Philadelphia International Flower Show 2011 – “Springtime in Paris” –Creative Plants and Gardens Day 2

Finding yourself face-to-face with the Smith & Hawken/Target 20 foot vertical garden wall of ferns with precariously balanced full-sized lawn furniture dangling as if ready for a show guest to magically walk up the wall, sit down and recline “sideways”, was just the beginning of the unbelievably creative garden and plant displays shown at the Philadelphia International Flower Show 2011.

I was able to see the Philly flower show – themed “Springtime in Paris” – in all its glory.

Here are some photos of the incredible plant and garden displays —

International Flower Show

Above you see a just a few rows of competition plants, succulents and daffodils, which were judged individually by professionals and honored with ribbons. There were rows and rows of plants of every imaginable type being judged – hundreds of plants in dozens of categories.

Below is an astounding display. This double row tree alley features trees which are not trees at all, they are hanging vertical gardens filled with thousands of ground cover plants. Beneath the trees are ponds with koi fish swimming in lights of blue. Lighted as if it is night time, the display was a striking floor feature with a path through the center of the grouping which enabled the viewer to see the inside angle of the plantings.

Tulips and Spring blooming bulbs were in nearly every plant and garden display at the Philly show. Above is a photo of a fantastic dragonfly resting in a sea of brightly colored tulips.

Orchids were absolutely every where. Planted in gardens, dripping off walls, hanging on costumes and window displays. Below you see a series of colorful orchids displayed in a greenhouse – beautiful!

Ireland came to the event and brought an interesting display of their ancient megalithic stone formations placed in a garden representing the Irish countryside. Featured in the garden were Fitzgerald Nurseries beautiful little Irish primroses. Gorgeous!

Gargoyles (below) planted with succulents and moss stared threateningly at passers by near the floral dining display. Full of the dramatic, they were a curiosity and standout at the show.

Growing a vegetable garden and educating consumers on how to do so seemed a primary goal at the show. Above you can see the results of this initiative – a well tended veggie garden waiting to be harvested.

Tomorrow I will share Day 3 with you – sustainable ideas for the garden.

In accordance with the FTC Guidelines and WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that my travel and accommodations for the Philadelphia Flower Show were provided by the American Chemistry Council on behalf of the Plastics Make It Possible® campaign.