-from-home policy. Many mum base pay to $350,000 for new listings coming on the some corporate and tech employees. This will give them $1 million market will be snatched up by the backlog of buyers, but overall it in more buying power, which will

will be bring welcome opportunities.

Here’s a snapshot of the recent housing market stats in our area:

Status

Address

Pending

3209 E Madison St

CDOM 16

Original Price 885000

Selling Price

Listing Price 885000

Pending

2502 Canterbury Lane E #109

6

950000

950000

Pending

2330 43rd Ave E #301B

3

1137500

1137500

Pending

2330 43rd Ave E #206B

2

1295000

1295000

Pending

4015 E Garfield St

6

1950000

1950000

Pending

576 Lake Washington Blvd E

9

2799000

2799000

Pending

484 Lake Washington Blvd E

8

3095000

Sold

1810 43rd Ave E #B102

14

490000

440000

490000

Sold

1905 42nd Ave E #3

21

500000

490000

500000

3095000

Sold

2360 43rd Ave E #201

23

595000

590000

595000

For Denny Blaine, Broadmoor, Washington/Madison Park Jan. 1, 2022 through Feb. 15, 2022: 10 sold homes Average Sales Price: $2,556,300 Average Days on Market: 89 (there was one that was 440 days, which makes this misleading) Average Price Per Square Foot: $821.10 Lowest Sales Price: $1,400,000 Highest Sales Price: $4,450,000 Selling at 98.11 percent of last listed price

Sold

2501 Canterbury Lane E #113

5

659000

785000

659000

Sold

1933 42nd Ave E #2

6

799000

820000

799000

Sold

2055 43rd Ave E #402

6

749000

881000

749000

Sold

3812 E Madison St

21

1295000

1180000

1295000

Sold

2327 41st Ave E

35

1295000

1202500

1265000

Sold

130 34th Ave E

8

1250000

1250000

1250000

Sold

209 36th Ave E

5

1400000

1700000

1400000

Sold

1502 39th Ave E

20

1895000

1900000

1895000

Sold

3324 E Ford Place

20

2150000

2040000

2150000

Sold

197 34th Ave E

7

2398000

2398000

2398000

Sold

620 34th Ave E

8

2795000

2750000

2795000

Sold

2066 41st Ave E

10

3100000

3100000

3100000

Sold

122 Madrona Place E

15

3198000

3198000

3198000

Sold

1239 Parkside Dr E

99

4125000

3670000

3999500

Jan. 1, 2021 through Feb. 15, 2021:

Sold

117 Madrona Place E

26

3750000

3706500

3495000

Sold

1039 36th Ave E

3

4295000

4700000

4295000

Sold

3326 E Shore Dr

26

6200000

6200000

6200000

Sold

2001 Broadmoor Dr E

10

9250000

8750000

9250000

SEE PROPERTY, PAGE 3

2-BEDROOM, NEARLY-1,600 SQ FT. PIKE PLACE MARKET CONDO WITH PROTECTED WATERFRONT VIEWS. $ 1,495,000

LISA TURNURE REAL ESTATE Coldwell Banker Bain Just Sold with multiple offers Listed, sold and closed in less than 2 weeks!

For a complimentary price valuation of your property or to learn how I can help you successfully list and sell your home for top dollar in todays market, please contact me.

206.919.6605 | lisaturnure@cbbain.com | LisaTurnure.com

MOIRA E. HOLLEY

EXPERIENCED. INNOVATIVE. TRUSTED.

moirα@moirαpresents.com 206.612.5771

moirαpresents.com co-founder, global sales advisor

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MARCH 2022

Pruning your life in the garden

The idea of “pruning your life” can feel much the same, as anyone who has “Marie Kondo’d” their indoor clutter can attest.

Case in point: our overgrown four-variety tiered arden apple espalier, writer which has not Toni GatErica Browne Grivas sparked joy in a tone, tonigattone.

Get Growing while. It’s hardly com, who specialearning its keep izes in inspiring since the lower people to enjoy tiers, which are naturally bland gardening at every age, wrote an yellow apples, are taking over the inspiring blog post recently. others. Spokes of waterspouts are In it, she eschews well-meant shooting in all directions because but often ineffective “fix it” New I forgot to prune again this sumYear’s resolutions in favor of taking the gift of winter’s slower pace mer.

The idea was great, but in exto assess how to make your life ecution, not so much.

