It’s time to celebrate the power of flowers
Over the years, the annual Philadelphia Flower Show has had some wonderfully exotic themes, with amazing exhibits to match. This year, planners are bringing the Show back to the core of it all with “Flower Power,” paying tribute to the enormous impact of flowers—how they inspire, decorate, heal, and enrich our lives.
This year, the ten acres of Show floor at the Pennsylvania Convention Center will be filled with displays exploring how flowers convey a wide range of emotions and messages in a universal language that transcends cultures and borders. Guests will see ideas like community, healing, peace, transformation, and hope brought to life in surprising, vibrant ways.
Both experienced gardeners and novices will find additional inspiration at the updated Home Gardeners Hub. This is where I most love to explore, learning new gardening concepts, practices, and ideas. In between browsing the exhibits I also love hanging out at the Gardener’s Studio, listening to presentations by authors of the newest books on all different aspects of gardening.
Here are some of the talks that look interesting to me:
The Power of Hemp: From Seed to Flower
Friday, 3/1/19 1:00 PM Cannabis sativa has been cultivated throughout recorded history for a host of uses, from building materials to medicines. Learn more about the history and uses of this herbaceous flowering plant.
The Garden for Every Sense and Season
Sunday, 3/3/19 3:00 PM Tovah Martin will talk about and sign her upcoming book and coach us on consciously plugging in to explore the gardening experience, with eyes wide open, ears to the ground, and hands outstretched. Much to Do About Seeds Tuesday, 3/5/19 11:30 AM An interactive, visually stunning exploration of the seeds and fruits in our gardens and lives. Practical, enlightening, and entertaining.
The Power of Plants: Nutrient Dense Plants
Monday, ¾/19 4:00 pm Explore the best ways to grow and make “power plants” tasty and add some power nutrients to your plate. Glorious Shade: Tuesday, 3/5/19 2:30 PM Jenny Rose Carey will talk about and sign her book, Glorious Shade, which details practical ideas and key plants that will dramatically improve your shade garden
Creating Sanctuary: Tuesday, 3/5/19 4:00 PM and Wednesday, 3/6/19 11:30 AM
Author and ecological designer Jessi Bloom will share tips for designing healing spaces and using easy-to-grow medicinal and sacred plants.
The Home Gardeners Hub will also feature educational exhibits created by the horticultural students of the region’s universities and high schools, specialized displays by the plant societies, and beautiful new plant varieties introduced by the nation’s leading plant companies. For example, the Lakeside School, in Horsham, PA will explore practical options for growing beneficial plants in small spaces. The Williamson College of the Trades, of Media, PA, will focus on phytoremediation, the power of plants to remove contaminants from the soil. We in the Delaware Valley are so lucky to have this event in our “backyard.” The Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation’s largest and longestrunning horticultural event. Started in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the show introduces diverse and sustainable plant varieties and garden and design concepts, and hosts world-renowned competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging, gardening presentations and demonstrations. The Show has been honored as the best event in the world by the International Festivals & Events Association, competing with events such as the Kentucky Derby Festival, Tournament of Roses Parade, Indianapolis 500 Festival, and other international celebrations.
The Show runs from Saturday, March 2 through Sunday, March 10, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 1101 Arch Street. Information at https:// theflowershow.com/plan-yourvisit/ Proceeds from the Show benefit the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and its initiatives, including programs like PHS City Harvest, which provides locally grown, fresh produce to thousands of underserved families.
Pam 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 new companion journal, You, the Explorer, at Amazon.com/author/ pamelabaxter.