The Philadelphia Flower Show is the place to go to ascertain what's popular these days and get a real sense of garden trends.
Flowers, of course, are always the main focus … but this year's theme — Paris in Springtime – suggests a return to formality along with a florist's eye for combinations of color and texture.
(Click on small photos to enlarge) This takeoff on Monet's garden in Giverny is the ultimate in an all-green combination of textures and subtle color. The lime trees weren't real, but they looked the part.
For fun, there was a topiary version of Rodin's The Thinker, seemingly one of the show's most popular displays. In Paris, however, you won't find the sculpture grounded in greenery.
This outdoor kitchen — very upscale — reflects the continuing interest in outdoor "rooms" to extend the living areas of the residence. There were other lovely patios with water features, many gardens with green roofs (one even atop a bird house), and others that demonstrated sustainable options for the eco-conscious gardener.
If none of that suits your mood, just go to the show and have a good time … and don't forget to smell the flowers.
And see my earlier preview post for some of the highlights this year … many speakers you shouldn't miss, demonstrations, lectures and much more.
Leave a Reply