— and garden — grow with ease I wondered what I could replace and beauty. it with that I (and probably She asked a question that hit me like a ton of bricks: “What are passers-by) would enjoy more.

Star jasmine or southern magnoyou willing to prune out of your lia for evergreen winter interest? garden and your life?”

That would prune away the work While the act of pruning a of pruning, bagging each apple to green branch may feel cruel to prevent coddling moth and cleana novice gardener, when done ing up rotting leftovers from the thoughtfully, it boosts the plant’s ground — and my annual guilt at health rather than decreases it.

There’s even a type called “renewal forgetting to prune. pruning” done in stages over three SEE PRUNING, PAGE 4 years to encourage fresh growth.

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”

— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

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Photo by Erica Browne Grivas A rose grows on a bush at Woodland Park Zoo Rose Garden. While it can be hard to cut spindly stems, pruning encourages blooms on fuller growth on roses.

SOUTH LAKE UNION | $3,495,000

BROADMOOR | $5,495,000

BROADMOOR | $3,150,000

CENTRAL DISTRICT | $949,000

BETSY Q. TERRY & JANE POWERS

206.322.2840 | ewingandclark.com | luxuryrealestate.com

Pacific Publishing Company – Queen Anne & Magnolia News • Madison Park Times

PROPERTY, FROM PAGE 1 17 sold homes Average Sales Price: $2,238,561 Average Days on Market: 73 Average Price Per Square Foot: $709.20 Lowest Sales Price: $440,000 Highest Sales Price: $4,625,000 Selling at 97.07 percent of last listed price For 98112 Jan. 1, 2022 through Feb. 15, 2022: 37 sold homes Average Sales Price: $1,483,541 Average Days on Market: 50 Average Price Per Square Foot: $710 Lowest Sales Price: $448,000 Highest Sales Price: $4,450,000 Selling at 103 percent of original listed price Worth note: 24 of these are $1 million+, and the average market time over $1 million is 51 days (without the 440 DOM sale, the average is 30 days but the vast majority are selling in 10 days or less) Jan. 1, 2021 through Feb. 15, 2021: 43 sold homes Average Sales Price: $1,438,245 Average Days on Market: 56 Average Price Per Square Foot: $630.88 Lowest Sales Price: $400,000 Highest Sales Price: $4,625,000 Selling at 101.2 percent of original listed price My takeaways: Year-over-year real estate activity in 98112 remains strong and steady with sales up, prices up and days on market down.

“Over and over again we see buyers are seeking homes that are move-in ready. Many of these buyers need a home immediately; if they can envision simply moving into your home, you will see that reflected in the sales price."

In 98112, January 2022 vs. January 2021 shows a 33 percent increase in average sales price for homes price over $1 million.

Important things to note about the current housing market: Essentially, the housing market in our area is sold out, and we have many homebuyers waiting in the wings. Many buyers are anxious to get into a home before the expected rise in interest rates.

It should be emphasized that interest rates are still at historic lows, giving buyers a huge advantage in purchasing power.

This is an unprecedented market for many of us real estate veterans. Homes continue to sell with multiple offers and sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars over list price.

Over and over again we see buyers are seeking homes that are move-in ready. Many of these buyers need a home immediately; if they can envision simply moving into your home, you will see that reflected in the sales price.

If your house doesn’t present well and isn’t staged property, the home for sale down the street will likely sell for more.

Work with an agent who will advise

you about the best updates and listing prep for the biggest return on your investment.

If you need help preparing your home for sale we have a Compass Concierge program. Compass fronts the money for certain improvements (flooring, tile, painting, etc.) and you pay the money back at closing. Many buyers are requesting short closings; having your home fully prepped for market makes it much easier to make your move.

In this market, broker-to-broker relationships are key. Select an agent who has an excellent reputation amongst their colleagues; it will definitely help you stand out in a multiple offer situation and at the negotiating table.

As of press time, there are five homes for sale over $2.5 million in Madison Park, Washington Park, Broadmoor and Denny Blaine.

One of the residences is a condominium, and the highest priced singlefamily home for sale is a restored Tudor on the ninth hole in Broadmoor.

My advice to buyers: Work with an experienced agent and get into the market sooner, rather than later, as we expect prices will continue to rise. Do not miss out on what are still incredibly low interest rates.

