Water, water everywhere?

The 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show officially opens its doors to the public tomorrow, March 3rd. This year’s theme, “Wonders of Water,” doesn’t disappoint.

As always, the Flower show entrance features a huge display to wow. This time, the entrance includes a 25-foot waterfall (2500 gallons of water used) and rainforest canopy. The tropical exhibit includes nearly 4000 plants with more than 165 varieties and over 10,000 sq feet.

Here’s what you can expect from the rest of the show.

Philadelphia Flower Show 2018: Wonders of Water

In previous years, there were a few exhibits that highlighted sustainability – like the Dutch Ecodome in last year’s show. However, PHS stepped up the sustainability talk in this year’s show.  This year, walk and read many sustainability facts throughout the entire show.

Take W.B. Saul High School’s exhibit Appropriately named sus·tain·a·bil·i·ty, the exhibit shows an urban residence with the landscape – all sustainable. Look for rainwater collected in downspouts and rain barrels for plant irrigation, fountain sculptures, solar panels, novel planters are made from recycled materials and even hydroponic planters. We loved the creative use of these spokes.

Although the show’s elaborate designs are something to look forward to, don’t pass over the smaller colorful exhibits.

Take part in an experiment and learn about the Mussel Hatchery in thisMussels on Wheels Cart :

Want to learn about stormwater? Down the Drain by J Downend Landscaping, Inc explores how our storm drains continue to be flooded due to development. Dry wells are an eco-friendly solution made from 100% recycled materials, filter stormwater and reduce pollutants as seen here:

To highlight areas of the world without clean drinking water, the American Insitute of Floral Designers (AIFD) show intricate designs like this one, inspired by India:

Need Pacific Northwest inspo for your wedding? Robertson’s Flowers & Events display includes plants, mosses, and trees for a picturesque rainforest wedding display.

After the clouds, the sun eventually shines, eh? Even these shipwrecked boats provide a place for new life in this WISH Unlimited exhibit:

Those who love Philly neighborhoods will also love the subtle touches, like this Secret Fishtown Garden Refuge by the Band of Raving Gardeners.  

Don’t miss out on this beautiful (and educational) opportunity in that nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event. Visit the Philadelphia Flower Show from March 3-11th. Get tickets, see the schedule and additional info on the Flower Show website.

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher