I've wanted to visit the Seattle Wholesale Growers Market for a couple of years now. I'd planned to satisfy my curiosity during the Northwest Flower & Garden Show in February but that hadn't worked out, two years running. Finally last Friday morning I was able to visit. I left Portland bright and early and arrived just after 11am...
I was hoping for autumn bounty and I wasn't disappointed.
Of course visiting during the last hour they were open for the week probably didn't give me the best look at what they're all about. If you want to see what's regularly offered follow them on Instagram, they're pretty on top of posting great photos.
From their website: "a farmer-owned cooperative established in 2011 and committed to providing the very best the Pacific Northwest has to offer in cut flowers, greens and ornamentals from sixteen Washington, Oregon and Alaska flower farms. Located inside the landmark Original Rainier Brewery in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood, the market bustles each week as farmers sell their flowers, greens, potted plants and ornamentals directly from the market floor to local florists, stores and professional buyers. As the seasons change, so does the array of vibrant and fresh local products available at the market. We provide our customers with a wide range of unique, unusual and seasonal floral offerings allowing them to fully express their creativity."
This section as marked as "California Product"...of course. Unfortunately these things don't grow in these parts...
Persimmon
It was pretty empty (of people and product), imagine this area bustling with activity. And the scent? Yes, the air was pretty lovely.
Birch bark
The textures of the curly branches and the exposed layers of the wall, gorgeous.
I could have spent a fortune...
Instead I just bought a handful of Tennessee Dancing Gourds, which I shared with friends and brought home..."to spin them take the neck between your middle finger and thumb and snap your fingers with a quick action. Kids in Tennessee used to bring them to school as toys." (source) who knew?
All material © 2009-2015 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
So many different textures and colors! A photographer's dream.
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteWhen I lived in Seattle I just loved going to and being in that space! I worked at an event rental company in the neighborhood and I'd go pick up blooms for the showroom when we would change our displays. ;).
ReplyDeleteFun to see your pics! And compare some of the treats to our market ;) Thanks for the virtual tour! I love it.
Did you cruise through Georgetown at all? Such a cool area.
I'd planned to spend time checking out some of the industrial vintage stores in Georgetown but there was an antique sale going on in one of the old warehouses and the place was crawling with people - people who seemed to be making one bad parking/driving decision after another. I had to get out!!! I do love that part of of town and how much it's changed.
DeleteI had no idea! Thanks for the tour, it's a place to visit, for sure. Gorgeous place, too. Love the architecture.
ReplyDeleteAs Susan (above) alludes to it's in an interesting part of town too, check it out the next time you're up that way!
DeleteThe interior is gorgeous. I'm a sucker for patina and those walls sure have it. And those heavy work tables. Just a great space to look, buy and lust!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing actually!
DeleteYou two said it well!
DeleteWhat an interesting space! Those begonias and cacti would have been the most dangerous spot for me.
ReplyDeleteOn the non-dangerous side I can say the prices would have probably made it not so interesting.
DeleteSandblasted manzanita? I thought the bark was the best part! Great place though, texture everywhere!
ReplyDeleteThey had both, so you could pick your favorite look.
DeleteIt looks like a florist's dream supplier.
ReplyDeleteAnd all locally grown!
DeleteI like the "California Product", because it looked familiar, but it's all pretty wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYou know that's what I was drawn too as well.
DeleteWow, this looks like a cool place to visit. Lots if unusual and great merchandise. Might be dangerous to be let loose there but if the retail prices are double those marked (18 bucks for a Rex Begonia?!) might be best enjoyed through your pretty pictures. Still, the protea, leucadendron, rose hips, and persimmons are to die for, not to mention the manzanita branches.
ReplyDeleteYes, the prices still have me scratching my head.
DeleteI'd go nuts. What a cool place to visit!
ReplyDeleteI'm very lucky that there are usually fallen manzanita branches close (but not too close -- fire hazard) to the cabin up in Big Bear. I use them inside, I use them outside... love manzanita so much.
Looks like things are beautifully displayed in that wonderful old warehouse space. Much more artistic than the Portland flower market.
ReplyDelete