For sellers: If you have considered making a move, this is a seller’s market like no other.

Our Compass experts have a long history in Madison Park and are ready to help you navigate this unusual time with the latest technology, top-notch marketing and proven pricing strategies.

Evan Wyman Broker/Partner The Wyman Group @ COMPASS

MARCH 2022

Library, United Way offering free tax prep service The Seattle Public Library and United Way of King County are collaborating to offer free, in-person tax preparation service through the end of tax season at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle.

Find out more at spl.org/TaxHelp.

Trained volunteers will answer questions and help prepare personal tax returns.

The service is not available for business tax returns.

Residents should visit spl.org/TaxHelp to see the list of required documents they will need to bring to get tax help.

FREE TAX HELP No appointment is necessary. Help is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The last client will be taken 30-45 minutes before the end of tax help hours. Hours are: Monday: 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday: 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday: 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Friday: no Tax Help Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday : 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

SOCIAL DISTANCING & SAFETY All UWKC volunteer tax preparers and Library staff are vaccinated.

Tax help pairs will be distanced from each other.

Fewer “waiting area” seats will be set out, and seats will be distanced from one another.

Patrons waiting for service can leave their phone number.

For more information, visit https://www. spl.org/TaxHelp, contact the Library’s Ask Us service at 206-386-4636 or chat at www.spl.org/ Ask. For ADA accommodations, contact: leap@spl. org.

2022 FORECAST REPORT

PROVEN RESULTS

The year has already started out with record-low inventory, but what can we expect next? This newly released forecast report attempts to answer that complex and multifaceted question, with experts in their fields weighing in on topics including supply chain issues, inflation, and of course, the next "it" markets, so you can keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in our market.

A CONTINUED LEGACY Realogics Sotheby's International Realty ranks amongst the largest, most productive, and fastest-growing real estate companies in Washington with access to 25,000 brokers in 79 countries and territories generating global sales of $204 billion annually.

SOTHEBY’S AUCTIONS

What My Clients Are Saying...

“It's very easy to write a rave review for the agent that helps you find your dream home but what about the agent that LISTS your dream home? While divorce may line the pockets of many an agent, it has to have them reaching for the jumbo bottle of Maalox. In our case, the only thing my former spouse and I could agree on was using Laura Halliday as our agent. We have known Laura both professionally and socially for over 20 years. Her reputation as a top agent is hard-won and well deserved. Meticulous in her approach, she is knowledgeable, consultative, and respectful. Our house was listed and closed in 6 weeks. We are so grateful. Laura's ability to get everyone singing from the same hymnal in a very acrimonious situation was invaluable. We recommend Laura without reservation." - Shelly & Janet Jones Founding Member | Managing Broker Senior Global Real Estate Advisor 206.399.5842 | Laura.Halliday@rsir.com

Connect with me if you'd like me to email or handdeliver a hard copy of the 2022 Forecast Report.

Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Seller reserves the right change the product offering without notice.

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(Women) Artists, a celebration of female artists across 400 years that will feature a selection of captivating and imaginative pieces designed to offer perspective and dialogue.

LauraHalliday.com

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MARCH 2022

PRUNING, FROM PAGE 2 Just like an overflowing closet or bookcase stacked from floor to ceiling (ask me how I know), clutter in the garden is just as troublesome.

When negative becomes positive

Negative space is soothing because our brains don’t have to analyze or process it — they just sail on to the next thing to notice.

One hallmark of compelling design is that it “reads” easily — or at least some main elements do.

Think of rolling hills punctuated by a handful of fir trees, or a curated wall of plants on Instagram — the hills highlight the trees, as the wall space does the pothos and philodendron.

Negative space needn’t be empty — it just needs to be made up of one thing, whether that’s a sea of sedges, sunflowers or paving.

Please skip the lawn, however.

While used effectively in parks and golf courses, a grass lawn is my least favorite version of negative space. A green blanket is not worth the cost in soil health, time and maintenance.

It’s worth considering what tasks you enjoy the most — would you rather spend your summer arranging flowers from a cutting garden or eating home-grown salads? Shaping a topiary or mowing a wildflower meadow?

Conversely, which tasks do you compulsively avoid? Prune them away as best you can.

If you have had it with weeding,

“It’s worth considering what tasks you enjoy the most — would you rather spend your summer arranging flowers from a cutting garden or eating home-grown salads? Shaping a topiary or mowing a wildflower meadow.” plant a good ground cover that can play nicely with your plants.

