Flower Show

A small part of the Mare Nostrum (Our Sea) exhibit showing the blues of sky and sea.

This year's Philadelphia Flower Show with its Riviera Holiday theme is a feast for the senses with lavender, culinary herbs, and lemons; with design elements of a tranquil blue-green palette that evoke sea and sky; and with the warm, terracotta colors of Mediterranean houses. This is my most-liked show for several years. My photographs cannot begin to do it justice.

I've put together a few photos of my favorite exhibits for you to scroll through, beginning with the picture above of one of the many 'blue' vignettes by the American Institute of Floral Designers. The centerpiece of the entry garden is a 60 years old olive tree from Visalia, California. The focal point of the show is Princess Grace of Monaco's rose garden.

Olive Tree Olea Europaea 'Manzanillo' -- 60 years old

Lavender everywhere. Here is Jagged Lavender Lavandula Buchi

Warm, terracotta colored textured walls and Mediterranean-style pots

Arbor with the famous Sfusati lemons

The Embassy of Monaco in Washington, DC pays tribute to Princess Grace (Kelly) who was from Philadelphia. Their exhibit reveals Princess Grace's passion for flowers. She created the Garden Club of Monaco and, interestingly, returned to Philadelphia in 1976 as a flower show judge. In today's show, her wedding dress is surrounded by rose arrangements that depict her beloved rose garden in Monaco. Princess Grace co-authored a book called, My Book of Flowers -- I didn't know that. Fascinating excerpts from the book are displayed among the roses. Do read the one I've included below -- you will learn something new about her.

The Princess Grace Rose Garden with replica of her wedding dress

The Princess Grace Rose Garden

Many quotes from Princess Grace's garden book are included in the display

A hillside of terraced houses is depicted by brightly colored panels, each covered with flowers, in a display by Shaffer Designs of Philadelphia. Italy's ancient fishermen painted their homes in bold and pastel colors to easily spot them as they returned from sea. Again, my photographs fail to do justice to this clever exhibit, with each 'house' suspended from above, accurately giving the feel of houses built upon a steep hillside. My grandson, Jon, was keen to point out the many orchids (his favorite flower) used here.

Le Strade delle Cinque Terre: The Streets of Five Lands displays a hillside of terraced houses

I adore Robertson's seaside courtyard that exactly exemplifies a beautiful and serene Riviera escape.  This is my favorite exhibit in the whole show.

Seaside Courtyard Escape by Robertson's Flowers and Events

The courtyard escape utilizes natural textures of terracotta and wrought iron

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another striking display (though not my favorite) is of a poolside villa. Large, arched windows in the garden wall frame views over the bay and the flashing lights of the Cannes firework festival. Cleverly done.

Lumiere de Jardin (J. Downend Landscaping)

 Love these garden rooms:

Garden Bedroom

Three sides of an exhibit that shows inside and outside garden rooms

My favorite interior room:

The Bohemian Room

We stood in line to see the miniature settings. It was well worth the wait. Jon was particularly interested as he makes and maintains the miniature gardens at my home. These at the Show are a little different in scale, with one inch equaling one foot.  Each entry must use at least eight live plants.  I photographed every one and would love to show all of them to you, but just chose two. The first, 'Punting on the Thames' from the children's book, TheWind in the Willows, took the blue ribbon. My favorite was made by the daughter and son-in-law of my dear friend, Jenny Rose. Their Cotswold scene took second place. It is remarkable that most of the items in each miniature setting are completely made by hand.

Punting on the Thames

Carefree Cotswolds: An English Escape

There are some new events, including pop-up learning centers. We enjoyed a demonstration of making a miniature garden while waiting in line.

One of the new judging categories is a colorful display of decorated carts. 

One of several flower barrows. This one has a free library at the handle end.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has produced its flower show for 191 years. It is the nation's largest and longest-running horticultural event. The show covers 33 acres of the Philadelphia Convention Center.  In addition, there is a large plant competition in the Horticourt, there is a 'hub' with exhibits from colleges, schools, horticultural societies, and the like. There are places where you can make crafts, enjoy live butterflies, eat lunch, and taste wine. There are hundreds of vendors. And there is more. I've included a small portion of the show here. I hope you enjoyed it.

Now I am ready for spring!

Happy Gardening,
Pamela x

Mediterranean Ocean Waves

Interesting use for a bird bath

A Pop-up Learning Center

 

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