Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Philadelphia Flower Show


Passport to the World

This year the Philadelphia International Flower Show celebrated participation by countries around the world since 1829. Over the years, these countries introduced new plants to U.S. gardens.

An excerpt from a quote published in "The American Farmer" in 1829:

“Paeonias from China, Lillium longiflora (Easter Lily) from London Horticultural Society, Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise) from the Cape of Good Hope, Euphorbia presented by Mr. Poinsett, United States Minister to Mexico . . .”

The show was a feast for the eyes after a snowy winter. My camera (or the photographer) was not in the best form. I apologize. To see some excellent pictures and videos visit the Flower Show Blog.

A balloon 28 feet above the floor covered with 80,000 dried flowers, created by Barb King of Valley Forge Flowers, soared above the entrance to the displays.

From India, a wedding Scene by Jamie Rothstein Floral Design created an award winning, eye-popping, jewel-colored display.






Singapore, by Waldor Orchids a People’s Choice Award winner, included an orchid tree and loads of blooming phalaenopsis.


The New Zealand colonial-inspired bog garden, interpreted by Stoney Bank Nurseries, Inc., used local flora that mimic form and textures of New Zealand’s plants. The blue-eyed hot water lizard (Moko), compliments of Greg Levitt of Boyertown PA, surprised us popping out of the bog.

A Brazilian Rain Forest with live tropical birds, a South African village with full-sized native figures and an urban Netherlands flower market with hundreds of tulips rounded out the international displays.

Stories behind the exhibits are excellently portrayed in the Flower Show Blog, Page through the blog for a real feel for this over-the-top flower show.
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6 comments:

Morning Glories in Round Rock said...

What fun, Marie! I thought your pictures were very nice. I will check out the flower show blog too!

Roses and Lilacs said...

Hi Marie, I got a good laugh out of your description of balancing on one foot looking for the missing boot in the mud. At least we never went head first into the muck:) Fun times, huh?

I hate it that something always happens and I can't seem to get to the flower/garden shows. Never seems to fail. Love your photos. It's the next best thing to being there.
Marnie

Marie said...

MG, Thanks. I had to delete a lot of bad pictures. I'm glad there were some to share.

Marie said...

Marnie,
I think of that boot-sucking mud every spring.

The flower show was super. It has become a yearly tradition. I really look forward to it.

donna said...

I don't have the opportunity to attend flower shows like this, unless I want to travel to Chicago. So, it was very nice of you to take me along via this post.

donna

Marie said...

Donna,
I'm glad you enjoyed the show. Even my good pictures can't show how spectacular it is. I wish you could go with us.