With only 72 hours to transform a design concept into a finished garden, the build for the Northwest Flower & Garden Show is intense.
Stevie has been with me since the beginning, from volunteering in other’s gardens, to now our third year under Relish Gardens. In this episode, we talk about what actually happens behind the scenes during those three days. There’s something about the choreography of it all, the coordination, the problem-solving, the late nights, those make it work moments.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The reality of build week logistics and timeline - What actually happens during those 72 hours, from late nights to tight deadlines, and how the experience feels like we are in a reality TV show.
- Planning for pivots and adapting designs in real time - Why you come in with a solid plan but need to stay flexible when materials don't cooperate, structural issues pop up, or designs need on-the-fly adjustments to actually work
- The choreography and coordination of construction - Managing the to-do list, orchestrating multiple tasks and people, and the careful dance of getting everything done in the right order under serious time constraints
- Opening day and engaging with the public - The rewarding shift from exhausted builder to garden host, answering visitor questions, sharing the work, and experiencing how people interact with what you've created
- The post-show moment and why we're excited for 2026 - That familiar "never again" feeling that hits after build week, and what's pulling us back this year despite knowing exactly how hard it will be
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Until next time, I hope you find something in your garden to truly relish.