‘ARTiculture’ – Philadelphia Flower Show 2014 – begins today and runs through March 9th.
In the grand hallway, Subaru, a long time sponsor of the show, has created a compelling and whimsical recyclable garden.
Subaru’s Recyclable Garden
Notice how the lattices in the walls are made of old bed springs. How cool is that?
Subaru Recyclable Garden
The entrance garden of ARTiculture is inspired by the paintings and sculptures of Alexander Calder. The gardens consist of topiary shapes, sculpted trees, rounded boxwood and a plethora of suspended elements that are reminiscent of Calder’s mobiles.
‘Entrance garden inspired by Alexander Calder paintings and sculptures
Surfaces are made of fresh and dried flowers, grasses, stone, glass and art forms.
‘The King’s Feast’ Centerpiece
BANDALOOP, a California-based vertical dance troupe that has performed on the sides of skyscrapers, bridges, cliffs, can be seen doing their artistry like a giant Calder mobile. I was lucky enough to see them in action today. To say they were breathtaking is an understatement.
Live Performance at Centerpiece Exhibit
Live Performer at Centerpiece Exhibit
Several years ago, I worked with Jock Christie, the great Scottish gardener, at Doe Run Garden who won several ribbons for both Sir John Thouron and other well known Delaware and Brandywine gardening dynasties. Even today, one of his several entries, Clivia ‘Sir John Thouron’ is considered an exceptional plant.
Below are a few entries for judging by novice and professional gardeners. This is one of my favorite areas of the flower show.
Arpo gigantea
Denedelactum ‘Mt. Airy’
Steve Tobin is a Bucks Country sculptor whose work exemplifies his connection to the natural world. He is best known for his large works in bronze, steel, glass and ceramics. A well known work, ‘Trinity Root’, a bronze piece at St. Paul’s Chapel in New York City, is a casting of the 80 year old sycamore tree which fell and protected the chapel on September 11, 2001.
Exploded Earth by Steve Tobin
Steve Tobin’s Exploded Earth
Michael Petrie, of Michael Petrie Handmade Gardens, has created a display inspired by works of Henri Matisse at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. I really loved this design. I found the simplicity of the plantings juxtapositioned with the flamboyant brightly colored wood cut outs compelling.
Michael Petrie’s Display derived from works by Henri Matisse
Michael Petrie display inspired by Matisse woodcuts
Competitions from area high schools for vertical wall designs.
High School Interpretation of Vertical Gardens
Vertical Garden ‘Urban Oasis’ – Lower Merion High School
Paintings interpreted by students from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.
Interpret a painting by student at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Interpret a painting by student at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Several more photos to follow over the next couple of days!
ADDENDUM on March 4, 2014 – Centerpiece of show photographed on Saturday night, March 1st, before closing when the crowds had dwindled.
Philadelphia Flower Show -Calder Inspired Centerpiece
Philadelphia Flower Show Centerpiece
Philadelphia Flower Show Centerpiece
Philadelphia Flower Show- whimsy and color
Philadelphia Flower Show Calder Inspired Centerpiece
Fran is the author of the highly-acclaimed book, Digging Deep: Unearthing Your Creative Roots Through Gardening, which Andrew Weil, M.D., recommends as "a profound and inspiring book."
A graduate of the University of Chicago with Honors in Psychology, she is also a gardening and creativity expert, coach, inspirational speaker, CBS radio news gardening correspondent, and Huffington Post Contributor.
Learn more about Fran and get free resources that will help you improve your life at www.fransorin.com.
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