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.

The small dioramas using small landscape plants always offer a fun escape into a miniature world.  

Like Frieda Kahlo's studio...

Leonardo DaVinci's studio...

Keith Haring's house...

The Lady of Shalott...

And finallya scene from The Birds...

And as always, the plant specimens are a highlight and great research opportunity.

 

A fun time at the Flower Show this year, can't wait until next!

Highlights from the Philadelphia Flower Show 2013--Part II

In addition to the themed displays at the Philadelphia Flower Show, there are rows and rows of specimen plants, that are judged and on display.

This is one of my favorite parts of the flower show, where you can see what makes the perfect begonia, poinsetta, and even snake plant.  It is a place to see every variety of cactus imaginable, countless orchids, flowering bulbs, rock gardens, and terrariums.  I love to see what I have grown and also get ideas.  Here are some of my favorites this year.

I could have spent hours and hours inspecting each and every plant.  But alas...after a little shopping....it was time for dinner.

We ventured over to Talula's Garden at 210 W. Washington Square to try out their fresh, seasonal, farm to table selections.  They had an amazingly diverse menu, yummy cheese plate, old fashioned drinks, and heavenly deserts.  I look forward to going back in a few months to sample their spring and summer menu.  There is a great outdoor patio area too!

Talula's was the perfect place to end our Flower show day!  Fresh ingredients, botanicals, terrariums, long wooden country style tables, tulips, and garden lights.

Here are some of the dishes that we sampled...

Carrot Soup, Spicy Cucumber Radish "Pickles," Torn Mint and Yogurt

 Pear Salad, Red Watercress, Endive, Walnuts, Port Pears, Blue Cheese, Poppy Seed Dressing

 Seared Gulf Snapper, Kumquat Vinaigrette, Chervil, Mint, Sunchokes, Radicchio, and Creamy Cauliflower Puree--Yum!

and for dessert....

Crisp Creme Brulee Napoleon--Vanilla Bean Creme, Pistachio Tuiles, Blood Orange Sorbet

Oh....and don't forget the Maple Glazed Brussles Sprouts with Alpine Cheese, Cider and Leeks
and the Creamed Kale with Fontina and toasted pistachios.

And their coffee and espresso is really good too!

And so ends the Flower Show 2013 adventure.  Can't wait until next year!