Begonia Bonanza at PHS McLean Library

The arts are alive in Philadelphia, and we are all eagerly anticipating the opening of the Barnes Foundation’s newest campus!

To celebrate art and horticulture, PHS presents The Art of Begonias, now through June 1.* Located in the McLean Library on the first floor of PHS headquarters at 20th and Arch Streets in Philadelphia, the exhibition will feature a selection of spectacular begonias from the Delaware Valley Chapter of the American Begonia Society and from Meadowbrook Farm.

Also on display will be some beautiful paintings and drawings from the Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators, some of which will be for sale. The exhibition will culminate with a begonia sale on June 1. Admission is free and the event is open to the public; Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5pm. To complement this exhibition, the following lectures will be held in the library:

Caring for Begonias, Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 6 – 7 pm
Begonia care is very straightforward and rewarding.  Begonia enthusiast Ed MacFarland will demonstrate that by adhering to a few simple rules, one can be rewarded with some extremely attractive flowers, foliage, or both.

The Art of Garden Photography, Thursday, May 31, 2012, 12 – 1 pm
Tired of over-exposed, under-exposed, or unfocused photos of your garden and plants?  Improve your  picture-taking skills with a few tips and tricks from PHS Publications Director Pete Prown.

Painted Leaf Begonias, Thursday, May 31, 2012, 6 – 7 pm
Among the various types of begonias, the B. Rex are some of the most beautiful and stunning plants. Sometimes called painted-leaf begonias or fancy-leaf begonias, these plants are known for their showy leaf colors.  Join us as Meadowbrook Farm staffer Brandon Huber discusses how to grow and maintain these breathtaking plants.

Plant Sale, May 31 & June 1, 9 am – 5 pm
Purchase beautiful begonias and other must-have plants from Meadowbrook Farm. While supplies last.

For more information about the lectures, call Marilyn Reynolds at 215-988-8872.

The McLean Library has a circulating collection of 15,000 books and DVDs on gardening and plant care, botany, urban greening, and more, as well as research collections consisting of rare gardening books, a vintage seed catalog collection, and the PHS archives, including those from the Philadelphia International Flower Show.

*the exhibit will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28

The Gershman Y Presents Eco Art

On Thursday, May 17, the Gershman Y will debut two environmental art exhibits in its galleries. From 6 – 8 pm, attend a panel discussion with several of the participating artists—all of whom have developed eco-art projects nationally and internationally. These artists believe in the importance of talking about the ideas embodied in their work.

The one collection is called Turn Here: Artists Promoting Environmental Awareness. It features artists who use signage and other graphic approaches as a strategy for promoting eco-awareness, including work by Xavier Cortada from his time in the North and South Poles.

The second grouping is titled History of the Future: Photographs from the Canary Project.

The Gershman Y sees this evening as a chance for fresh and meaningful discussion of environmental issues that impact our community. Even if you can’t attend opening reception, the exhibits run to Sunday, August 12.

To learn more and to register, click here.

Make Mom Feel Special at Meadowbrook Farm

This weekend, enjoy a day out with mom and treat her to beautiful flowers or fresh veggie starts for her garden. Shop from a selection of gorgeous perennials and trees, Americana geraniums, calibrachoa, gerbera daisies, and lantana—plus, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and more for veggie lovers!

Or choose one of Meadowbrook’s Top Picks for Moms:

Gorgeous combination baskets and containers – a perfect addition to the front steps, back porch, or outdoor dining table.

Handmade black terra cotta flower pot with a kale design – locally designed and created for Meadowbrook by Heirloom Home and Design in Glenside, PA. Learn the full story here.

Meadowbrook Gift Cards are also available in any amount.

Earlybird shoppers on Sunday can enjoy free coffee and donuts from 10 am – noon (while supplies last!). See you at Meadowbrook! Click here for hours and directions.

Get Ready for “With Art Philadelphia”

PHS is proud to be one of ten city organizations and cultural partners that will tout Philly’s eclectic art offerings as part of “With Art Philadelphia,” a new, two-year campaign supporting Philadelphia’s varied visual arts scene and the many artists who make it the colorful canvas that it is.

With Art will go beyond the traditional definition of art to embrace the region’s bountiful gardens, high-fashion boutiques, and design must-sees. As horticulture is one of the forms of art that Philly does best, PHS will be the clearinghouse for information on gardens, arboreta, and other green spaces that are doing fantastic things.

We’ll keep you posted on upcoming events associated with this one-of-a-kind campaign. Until then, this video will give you an idea of what’s in store.

Tour Southern India with PHS in 2013

As we welcome back the PHS members who journeyed to Peru in search of orchids, we invite you to consider joining us for a fascinating exploration of southern India on our tour, “Sacred Stems: Teas, Spices, and the Power of Plants!”

Take a midwinter break next January 11 – 25, 2013, on a trip that will showcase the role of  gardens and plants in medicinal, religious, culinary, commercial, and leisure activities in India during the colonial era and after independence from Britain.

