The 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show
If you’re ever in or near the Philadelphia area during the beginning of March, try to stop in at the Philadelphia Flower Show.
I was invited to appear at this year's annual event hosted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. It was the perfect venue to promote my new book, "Martha's Flowers". The show is the nation’s largest and longest-running indoor flower show, and proceeds benefit the year-round programs organized and run by the PHS, including cleaning and greening the city of Philadelphia. The 2018 exhibition was called “Wonders of Water,” and celebrated the vital role water plays in our lives. Among the beautiful displays, the show featured a 25-foot waterfall, fountains and a stunning rain curtain.
Enjoy these photos…
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- This year’s Flower Show included this photo wall. It features hundreds of handcrafted paper flowers by artist, Shayna Papir. (Photo by Bruce Loatman for PHS)
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- Here is one of the main features of this year’s Entrance Garden – the 25-foot waterfall inspired by the rainforest, one of the most natural sources of water filtration in the world. (Photo by Rob Cardillo for PHS)
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- Bamboo scaffolding created a modern, leveled appearance to the Entrance Garden’s take on the rainforest. This display includes bright florals, such as heliconia, vibrant orchids, and gingers. (Photo by Rob Cardillo for PHS)
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- Guests were invited to walk on the rope bridge, a feature that gave the illusion of a bridge in the rainforest, immersed in lush greenery. (Photo by Rob Cardillo for PHS)
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- Here, attendees of the Preview Party admire the floral displays. The Preview Party is a yearly tradition that dates back to the early 19th century start of the Flower Show. (Photo by Rob Cardillo for PHS)
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- Here I am with with PHS President, Matt Rader, in the Entrance Garden.
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- Visitors loved capturing snapshots and posting them on their social media platforms. This photo was taken at the Hamilton Horticourt, where every year garden enthusiasts showcase their prized plants and skills to compete for awards. (Photo by Bruce Loatman for PHS)
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- Another submission in the Hamilton Horticourt was this Rhipsalis teres, or more commonly known as the link cactus, a tender, pendent, epiphytic cactus with cylindrical, jointed, light green stems and clusters of small, glossy, funnel-shaped, greenish-white flowers blooming at the stem joints in late spring. I have several rhipsalis plants in my greenhouse.
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- This plant is called a Clivia or better known as a bush lily, and is a variety of flowering plant. Clivia plants are native to South Africa and have become quite popular with collectors.
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- Dendrobium speciosum is a type of orchid commonly found in Australia, but can also be found in varying habitats. Sometimes known as the king orchid or rock lily, their blooms produce extraordinary flower-laden plumes that resemble bushy fox tails.
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- This Cymbidium or ‘boat’ orchid took home a second prize ribbon. These orchids are often used in cut flower displays as well as in corsages. The flowers are usually large in size and display a patterned lip. The blooms can last anywhere from eight to 10 weeks and come in almost all colors except blue.
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- Kevin Sharkey and I participated in a discussion about my newest book, “Martha’s Flowers: A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering and Enjoying”. We talked about our love of flowers and what inspired many of the beautiful photos we featured in the publication. (Photo by Albert Lee for PHS)
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- It was great to see such a full and energetic audience. More than 250-thousand people attend the Flower Show each year. (Photo by Albert Lee for PHS)
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- Kevin and I also conducted a fun book signing to promote “Martha’s Flowers”. We signed hundreds of books.
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- Visitors had the opportunity to purchase their books before having them signed. I always enjoy these events – I get to meet so many interesting people.
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- I always try to personalize each book and talk to each of the guests at the table. Many of them shared stories of how I inspired their own gardening projects.
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- Here is a nice display of plants hanging in glass terrariums. All the exhibits were so vibrant and detailed. (Photo by Albert Lee for PHS)
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- This exhibit showcases xeriscaping, or s style of landscape design featuring little to no water. (Photo by Rob Cardillo for PHS)
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- A desert landscape was also the inspiration for this exhibit, featuring many varieties of cactus and succulents. It was designed by Stoney Bank Nurseries.
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- This is the ‘Sakuteiki’ exhibit by J. Downend Landscaping, Inc. This zen-like display was inspired by Japanese rock gardens. (Photo by Rob Cardillo for PHS)
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- Here is another section of the ‘Sakuteiki’ exhibit showing the carefully arranged rocks and the interesting use of sand that is raked to represent ripples in the water. (Photo by Rob Cardillo for PHS)
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- Exhibit designers, Burke Brothers Landscape Design, focused on the beauty and style of parterre gardens. They used a simple, sculpted plant collection to draw the eye to a reimagined 19th century French fountain.
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- One of the Flower Show’s most popular exhibits allows visitors to interact with and feed the butterflies – it’s a wonderful way to learn about these stunning creatures. (Photo by Bruce Loatman for PHS)
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- Here is a diverse collection of plants, mosses and trees nestled in a lush landscape for a fairy-tale inspired wedding in the woods display. It was designed by Robertson’s Flowers & Events. (Photo by Rob Cardillo for PHS)
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- Here is another display of mosses and other green shades designed by Robertson’s Flowers & Events. (Photo by Rob Cardillo for PHS)
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- Before leaving , Kevin, Matt, Flower Show Chief of Shows and Events, Sam Lemheney, and I stopped for a few quick photos. It was a lovely event. I encourage you to attend next year – the show runs from March 2 through 10, 2019. (Photo by Albert Lee for PHS)
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