Walking with the Wildflowers-Ralph Stover State Park

 A few weeks ago, while strolling through Ralph Stover State Park in Pennsylvania,  I stumbled upon a wonderfully miniature exotic world of wildflowers. The park is situated along the Tohickon Creek, marking the location of an old water powered grist mill that once stood here.  The terrain and plant life, both natural and man-made is other worldly.  

Suited for gnomes and fairies alike, these tiny flowers could be spotted everywhere, peeking out from beneath a lush green carpet. They provided dots of color in a landscape that had a few days before, been under water. 

 

There had been high waters in the area due to rain just a few days earlier, and both the ground and trees showed signs of being submerged.  Branches and leaves clung desprately to the trees as if they were trying to re-create one of Andy Goldsworthy's works of art. 
 
  

The plants and wildflowers however held their ground, and I was able to observe some really  surprising and beautiful varieties.

 Below is the photographic catalog of my discoveries.

 

A short hike over the bridge and up the hill, was High Rocks, a rock climbing site with magnificent views of the surrounding landscape and creek.

I had to be reminded for a moment, to look up from the miniature landscape that I had become immersed in, to the expansive view of Tohickon Creek in the early evening.  A perfect way to end a spring day. 

And for now, I will look forward to coming up here in the fall, to see the trees full of color and search for other tiny, unexpected wonders. 

Goodbye Winter

About a month ago, just when winter seemed like it would last forever, I took a much needed trip out to Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, PA.  I had never been to Longwood in the wintertime, unsure of what would be in bloom.  The chill in the air allowed me to focus my attention on the Conservatory displays for a change.  And to my surprise, I found myself ushering out winter with a field full of magical icy blue poppies!

They appeared to me, like something out of the Wizard of Oz, casting their strange periwinkle presence upon the lush, green beds.  Upon doing a little research, I learned that these are Meconopsis or Himalayan blue poppies.  I found some great information about them on Longwood Garden's blog, and on the Meconopsis Group's site, dedicated specifically to the study, history and propagation of this magnificent plant.

There were fabulous combinations of blue-violet and orange flowering plants throughout the Conservatory.  This was exciting as purples and blues in the garden have always represented the beginning of spring for me.

Another surprise during my visit was the Orchid show.  Longwood's orchid display has always been one of my all time favorites.  (My extensive photo library that I have collected, ever since the day that I could work a camera will support this.) With hundreds of varieties on display, visitors really get a glimpse of how diverse and unique this plant really is.  Along with the regular orchid room, this year there was an additional display in the main conservatory.

I was surprised to find the orchids placed at ground level,  arranged with tree stumps, moss, and other tropical plants, to create a believable, microcosmic landscape.  Typically, orchids are found in individual containers hanging high above, attached to tree limbs, with their roots dangling as if trying to grab hold.  This display however made the orchids appear more natural, forcing me to look closely at details that I wouldn't have noticed if I had just been walking past.

There were orchids hidden throughout the Conservatory as well, creating splashes of vibrant color.

 

Outside, the gardens were still dormant.  It was interesting to see this place that I know so well, quiet and still.  As I walked throughout the monochromatic landscape, still covered with traces of snow and ice, I imagined what it would look like in just a few short months, bursting with color and life.

And then there it was!  That sign of hope that we all wish for, a tiny burst of yellow that makes our hearts rush with excitement for the coming year. 

And now we find ourselves in the midst of spring.  As the ground begins to thaw, warmer temperatures are ahead and the air is beaming with new life.

I have a long list of gardens that I hope to visit this season so please stay tuned!

But for now...I need to get to work in my own 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.

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!