Grown in the Garden: ARTiculture: Highlights from the 2014 Philadephia Flower Show

This year the Philadelphia Flower Show explored an entirely new theme focusing on the connection between Art and Horticulture. Teaming up with various art museums such as the Barnes Foundation, The Brandywine River Museum, and Grounds for Sculpture, the atmosphere was alive with creative potential. Inspired by the works of famous artists such as Wyeth, Calder, Dali, and Mondrian, landscape designers came together to create unique and colorful displays. Most striking this year was the contrast between geometric lines, architectural forms, and the organic quality of the plants and flowers.

Here are some highlights from my photo collection.

Upon entering the convention center, a giant Calder display greets visitors with bright primary colors of red yellow and blue. Also functioning as a performance stage, there were a variety of entertainers including BANDALOOP, a vertical dance troop who flew through the air cascading down the flower covered forms.

Next, a Mondrian inspired display with red, yellow, and blue flowers nestled inside of a linear, geometric structure. This worked to create a somewhat believable natural and architectural environment while making the two-dimensionality of the painting come to life.

Bright colors and geometric forms were everywhere, with organic textures playing off of the more structured yet fluid architectural lines.

Many of the colors stood out like a vibrant palette of blues, reds, and oranges.

Along with the artwork inspired displays were some of my favorite tablescape settings. The one above had so many wonderful details, including pieces of decorative blue glass, hanging lanterns, and a creative potting bench. Salvaged items made for a rustic and whimsical setting. I was particularly excited to see the pieces of blue glass that I had written about it in one of my posts this past summer.

The culinary table setting below, was one of my favorites of the show this year. The attention to detail in this sushi inspired feast was amazing, with an imaginative and bountiful harvest created out of organic and edible colors and textures.

Every year there are a variety of displays showcasing artwork created by both adults and students. The two beautifully detailed landscape pieces below are made with entirely organic plant and flower materials.