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Splendor in the Park with PHS

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Splendor can best describe moments spent at the 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show. PHS provided a timely botanical elixir as the world began to open up and gather.

Merriam Webster describes splendor as having great brightness or luster. The 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show exhibited magnificence and pomp. It was the exact elixir to inspire us to go outside and embrace the beauty that was created for us at FDR Park.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is known for what it does to create a strong horticultural conversation in Philadelphia and beyond. After an unexpected period of pausing, The Philadelphia Flower Show was exactly what we needed. Thank you Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for making certain we could experience this annual ritual for another year. I cannot believe I had the opportunity to experience this history-making event. This was the first time in the Philadelphia Flower show’s history, where it was held outside. The timing of this long-anticipated event happened in June when the garden is gently awakening.

Not sure what to expect, I arrived with high hopes of seeing garden inspiration in a natural setting at the beautiful FDR Park. Arriving early in the day to beat the heat and the crowd was my objective. I was not the only one who had this bright idea. Pennsylvania Horticultural Society partnered with some of the surrounding parking lots to make certain parking was accessible. There were buses and trolleys to aid in transporting attendees conveniently. This was a wise idea as there were many seniors in attendance.

I arrived and was looking forward to a day of fun.

The setting was amazing. The lake, as well as the cool breeze of the morning, invoked a sense of calm. As many know, I often speak about how the garden is a healer. FDR Park was quite the setting for a day of wandering through exhibits for botanical inspiration. I knew this event was not only going to be amazing but a healing experience as well.

SPLENDOR IN THE PARK

No matter where you looked, there were flowers everywhere. Each pot was planted to show off the diversity found in the garden. Defining the different areas where one could wander, the plants led the way. One display that caught my attention, invited the onlooker to take a seat and enjoy the day in the park.

This display was positioned so that one could imagine a feast in the park.

There were displays that invoked a sense of calm as well…

The colors and textures in this vignette really captured my heart.

There were cool cars in the shade which drew a crowd…

This planting also caught my attention. Splendor in the shade seemed to be a theme and truly added a pop of color.

There were even displays that popped in the sunshine…

The colors in this display were definitely bold and brilliant.

BEST IN SHOW

There was also the display by Wambui Ippolito, voted as Best In Show.

From the back corner of the display…
To the front of the display…
Wambui definitely put her heart and soul in this display.

Wambui definitely put her heart and soul into her display. She explained to me how it took a village to make this display happen in a timely manner.

The Burpee Cottage Garden display was absolutely delightful. A perfect way to show what a Cottage Garden could look like. I fell in love with the horticultural toile that lined the booth.

These tomato’s would have been terrific on a salad!
The splendor found in this Burpee display was quite inspirational.

Inside the booth there were seed packet combinations for sale. Sharing what it would look like after planting was quite helpful.

RITUAL RESTORED

The ritual of attending The Philadelphia Flower Show in late winter did not happen this year. PHS had to pivot, plan, and produce the Flower Show in the midst of the pandemic. They also had to find a way to pull this off outdoors. The splendor of the space, the exhibitors, and the creative layout were all spot on. I want to say KUDO’s to the team for a job well done. I had a terrific time, my head is filled with ideas and some I can execute in my garden this year.

Splendor was truly defined at FDR Park as PHS encouraged us to get outside as they brought us the 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show.

Tu Bloom had his hands full as he instructed the attendees of the Planting Party

Now to find my Burpee seeds to incorporate in my cottage garden. I think they might have dropped out of my bag as my arms were full when I took advantage of the Trolley. You know I had to shop! There were a few Heuchera that wanted to go home with me. What a great memento of a sizzling hot day.

Digging through my bags…

Teri, Cottage In The Court

PS – I have more photos, however I do not want to spoil it for those who have not seen The Philadelphia Flower Show. Get outside and see what you have been missing.

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Flower Power…I am Distracted

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It is time to start thinking about Spring. The distraction of seed catalogs, garden design magazines and of course the Philadelphia Flower Show keeps me in another world.  Distracted…happily!