We will visit Mughal-style terrace gardens, British-inspired botanical gardens, and lively flower, vegetable, and spice markets. We will also visit colonial-era hill stations where tea, coffee, and spice plantations abound, and learn about current programs to help the thousands of small tea growers throughout India. At two botanical sanctuaries, we will explore current plant conservation and research activities.

Our comprehensive itinerary also includes some of South India’s most memorable sights, including the Amba Vilas Palace in Mysore, the serene backwaters of Kerala, and the Portuguese- and Dutch-influenced city of Kochi. Optional trip extensions to the Golden Triangle (Delhi/Agra/Jaipur) and to Kolkata will also be available.

Interest in this trip has already been piqued, and we don’t want anyone who wants to go to be put on a waiting list. Click here for the complete itinerary and registration information.

Flock to Gardens & Green Spaces this May

The Flower Show is fleeting, but the PHS team wants to connect you to beautiful gardens year-round. This month is especially exciting if you are a bird lover? From warblers to chickens to hawks, the wide world of birds is much-discussed in our May compilation of gardening and greening events in the Philadelphia region. You can even tour the home of bird-enthusiast John James Audubon on a trip sponsored by the Morris Arboretum.

Click here to learn about these (and other, more traditional) gardening and greening events.

If your mission is to spend time outdoors with the young people in your life, we’ve got a list for that too. There are even night-time events at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Tyler Arboretum, and the Delaware Center for Horticulture—so embrace your nocturnal tendencies!

Click here for the list of kids and family events.

Horticourt Stories: Ray Rogers Showcases Exceptional Aloe

Ray Rogers, from Atlock Farm in Somerset, New Jersey,  has competed in the Horticourt at the Philadelphia International Flower Show since 1990. In this video profile, he shares his love of the aloe plants that he propagates and hybridizes in one of the many greenhouses at the farm. Of his Flower Show experience, Ray says, “It’s fun to exhibit at the Show. It’s fun to think that people are wondering who is the person behind it.”  Take a look at the video and you won’t have to wonder!

Meadowbrook Farm Presents Plants You’ll Love!

The Meadowbrook Spring Open House on Saturday, April 28 can provide you with phenomenal plants to make this year’s garden your best yet! Below are some essential additions to your garden that will delight and dazzle you.

Lotus Amazon Sunset:  This bold and fiery (yet delicate and ornate) plant is perfect for hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes.  It is also beautiful hanging over a low wall like in the photo on the right. We love this plant because it reminds us of the bold colors and exotic forms found at “Hawaii: Islands of Aloha,” while being perfectly suited for the local climate.

Euphoriba Diamond Frost: This ethereal plant produces masses of pure white bracts above finely textured, apple-green foliage. It can add stunning texture and color to your garden, and thrives in partial shade. As you can see in the picture, the Euphoriba Diamond Frost has intricate blossoms that add whimsy to any garden.

Next up is a very special HGTV mixed container that will make its nationwide debut at the Spring Open House. The planting pictured above is called “orange bliss.” It is part of the Expressions line and is only available at Meadowbrook Farm (while supplies last).

Additional plants for you to fawn over include Nemesia, Diascia, Cuphea, Solenia Begonia, Geraniums, and Verbena. Plant lovers, rejoice! And come on out to the Spring Open House this Saturday! Directions, hours, and additional info on tours and kids crafts can be found at www.meadowbrookfarm.org.

Through Laura’s Lens: A Look Back at Ka’Kua

What to do with myself when the Flower Show is over but it’s too early to set out my tender plants? Why, I assemble slide shows out of my 950-plus photos of the Show (the keepers out of the thousands I shot), and upload them to YouTube, of course!

Here’s one featuring the People’s Choice Award winner, Flowers by David: Ka’Kua (tattoo).

What would you like to see next? I probably have pictures of it!

Learn How to Grow at Junior Flower Show

For many years PHS has partnered with Temple  University Ambler for a special event called EarthFest—a spectacular Earth Day festival that in 2012 falls on Friday, April 27 (9:30 am – 3 pm). The aim of EarthFest is to have students, teachers, kids, and their parents explore important topics like the environment, sustainability, healthy lifestyles, and protecting and preserving the planet!

The Junior Flower Show (previously known as the Kids Grow Expo) is an essential component of the EarthFest celebration. Just like the “big-people’s” Flower Show in March, the Junior Show is a showcase for talented plant-lovers to show off their skills!  And you have to see the young people’s exhibits first-hand to fully appreciate their creativity. The theme for the 2012 Show is “H20: How to Grow.” This topic is meant to further our understanding of the importance of water as a natural resource.

So how do you get involved? Educators can work with their classes to create exhibits or attend as a field trip; check out the educators guide for details. Parents of toddlers and pre-schoolers should also make a plan to swing by. EarthFest is free and unforgettable! Click here to learn more.