The 186th annual Philadelphia Flower Show exceeded expectations by delivering a truly one-of-a-kind retreat from the harsh realities of winter, and visitors experienced the relief of stepping out of the cold and into a balmy, floral wonder land of fairy tales and movies. This year, the show demonstrated its incredible capacity and taste for design by transforming the 33 acre Philadelphia Convention Center into a 
breathtaking landscape design intended to correspond to its chosen theme, “Celebrate the Movies,” which was a one-of-a-kind tribute to the flowers in movies from decades past.
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” Walt Disney would have certainly felt the impact of his own oft-inspiring quote at this year’s show. The main entrance boasted a huge display that mimicked a 1920s theater portal, complete with red carpet, flashing bold colors, elaborate lighting, fountains and gorgeously-hued flowers, generating at once an imposing first impression for the awed more than quarter-of-a-million guests in attendance.
As the guests passed the entryway, they were ushered into an expansive room where a huge, 36-foot television screen, set amid masses of flowers, regaled guests with beloved films of the past century of movies.
Nor did the show fail to hold guests in intrigue and wonder. Everywhere were creatively designed displays of well-known Disney and other movie characters and scenes, captured in imaginative floral arrangement, including:
- Of noteworthy mention was Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, a replication of the lush, tropical scenery of the movie, complete with an ornate, draped litter, fit to transport a royal princess.
- A display of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe captured some of the chilling landscape of Narnia under the reign of the evil queen.
- A whimsical log cabin, surrounded by golden flowers and purple rhododendrons, including a campfire ready for trout and marshmallows, brought a stunning representation of The Parent Trap before spectators’ eyes.
- An utterly charming display of John Ford’s classic, The Quiet Man, revealed a little Irish cottage, set about with lovely rock-walled gardens, cascades of vibrantly-colored flowers and a sweet wooden gated fence.
- The Best Winner in the landscape category went to a mesmerizing display, inspired by the movie, Maleficent. It’s use of dreamy shapes, contrasting colors and transparent floral arrangements was truly outstanding.
Besides all these delightfully designed displays, the show also offered such interesting activities as special theme nights, cooking demonstrations, beer gardens,
early morning and photography tours, a butterfly exhibit, DIY workshops and acres upon acres of flowers. What was not to enjoy?
While the northeastern United States was still enduring the icy grip of winter, Philadelphia had its own method of escape. This year’s privileged guests at the 186th annual Philadelphia Flower Show thronged to enjoy the world’s oldest flower show while celebrating the movies, thus experiencing spectacular scenery designed to inspire garden imaginations and hopes for the return of spring.
Main Line landscape design, installation and maintenance company Aardweg Landscaping of Newtown Square, PA was recently 
recognized with the “Best Of Houzz” 2015 award for Customer Satisfaction by Houzz. As a full-service landscape company, Aardweg Landscaping has the design expertise, plant knowledge, and quality workmanship necessary to establish and maintain a reputation for superior customer service. To schedule a complimentary on-site consultation, call Aardweg Landscaping at 610-355-0703, or send an email using the website Contact form.