I try to never miss the Philadelphia Flower Show. It has become an annual pilgrimage for me as a way to shake off the winter blahs and get revved for spring. “Legends of Ireland” was the theme for this year’s show. The landscapes, for the most part, were excellent illustrations of this theme and really wonderful renditions of the Irish countryside. One landscape was a reconstructed Irish village complete with pub! But my favorite part of the show was, and always is, the exhibits. This is where veteran gardeners show off their prize-winning plants and compete for various prestigious awards (just like the Westminster Dog Show, only for plants). My friend, Ray Rogers, succeeded in taking home abundant ribbons and rosettes this year for his fabulous entry of succulents, amarylis and begonias yet again. If you have never been, this show is a must see for any gardener of any skill level. Take a look at some of this year’s highlights.

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Photo Credit: Mary Ann Patterson

1. A flower show is a great place to get ideas for new and unusual plant combinations. 2. The use of begonias in this landscape was particularly attractive. 3. The use of color in the arrangements in this landscape was brilliant! 4. Agaves – This is the place to see plants that you probably have never seen before.