Preview of the Northwest Flower & Garden show

The Northwest Flower & Garden show opens today. You know what that means, right? Spring is just around the corner. Before you know it, you'll be playing in the dirt, planting seeds and cursing weeds.

I was happy to be able to preview the show on Tuesday. The gardeners were still working on the finishing touches, but the gardens were nearly finished and they were a treat to see.

I wish I could convey to you how excellent it smelled in there: A mixture of blooming flowers, greenery and fresh earth. However, since that technology is still a long ways away, I'll share some photos with you instead. As I enjoyed the gardens, I snapped away. The challenging lighting and my limited skill with a camera don't do these gardens justice. So just consider this a taste. You'll have to go see them for yourself.

Click here to see the photos.

If you go

Northwest Flower & Garden Show

The five-day show has been a rite of spring for garden enthusiasts since 1989. The 25th anniversary theme is "The Silver Screen Takes Root ... Gardens Go Hollywood."

The show has 23 display gardens, 300 vendors, free seminars and hands-on demonstrations. It covers landscaping, livable outdoor spaces and edible gardens.

Dates: Wednesday through Sunday.

Times: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

Place: Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle

Cost: Adult tickets range from $10 for a half-day pass to a $16 early-bird daylong special; $5 for ages 13 to 17; 12 and younger are free. A five-day pass is $65.

For more information: www.gardenshow.com.