Container Showdown

2026 Container Showdown

 

Welcome to CONTAINER SHOWDOWN where container designers throw down!

Welcome to the newly reinvented CONTAINER SHOWDOWN… enjoy a ringside seat at expert container creation and curation! Gardening experts will go head-to-head to create beautiful and practical containers, suitable for any level of gardener. These entertaining competitions will take place each day of the Festival on the Main Stage in the North Hall. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your next container or just want to feed your love for a good showdown, make sure to visit the Main Stage from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM - we hope you can “contain” your excitement! Seattle’s beloved gardening columnist and television host Marianne Binetti returns as emcee.

 

Container Showdown - Celebrity Edition

Two days only! Thursday and Friday, February 18 and 19 at 1pm Join expert container designers as they coach local celebrities to glory in container design. Host Marianne Binetti will employ all her tricks to keep the teams on their toes as the pros show the celebs the ropes of a winning container design. Don’t miss this high octane container showdown!

 

Thank you to our Container Showdown Sponsors!

Sunnyside Nursery logo

 

Cascade Water Alliance logo


Epic Gardening

 

Espoma Organic

 

 


Kate David vs Claire Lidell Hanna

Wednesday, February 18 at 11:00 AM

Kate David - Award-winning Garden Designer, Educator, Owner of Hello Garden

Claire Lidell Hanna - Award-winning Designer, Educator, Founder of Relish Gardens


Richie Ssteffen vs Justin Henderson

Thursday, February 19 at 11:00 AM

Richie Steffen - Executive Director, Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden

Justin Henderson - Executive Director and Head Gardener, Lakewold Gardens


CELEBRITY EDITION

Nick Cutsumpus vs Ryan McEnaney

Thursday, February 19 at 1:00 PM

Nick Cutsumpas - NWFG26 Judge, Plant Coach, Award-winning Designer, Environmentalist

Ryan McEnaney - Fifth-Generation Nurseryman


Perla Curbelo-Santiago vs Kamili Bell Hill

Friday, February 20 at 11:00 AM

Perla Curbelo-Santiago - Award-winning Gardening Communicator, Author, Wellness Advocate

Kamili Bell Hill - Plant Stylist, Best-selling Author, Creator of PlantBlerd


CELEBRITY EDITION

Kevin Espiritu vs Jacques Lyakov

Friday, February 20 at 1:00 PM

Kevin Espiritu - Founder & CEO of Epic Gardening

Jacques Lyakov - Garden Hermit at Epic Gardening

Skye Hamilton vs Rhonda Kaiser

Saturday, February 21 at 11:00 AM

Skye Hamilton - Content Creator, Founder of Hamilton House Designs

Rhonda Kaiser - Author, Designer, Creator of Southern Home & Farm


Sunday, February 22 at 11:00 AM

Dee Montpetit - Garden Designer, Founder of Ma Petite Gardens

Susan Browne