Biodiversity comes to the Philadelphia Flower Show

Biodiversity. Is this something you think about in planning your gardens and landscape, and deciding what to put in the pots on your patio or balcony? Typically, gardeners and landscapers have been interested in colors, textures, and seasonal interest – how beautiful a property can be. Lately, however, biodiversity is becoming the watchword, as we gardeners learn more about the increasing loss of species and look for ways that we, as individuals, can make a positive difference. Our challenge is how to create the beauty we want while supporting our intricate ecosystems.

If species loss is a phenomenon that concerns you, consider attending the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s “Gardening for Biodiversity” symposium at the Philadelphia Flower Show next week. This day of learning for home gardeners and garden professionals will be presented in of a series of 20-minute sessions on a wide variety of topics. Notable speakers will discuss how gardening influences biodiversity, and will share ways that individuals can help conserve and promote a variety of life specific to our MidAtlantic region.

Speakers will introduce accessible gardening techniques, plant varieties, and “citizen-science” projects, as well as innovative projects happening in public spaces relating to native plants, pollinators, wildlife, and garden design. Speakers come from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), as well as a mix of environmental organizations, botanic gardens, nonprofits, government institutions, entrepreneurs, and research firms.

Dr. Peter H. Raven, President Emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden, will open the symposium with a keynote address on “Biodiversity and Our Common Future.” Dr. Raven will touch on the fact that we have yet to discover and assign names to the great majority of species; therefore, our causing massive losses of species is analogous to burning a library filled with unread books. He’ll address the many ways and opportunities we have to preserve them.

Other speakers include Abby Meyer, Executive Director of Botanic Gardens Conservation International-US, Dr. Dennis Whigham, Senior Scientist at Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and Nico Wissing and Lodewijk Hoekstra, co-owners of NL Greenlabel, based in the Netherlands.

Topics include “Garden-based Solutions to the Plant Extinction Crisis,” “Ecology & Conservation of Native Orchids,” “Gardening for Biodiversity in PHS’ Public Gardens and Landscapes,” “Using the iNaturalist App to Document Biodiversity,” “Seeing the Forest for the Fungi: Restoring the Soil Microbiome, “Seed Biodiversity: In Your Garden and On Your Plate,” “Designing Native Landscapes to Support Biodiversity,” “Choosing Flowers that Feed Bees: Lessons from Philadelphia,” “Green Roofs: The New Frontier for Biodiversity,” “Transforming Vacant Lots into Climate Resilient Pollinator Gardens in Philadelphia,” “Food Forest Gardening & the Web of Life,” and “Measuring the Sustainability of Urban Gardens with NL Greenlabel.”

The day will wrap up with a Panel Q&A with the afternoon speakers, followed by a private reception at the Home Gardener’s Hub out on the Flower Show floor. Light refreshments will be served, and an additional fee applies. From 5:00 p.m. until closing at 9:00 p.m., the Show is open to symposium attendees.

The symposium is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., with a reception on the Flower Show floor to follow. Attendees may also elect to enjoy the Show from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Cost for the Symposium is $85. If you want to also attend the reception, there is an additional cost of $30, for a total of $115. To reserve a ticket, go to https://www.showclix.com/event/ gardening-for-biodiversity

The theme of this year’s PHS Flower Show is “Riviera Holiday.” The Show opens on Saturday, Feb. 29 and runs through Sunday, March 8. For information, go to https://theflowershow.com/

Note: the symposium is sponsored by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (USA). This foundation is a fascinating story in itself, an inspiring example of efforts around the world to protect and restore our planet. Visit http://www.fpa2.org/home.html.

Baxter is an avid organic vegetable gardener who lives in Kimberton. Direct e-mail to pamelacbaxter@gmail.com, or send mail to P.O. Box 80, Kimberton, PA 19442. Share your gardening stories on Facebook at “Chester County Roots.” Pam’s book for children and families, Big Life Lessons from Nature’s Little Secrets, is available on Amazon, along with her companion field journal, Explore Outdoors, at Amazon.com/author/ pamelabaxter.