If Hawaii wasn’t your honeymoon destination, but you’ve seen the new George Clooney movie, The Descendents, you can pick up where the movie left off by visiting this year’s phenomenal flower show whose theme is the “Islands of Aloha”. Experience hundreds of orchids, exotic flowers, waterfalls, lagoons, tropical exhibits, “living” walls, free lectures on gardening, food and wine samplings in the Hawaii Village, hula dance and music performances, retail venues and volcanic flames—all under one roof giving visitors a huge overview of this perennially pleasing Pacific paradise.
This year’s theme pushes the envelope in terms of artistry with jewel-like miniature orchid tableaux and maxing out to full-size, moveable panels of “living walls” with hanging orchids amid a garden table setting on display at MODA Botanica’s interactive “booth” called Lauana.
Digital technologies enhance and enliven the flower show as witnessed by new motion graphics developed by Klip that transform waterfalls into flowing lava and rolling waves on an undulating canopy.
Showcase exhibits include the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s exhibit, which is orchestrated by Waldor Orchids, and is one of the largest floral experiences on the floor, displaying over 2,000 orchids. There is an orchid wave and a 25-foot high waterfall that surrounds an island with palms, bamboo and other tropical plants. Hula dancers and hula skirts are the subject of American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), which includes mannequins wearing different leis and skirts made of a variety of tropical leaves. A fantasy rock garden with a desert and a lunar-like landscape, in the spirit of a Garden of the Gods, is the theme of Michael Petrie’s Handmade Gardens.
Other major exhibitors include the American Rhododendron Society of Greater Philadelphia, which is an immense garden alive with colorful rhododendrons and orchid varieties. Pop music artists are the backdrops for Celebrations Design Group’s Pop Petals. EP Henry envisions a Family Celebration (ohana pai’a) with towering palm trees, a pool cabana, a plunge pool and a living wall. Abraham Lincoln High School’s Going Vertical uses a subway station and living walls to show how public spaces can be decorative and promote wellbeing. A stoic remembrance memorial display recognizes the heroes lost in the battle of Pearl Harbor.
The Designer’s Studio section corrals local amateur floral designers to win daily contests and floral design demonstrations with titles such as Blue Lagoon, Diamond Head, Surf’s Up and Island Vibe.
The Philadelphia Water Department always has an intriguing exhibit and this year is no exception. Miniature replicas of Philadelphia’s notable historic buildings and landmarks become islands of green in an urban setting. Bonsai trees, cactus and succulents get into the act as well at various exhibits sprinkled throughout the floor. For ticket, event and preview information, you can visit www.theflowershow.com