Streamlining your efforts down to what you love to see and take care of will reap benefits for years to come in your body, which will have fewer aches, in your mind, which will have a shorter to-do list, and in your garden, which will be more beautiful and peaceful.

Casting around our yard, I see we need some negative space, more repetition, as well as more winter interest.

Years of cramming plants in where they mostly fit and usually grow has led to a Jackson Pollockstyle landscape rather than an intentional one. There are numerous examples of plants that are hogging sun and nutrients from their neighbors or just adding visual chaos. There could be a lot of digging in my near future, but imagining the calm to come will keep me going.

What in your life could use some pruning attention?

484 Lake Washington Blvd E PENDING $3,095,000

Sound Transit announces service changes in March

Changes including reductions on some ST Express routes; Sounder S Line service will add four new trips Service changes for Sound Transit service will take effect this month. The changes include additional reductions as well as extending reductions that were implemented at the end of 2021 on certain Sound Transit Express routes due to operator shortages. The reductions will affect frequency of service on weekdays only.

The March service change will also include four new trips on the Sounder S Line, providing additional travel options for riders impacted by service reductions on ST Express.

The service change dates are as follows: • Saturday, March 19, Link light rail and King County Metro-operated ST Express • Sunday, March 20, Community Transitoperated and Pierce Transit-operated ST Express.

• Monday, March 21, Sounder Changes on ST Express service include: • 510: Frequency reductions due to operator shortages.

• 511: Frequency reductions due to operator shortages.

• 512: Schedule adjustments; Frequency reductions on weekdays due to operator shortages. On Sundays, late-night trips after midnight will begin at Stadium Station and serve 4th/Jackson (International District/ Chinatown Station), Downtown Seattle on 4thAvenue, I-5/NE 45th Street Freeway Station, and Northgate prior to all regular 512 stops.

• 513: Schedule adjustments reflect current traffic.

• 522: Schedule adjustments. The NE 65th/ Oswego stop (Green Lake P&R) will no longer be served after Roosevelt Station.

• 532: Schedule adjustments to reflect current traffic conditions. Frequency reductions due to operator shortages.

•

535: Schedule adjustments to reflect current traffic conditions. Frequency reductions due to operator shortages.

• 545: Schedule adjustments to reflect current traffic conditions; frequency reductions due to operator shortages.

• 550: Schedule adjustments to reflect current traffic conditions. Frequency reductions due to operator shortages. Hours of service leaving Downtown Seattle to Bellevue will be extended past midnight.

• 566: Service will be operated by King County Metro, effective Monday, March 21, 2022. Minor schedule adjustments to align better with the Sounder S Line schedule.

• 554: Schedule adjustments to reflect current traffic conditions.

• 578: Schedule adjustments to reflect current traffic conditions.

• 580: Eliminate the 6:37 a.m. trip from the South Hill P&R; riders can take PT Route 400 as an alternative. Lakewood--South Hill segment remains suspended until further notice.

• 590: Additional trips will be extended from Tacoma Dome Station to 10th/Commerce in the afternoon.

Routes 577, 578, 590, 592, and 594 will continue to operate at the reduced levels implemented on Nov. 7, 2021, until further notice.

The following trips are restored on the S Line: • 501 (6:05 a.m. from Seattle) • 509 (3:15 p.m. from Seattle) • 514 (7:20 a.m. from Tacoma) • 1522 (4:30 p.m. from Tacoma) There are no changes to N Line service.

There are no changes to Link or Tacoma Link service.

Additional service change information can be found at on the service change page of the Sound Transit website.

For trip planning assistance or other questions, contact Customer Service at 888-889-6368, TTY Relay 711, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

2330 43rd Ave E #206B SOLD $1,400,000

With over 34 years of real estate experience, we would love be your real estate experts when it comes to marketing your home and purchasing a new home .

We are excited to talk with you about your options!

Listing agent: Hoady Spencer with Realogics Sotheby's Int'l Rlty

122 Madrona Place E SOLD $3,198,000

322 Randolph Ave SOLD $2,350,000

KATHRYN HINDS Windermere Madison Park 206•650•6488 KATHRYNHINDS@COMCAST.NET HINDSTEAM.COM

TAYLOR HINDS Windermere Madison Park 206•434•5102 TAYLORHINDS@WINDERMERE.COM HINDSTEAM.COM

KATIE HINDS Windermere Madison Park 206-434-5103

KATIEHINDS@WINDERMERE.COM HINDSTEAM.COM

Pacific Publishing Company – Queen Anne & Magnolia News • Madison Park Times

MARCH 2022

Nothing Compares Expertise that’s wherever you are and wherever you want to be.

