013 GGW – NW & SF Flower Show Founder, Duane Kelly

This week Joe Lamp’l interviews Duane Kelly, who along with his wife, Alice, founded and has managed the Northwest and San Francisco Flower & Garden Shows for the past 21 years. Although these shows are the second and third largest shows of their kind in the country, declining traffic and tough economic times have taken their toll and hastened Duane’s decision to try and find a buyer. Listen to this interesting and thought-provoking interview and hear Duane’s insightful comments on the future of flower & garden shows, and of gardening in general.

Show Notes

Introduction

Hi everybody, it’s Joe Lamp’l and welcome to Growing a Greener World. This is a show for people who love to garden and spend time outdoors, and who really care about environmental stewardship.

The biggest news to hit anyone that’s a fan of flower and garden shows is the shocking announcement last week–that the highly regarded NW & SF Flower & Garden Shows would be closing their doors after a stellar 21 year run. Owner and founder Duane Kelly is calling it quits, partly because he’s tired, yet exacerbated by declining attendance and difficult economic times. I speak with Duane today to learn more about what’s behind the shows closing and hear his thoughts on the future of gardening.

If you have a comment, contact us anytime! Our phone line is always open. The number is 206.337.0375, or email us at heyjoe@joegardener.com…

Intro to Duane Kelly

For more than two decades the Northwest and San Francisco Flower & Garden Shows have inspired millions of individuals and families to embrace gardening with their dramatic display gardens and extensive seminar programs. In 2009, these events will make one last spectacular run before closing their doors forever.

I can honestly say, having spoken at all the major and most of the other popular flower and garden shows, the NW & SF shows are still my favorite. So, I was just as shocked and saddened as anyone by the unexpected news. It’s no surprise that the gardening and horticultural world are facing their share of cutbacks, from television shows to magazine, newspaper and radio coverage and even nursery closures. And although other flower shows have made announcements in recent weeks of their folding, the iconic and well-loved NW & SF shows, the second and third largest in the country, sent a chilling message to many and raised even more questions of what’s behind all of this?

Duane Kelly and his wife Alice, founded the shows over 21 years ago, and are actively involved in the operations and management to this day. I caught up with Duane shortly after the news broke to hear more on the story from the man behind it all…

Duane Kelly Interview (not transcribed)

And remember, if you have a comment about today’s interview or anything at all for that matter, you can call us at 206.337.0375 or send  an email to heyjoe@joegardener.com.

Contact Links:
Northwest & San Francisco Flower & Garden Shows: www.gardenshow.com

Close
This show was produced by The joe gardener® Media Network.

You can access the show notes from this episode as well as any previous shows on our website at joegardener.com/podcast. You can also order a copy of my latest book, The Green Gardener’s Guide. I’ll personally inscribe it for you! And don’t forget to check out the blog; Compost Confidential. That’s where I share my insider’s view on the lessons and news of gardening and living green.

Until next time consider this from

~Thomas Fuller, in 1732

We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.

Think about it! And Thanks for listening! This is Joe Lamp’l and I’ll see you back here next week for more Growing a Greener World.