Andrew Scheiner/Daily Journal The 25th annual San Francisco Flower & Garden Show takes place at the San Mateo Event Center this weekend.

The outdoor feel inside a large expo hall may seem out of place, but is quite fitting during the 25th annual San Francisco Flower & Garden Show at the San Mateo Event Center this weekend. It’s just one of the display gardens inside the large exposition hall showcasing how any area can be converted into any kind of personal oasis.

For Redwood City-based Ripple Effect, the design typically includes flowing water.

Seeing may be believing, but co-owner Caroline Blasing noted the benefit of hearing the water run.

“It’s a place for sanctuary,” she said, adding how relaxing it can be to come home, open the doors and listen to the water run.

The company employs a person who creates waterfalls and hand picks the rocks to create a custom noise that can be made louder or softer depending on the rocks chosen, she said.

Within the square display that incorporates a pond with koi, evergreens and a few flowers is a recirculation system that creates its own self-sustaining ecosystem. The end result is a relaxing feature that’s safe for all — plants, fish, even children, she said.

Water was used to bring peace in another way by Jason Hamon’s creation called Essential Elements. A stream wandering under a meditation deck surrounds a soaking pool with fragrant flowers planted nearby.

Hamon, of Redwood City-based Eco-Systems Landscape Solutions, Inc., wanted to create a sanctuary that looked like something a person would stumble upon in the forest.

The forest-inspired garden features a water recirculation feature meaning it requires less water while sustaining the garden. Alongside the whirlpool is the start of an herb garden.

It was meant to draw birds, Hamon said, explaining how the specially designed glass dome drips water to draw humming birds into the site.

The landscaping is truly about creating a sanctuary from a busy lifestyle, he said.

Flowers and gardens are used in ways other than creating a permanent sanctuary.

Ah Sam Florist of San Mateo featured the four seasons through flowers. Designed by owner Shawn Leong and designer Michael Brundage, the seasonal vignettes included settings for a winter dinner driven by dark fabrics contrasting with white florals; a fall family gathering that mixed a table setting of harvest-color flowers and fruits on an elaborate centerpiece; a tropical summer getaway with bright colors mixed with teak-like woods; and a spring outdoor gathering with pastel colors blooming.

Thought behind the piece began over four months ago, explained buyer Stacey Hiraoka.

Showcasing the many ways to use flowers at such an event helps the company, which started in the ’30s, fresh in the mind of new residents, she explained, adding the display attracts many people who used the services for past events.

Aside from the beautiful display gardens, the show offers a variety of seminars and a sculpture garden along with other outdoor treats.

The show is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 27 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 28 at the San Mateo Event Center, 2495 S. Delaware St. in San Mateo. Tickets are $20 for adults and $4 for youth ages 5 to 16. Parking is $10. For more information visit www.sfgardenshow.com. For more information about Ripple Effect Water Gardens call 364-6253 or visit www.ripple-fx.com. For more information Eco-Systems Landscape Solutions, Inc. call 776-1494 or visit eco-landscape.org. For more information about Ah Sam Florist call 341-5611 or visit www.ahsam.com.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.