Plants that thrive in the Philadelphia region
FLOWER SHOW EXPOSES GARDENERS TO PLANTS THAT THRIVE IN THIS REGION
PHILADELPHIA >> Philadelphia Flower Show attendees will take in the wonder of plants and flowers showcased during the event from Feb. 29 to March 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Andrew Bunting, Vice President of Public Horticulture for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, estimated that there would be thousands of different species on display. “It would be anything from annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, vines, house plants, tropical plants -- the whole gamut,” Bunting said.
Exhibits will have a variety of different plants that could thrive throughout the region, according to Bunting. Attendees can expect to “see a whole array of colors” that fit the show’s theme: Riviera Holiday.
“One of our main goals is to educate the home gardener,” Bunting said.“I would hope that visitors would be inspired by the beauty of the Flower Show, and that would pique their interest in plants and gardening.”
While local gardens may not rise to the level of the flower show’s grandeur, Bunting said that he hopes plant displays move people enough to start their own garden at home.
“It may be a specific plant, it may be a combination of plants, and it may be inspired by the landscape design,” Bunting said.
Bunting listed plants visitors should look for that grow well in this region. (See photos at right.)
Visitors can learn more about the plants they see at a number of educational exhibits from organizations, including the Delaware Valley Fern and Wildflower Society and the North American Rock Garden Society.
And while beauty is foremost, plants have practical uses as well.
“Rosemary is a plant that obviously lots of people know through cooking, and it’s a plant that’s not super hearty in the Philadelphia area, but given the right soils and given good protection,” it can be grown in the Philadelphia area, he said.
Once the Philadelphia Flower Show concludes, Bunting said that Pennsylvania Horticultural Society members are eligible to participate in the post-show plant sale.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 14 at PHS Meadowbrook Farm, 1633 Washington Lane in Jenkintown.
The show offers the opportunity to members to buy plants that were on display. “We have such a huge quantity that we reduce the rates, so they’re getting a good value,” Bunting said. “It’s a great membership benefit.”
For more information about the Philadelphia Flower Show, visit theflowershow.com or phsonline.org.