99 UNION ST UNIT #1102 | DOWNTOWN SEATTLE $9,700,000 | JUST LISTED

4015 E GARFIELD ST | WASHINGTON PARK $1,950,000 | PENDING

2330 43RD AVE E UNIT #206B | MADISON PARK $1,295,000 | SOLD

11331 NE 50TH PLACE | KIRKLAND $2,150,000 | JUST LISTED

We're your local Madison Park experts with global reach that will help you on your real estate journey—no matter where it takes you. Meet with one of our trusted advisors for a market evaluation today!

Meet your global real estate advisors:

Leslie Dickinson 206.200.2174

John Madrid

206.498.1880

Laura Halliday

206.399.5842

Hoady Spencer 206.372.1092

WE'RE OPEN ONLINE 24/7

Toby Lumpkin

206.786.2035

Neda Perrina

206.218.8589

Cindy Paur

206.949.4497

4031 East Madison Street | Visit rsir.com or call 206.466.2409

St. Patrick's Day Dash

Seattle Restaurant Week

2022 Forecast Report

Join this Seattle tradition, 38 years running! The St. Patrick’s Day Dash, taking place Sunday, March 13, will once again call Seattle Center home. Back with all the family fun including the traditional 5K distance, leprechaun lap, Post Dash Bash, costume contests, live music and more! Find out more at stpatsdash.com.

Seattle Restaurant Week returns April 3-16! Seattle Restaurant Week is a bi-annual prix fixe dining promotion that gives diners a unique chance to support the greater Seattle area’s culinary community, highlighting its craft, diversity, resilience, and great food. Find out more at srweek.org.

2022 has started out with record record-low inventory, but what’s to come? The in-depth Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s 2022 Forecast Report answers that complex question for you, with the help of experts in their fields who are navigating inflation, 1031 exchanges, supply chain issues, and more. Download the report at rsir.com/2022-forecast-report.

rsir.com

Each office is independently owned and operated. Seller reserves the right to change product offering without notice.

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MARCH 2022

Chris Sudore “As a Madison Park Resident, I care about your home‘s value.”

Curious what your home is worth in today‘s market? Contact us today for a free market evaluation

Sold | North Capitol Hill Remodel | $2,775,000

Sold | Glendale Estate | $2,158,000

Modern Perfection in Wedgwood | $1,650,650

Active

Pending

Sold

Sold

Sold

Sold

Sold

Sold

Coldwell Banker‘s Global Luxury Team | King County Estates

Chris Sudore President/Founder of King County Estates 206.799.2244

Marta Grzankowski Sales Broker & Office Manager 425.519.3345

Jennifer Vandiver Sales Broker 509.969.6767

Chris Sudore | Managing Broker Madison Park Your Specialist In: Madison Park • Washington Park • Broadmoor • Denny Blaine • Capitol Hill • Madrona • Leschi

Ryder Fasse Sales Broker 206.351.0923

Nikki Betz Sales Broker 206.919.1870

Megan Bassetti Marketing Manager

Chris@KingCountyEstates.com 206-799-2244 KingCountyEstates.com

Pacific Publishing Company – Queen Anne & Magnolia News • Madison Park Times

MARCH 2022

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Northwest Flower & Garden Festival returns in the wake of omicron

By Erica Browne Grivas Contributing writer

For the first time since its inception in 1998, the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival was missing in 2021. The secondlargest horticultural show in the country, the show marks the unofficial end of winter and a vision of gardens to come.

This year the festival returned to the Washington State Convention Center from Feb. 9 through Feb. 15 — to appreciative crowds.

Some familiar ingredients — like display gardens, seminars and the lively marketplace — welcomed them like old friends.

Elandan Gardens Ltd, http://

www.elandangardens.com/, of Bremerton created a display garden weaving together ancient bonsai, stonework and driftwood.

Ugandan-born batik artist Paul Nzalamba, https://www. nzalamba-artworks.com/, from Los Angeles, California, was back in his booth sharing the poignant stories behind each scene.

