Garden Inspiration: Philadelphia Flower Show 2014
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One sure sign that spring is on it’s way is the arrival of the annual Philadelphia Flower Show. It’s a great place to smell fresh flowers, gather garden inspiration, and my favorite part– BUY STUFF. 😉 This year’s theme was ARTiculture, celebrating various artists and artistic styles. With two kids in tow (and lots of crowds to work around), I didn’t take my fancy camera but OF COURSE did snap some pics with my phone (and shared some on Instagram— sorry for the photo flood, but I wanted to take you all with me!). In case you’re looking for spring and garden ideas, or just want a peek into this annual Philly tradition, here’s what this year’s show had to offer!
{many thanks to PHS for the complimentary family pack of tickets. This is NOT a compensated or sponsored post}
Can you guess Bee’s favorite part? The train ride in, of course! He stayed like this for the entire 45 minute ride, in awe.
The entrance was a mosaic of massive floating flower frames, but truthfully I’m always excited to see hellebores! They’re my favorite, but I’m nervous to grow them myself.
This re-creation of The Gates was lovely.
As impressive as the large displays are, my favorites are on a smaller scale. I always love the ‘patio’ displays, such as these that show various ways to create a vertical wall garden.
Window boxes are another favorite because they offer practical ideas. If I lived in the southwest, I’d totally be copying this one.
These planters were clever as well. One is made of frames and the other is a sideways basket used as a unique succulent garden.
Miniature gardens? Love them! They remind me of the fairy gardens I make with my kids. Can you spot the Hobbit house, Wizard of Oz, and kitchen utensil ones? And take ONE GUESS which one my son is obsessed with. 😉
About to be attacked by a giant bee and grasshopper!
This cottage brought back New England memories. Someday I want to live in a cottage named Hither.
This year, they offered The Butterfly Experience for an extra fee. For some reason the butterflies loved my son, who wasn’t so excited about them landing on him. Noodle on the other hand was over the moon!
The last section of the show was entirely comprised of vendors with various and wondrous wares. I’d love to show you what I bought but I’m using them all in upcoming (soon!) posts. I’ll let you in on a sneak peek… each year I allow myself one fun purchase, and this year it was a ceramic octopus from Twig. OF COURSE. Doesn’t everyone want a ceramic octopus?
There’s TONS of additional inspiration from past years too: the 2013 theme was Great Britain and the 2012 show was all about Hawaii.
I’ve collected hundreds of gardening tips and ideas on Pinterest, check it out!
As for my home and yard, I walked away with lots of ideas for upcoming projects. I’m pretty sure a few will involve air plants, and I’d like to landscape our garden gate area too. Also, my succulent obsession is still going strong so I bet I’ll find ways to work them into our landscape design a bit more.
How about you? Did you find any ideas for your yard or home? Let me know what you think!
