My SIL in NY went to the Philly show, as she does every year. She thought that the economy had affected the exhibits, that they were simpler with fewer flowering plants. I wasn't there--just her opinion but I'd be curious about others' opinions.

These are two very interesting comments, since I actually
thought the Philadelpdia Flower Show was one of the better
ones I've seen. . .but Ginny's observation, now that I reflect on my visit, may be quite accurate: there may have
been fewer flowering plants than the past, and almost NO
introduction of new plants, which has always been one of the hallmarks of the Philly show. Hard times this season for the nursery trade?

After faithfully trudging to this show every year (for what
seems like an eternity!), I have developed the habit of
rooting out the often overlooked uniqueness of some of the
smaller exhibits, rather than just being bowled over by (or
yawning over) the major exhibitors. This year was no
exception: the bulb specialist, Jacque Armand, delivered
the most cohesive (and breathtakingly beautiful) display
that I can recall from this veteran. Another favorite:
the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades (really!)
presented an intense Tuscan landscape - house, terrace and
garden, in exquisite detail - but the best part of it (and
missed by many!) was the compelling video catalogue of the
whole projects genesis, from initial design to final installation at the show, with the video cleverly tucked
away beneath a shrub so as not to detract from the exhibit.

Also fascinating: the Temple Univ. ("Yeah, KT!") Ambler
Schools' use of copper gutter as a design element in a garden, complete with an incredibly lovely "rain curtain" -
but best of all, all the copper led to a series of water
spills which ended up as the center of a "water table". . .
picture a large stone table whose center rectangle was a
shimmering surface of constantly recyled water. I can just
imagine eating dinner there and asking someone at the far end of the table to "please pass the salad". . .and then
they would just float the salad bowl down to you !!!

Ah, ha! All of which makes me realize that I tend to look
at the Flower Show very much from a designer perspective,
not just as massive floral display. . .which might explain
the difference in perception. But, honestly, there is just
so MUCH going in that vast Convention Hall, that there's
bound to be something for everyone. One of my favorites
has always been the numerous "competitions", and these
Delaware Valley gardeners are deadly serious about what they're doing! This year, there were the usual table settings, porch entryways, balcony baskets, huge "themed"
urn plantings, some novel "sustainable" back yards - and
a new one, I don't ever recall seeing: "Elegante Craveat",
or men's ties decorated with pressed plant materials! Much
of the fun of these competitive exhibits is comparing YOUR
impressions with those of the judges (they are judged twice
during the Show: once during Saturday preview, and again on
Wednesday) - it's not that unusual for a single exhibit to
win the blue (1st) one day, but only get yellow (3rd) from
a second judge. . .but ALL the judges' notes are posted for
ALL entries so you can follow their thought process.

In a post earlier this month, I fantisized about spending
an entire week at the Show, attending ALL the lectures and
demos, ferreting out every possible detail from every exhibit. Well, I got a preview of that experience: after my knee gave out after only six hours on Wednesday, I returned on Sunday (closing day) for another four hours - and accidentally discovered something worth knowing. . .the
Show opens at 8:00am on Saturday and Sunday (I had always
gone at 10:00am weekdays, deliberately avoiding the legendary weekend crowds), and when I turned up a 8:00am
yesterday morning, I practically had the place to myself!
What an unmitigated joy to roam about without the usual attendant high-energy crowd activity. . .and it REMAINED
relatively tranquil throughout the first two hours, only
slowly picking up after 10:00am. When I checked out at noon, I felt as if I'd just had a private showing. . .the
only other time it gets like that is mid-week evenings after 6:00pm. An old-timer working the info booth confirmed my observation. . .she warned that the first
Sunday at 8:00am was a zoo (opening day), but the last
Sunday morning was one of the best-kept secrets of show
attendance!

So: one more Flower Show to go ("Springfest", later this
week in Northwestern New Jersey) and then it's "Off to the
Races", Spring officially arrives and we can all fall back
into our annual cycle of creativity and craziness for
another season - see you in the garden !

Carl

Carl thanks for sharing you certainly brought some sunshine to an otherwise cold, wet, gray, day. Sorry to hear about your knee hope it mends in time for your next garden adventure. almost NO
introduction of new plants, which has always been one of the hallmarks of the Philly show You raised an interesting point regarding new introductions, I just checked "Monrovia's list of intros for 2009" and was just mildly interested in two new plants;
Bartzella Itoh Peony
Paeonia (Itoh) BartzellaÂ
USDA Zone 4 - 8
One of the most famous of all intersectional hybrids, Bartzella, has fragrant, bright yellow, double flowers and distinctive dark green leaves. A mature plant can produce blooms up to nine inches across and have a pleasant, slightly spicy scent. This cultivar has a strong, erect habit and will reach 24 to 32 inches tall and wide.

Sequestered Sunshine Itoh Peony
Paeonia (Itoh) ÂSequestered SunshineÂ
USDA Zone 4 - 8
This selection has large five- to seven-inch, bright canary yellow, single flowers with occasional semi-double blooms with showy red stigmas and a ring of yellow stamens. The coarse foliage has a nice grass green hue and contrasts nicely with the bright yellow blooms. This selection will grow 32 to 36 inches tall and wide. A flower show guaranteed to inspire!
I wonder what new introductions others are excited about? Ego are there any new must have Hydrangeas?