Area garden columnist Marianne Binetti, http://www.binettigarden.com/, was emceeing the raucous “Container Wars” event that pitted designers against each other and the clock to create the best potted arrangement.

There was no escaping this was a different show this year, however. Vaccinations and test results

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were checked before tickets could be taken, and attendees were required to wear masks. The festival offered tests on the street level of the convention center.

Leading up to the show, fear of the highly contagious omicron variant of COVID-19 took its toll on the numbers of vendors, exhibitors and speakers, as well as visitors attending. Ticket sales were down from previous years by 30 percent. With five fewer large display gardens than in 2020, the entire City Living display — usually packing the Skybridge — was brought over to fill a wall in the main display area. Tour buses canceled, speakers bowed out and longtime vendors like Swansons Nursery, https://www.swansonsnursery.com/, and Butchart Gardens, https://www.butchartgardens.com/, begged off.

But resilience rang through the event in the spirit that has gotten designers to build mountains and waterfalls in days for decades now. Experienced speakers with multiple topics in their repertoire stepped up to do two or three talks if needed, so the 90 seminars promised would still go on.

Garden designer Sue Goetz of Gig Harbor, www.thecreativegardener.com, was asked to add an extra lecture in January because another speaker couldn’t make it.

She had reservations at first and intended to go only when scheduled and leave if areas became too crowded.

“I think as much as could have been was done to be able to have the show and meet in person — it worked.”

Ravenna Gardens, www. ravennagardens.com, was offered Butchart Gardens’ usual booth space, allowing a generous flow with wider aisles, which was helpful with a crowd-spooked populace.

The scheduling of the show had distinct impacts. With the show ending a day before Valentine’s Day, some florists skipped this year to maximize the industry’s big day. It also meant there were fewer flowers and plants available for sales, display gardens and floral sculptures.

One of the more impressive floral achievements given the situation was the Northwest Orchid Society’s http://www.nwos.org/ display garden — designed, built and planted by volunteers with orchids loaned from home gardener members.

This year’s design was a tropical vision — a large greenhouse from Hartley Botanic, bursting with orchids on every plane. Outside, orchids of indescribable variety were crammed into garden beds looking like a flower farm on Maui.

The intricate floral creations from Fleurs de Villes, https:// www.fleursdevilles.com/, were back after their 2020 debut, but

Photo by Erica Browne Grivas At this year’s Northwest Flower & Garden Festival, the floral creations from Fleurs de Villes, like this one made of lunaria, all had a Rosé theme that supported breast cancer survivors. this year in the all-glass Skybridge. With a “Rosé” theme supporting breast cancer survivors, these life-sized mannequins wearing nothing but biomass wowed the crowds with flower power and artistry. One strutted in go-go boots, one defiantly dangled a bra.

One display garden, by Farmer Frog, https://farmerfrog.org/, detailed the effects of the pandemic, from nurturing nature to a memorial made of masks visitors inscribed with loved ones’ names.

The display garden by Redwood Builders, http://www.redwoodbuilderslandscaping.com/, in Maple Valley and designer Tony Fajarillo, https://bonsaiko.com/, swept three awards — the “Best in Show” Founders’ Cup, Best Use of Color and Best Use of Horticulture.

Titled “Shinrin Yoku,” the Japanese term for forest bathing — nature walks for wellness — it incorporated a massive enkianthus tree, large cedars, a bridge crossing a river fed by waterfall and bonsai.

On Facebook, Fajarillo thanked, among others, Kent East Hill Nursery for loans of plant material, Lake Washington Tech School

Environmental Horticulture for helping hands, the Pacific Bonsai Museum and the festival staff who have “worked so hard to make this happen through COVID.” Overall, the lighter crowds made for a relaxed experience without long lines to get into a display garden or grab coffee.

Talks were well-attended but not at capacity.

The show runners said they were pleased with the event’s performance under some challenging circumstances and are optimistic about next year.

“The return of the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival after a one-year hiatus proved to all of us that the show still has a huge following and brings the joy of spring to life in February,” manager Jeff Swenson said. “Despite attendance being down 30 percent, the pent-up demand for plants and garden accessories was evident over the five days of the festival. Many of the exhibitors had all-time sales and were out of product early in the weekend.

We are thrilled with the results given the circumstance and look forward to 2023.”

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MARCH 2022