I knew my 2019 trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show was going to be a treat! Especially when I heard the theme was Flower Power.Where did the phrase “Flower Power come from? This term became a popular slogan used in 1960 – 70+/- by the American counterculture. Using this term represented an ideology of non-violence and peaceful resistance. Coined by Allen Ginsberg, protesting the Viet Nam war took on a new peaceful way of resisting. The freedom loving “Hippies” began using bright psychedelic colors, floral appliques on their clothing and flowers in their hair creating another new term “Flower Children”.  All with good intention, Flower Power was meant to be a positive form of peaceful resistance.

Flash forward to 2019. We NEED Flower Power more than ever. Just imagine flowers powerful enough to grow a peaceful coexistence in the world? Flowers already have that power. PHS demonstrates this in a notable way.

The center of this Zinnia looks like a crown of golden stars. Uplifted by the sea of red fingers after falling into a perfect pink pillow of petals. Oh, the beauty of the Zinnia. I am certain that I will find seeds at The Flower Show!

WHO IS PHS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

As winter begins to rear its frigid head, gardeners are looking at seed catalogs, magazines and garden centers for inspiration. Seeking that one thing (or two, or three) that is a necessity for the garden.  Can you order the seeds you want before they sell out? What about acquiring that latest tool? Not a problem, PHS has you covered.

What is PHS – the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. What do they do? The outreach PHS has that connects the community with horticulture is amazing. Partnerships which include the business community and an army of volunteers, PHS is transforming neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia. In my opinion, PHS is a Horticultural Hero for the unique way they have been transforming Philadelphia. You could call them Horticultural Resistors or Flower Children!!

Did you know the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society was founded in 1827? It takes comprehensive educational programs to keep an entity like this growing strong. A mere two years after sprouting, PHS had its first Philadelphia Flower Show and the rest is history.

If you look at the center of this Zinnia bloom long enough, it glows…or is it just a psychedelic effect? Immerse yourself into its iridescent center and just imagine.

The virtual PHS “watering can” has sprinkled programs such as The City Harvest Program, Tree Tenders, Green City Teachers, Community Gardens, Landcare and more throughout the City.  PHS offers membership as well as volunteer opportunities. You can also share your opinion on their PHSVision2027 initiative. It is with the decade’s long experience, PHS continues to welcome Spring with the Philadelphia Flower Show. When you attend the Philadelphia Flower Show, your patronage supports these programs and more.

THE FLOWER SHOW

Unlike other flower shows or horticultural events, The Philadelphia Flower Show is THE event of the Spring. I consider this the Winter Horticultural Olympics. Each year there is a different theme. Paris, Water, and our National Parks are a few of the recent themes. Each Flower Show is different and offers an experience not to be missed. From the excitement of the diverse attendees to the beautiful exhibit at the entrance, the outside world no longer exists. The vendors, the Make and Take Room, High Tea, and the opportunity to see exceptionally creative displays indoors is amazing. I am getting excited just thinking about this year’s theme and what will I wear? This year I am considering sharing my inner Flower Power…after all, why not?

Last year there were exhibits featuring jewelry created from Flower parts. I have to say this was one of the most interesting exhibits. Imagine tiny flower parts creating the jewelry normally creating from metals, clay or other things. It was one of the most creative uses of horticulture I have ever seen. Who knows what is in store from a creative perspective this year??

THE APPROACH

Although very much distracted, as I am every year this close to Spring, I have a plan. I will approach my yearly trek with purpose. After ordering way too many seeds, tools, and garden supplies from the comfort of my home office, I know I need more. This year, I will be in search of all things Dahlia. I will try to not be distracted by other things offered at The Flower Show.

Why Dahlias? According to the National Garden Bureau, 2019 is the Year of the Dahlia. There are many cultivars of Dahlia’s. Of course, I am in need of as many as possible. I could and have ordered some online. You just never know what can be found at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Last year I really REALLY wanted a tuber called”Cafe Au Lait”. I attempted to order – SOLD OUT. Of course, I just knew it would be found at the Philadelphia Flower Show –  SOLD OUT. What a disappointment! This year I am looking for more Dahlia seeds.

As you can see from these Dahlia photo’s, I will be on the hunt for this year’s Dahlia of my dreams.

I am looking forward to the 2019 Philadelphia Flower Show. Anticipating the energy of the crowds, the City and the Market, the wait is almost unbearable.

Thank you, PHS for ushering in Spring with the Philadelphia Flower Show. Anticipating Spring is the reason I am distracted. I am officially counting the days until THE Flower Show!

Distracted with thoughts of Spring.

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