This week is a big one for gardeners in the Philadelphia area. It heralds the celebration of the Philadelphia Flower Show. The Flower Show has been an annual event for ages, but it stays current in design and in its technological components, especially in the form of a smartphone app this year.  Tomato and I went on Tuesday with my mom. We were three generations of women heading into the beautiful imagery and diligent work of the garden clubs, landscapers and nurseries in the area. It’s definitely was one of our television alternatives this week and the imagery was amazing. Just take a look below.

Entryway Wave

Floral Dress

Closeup of dress bodice – I love hens and chicks!

Terrariums – Perhaps when Tomato gets older!

Love the shape of these

Tulips – My favorites

PHS and City Harvest display

Great texture and color combos

Hawaiin signs

Planked walkways – Hello large plot in the backyard!

Trellised cherry tomatoes – A brilliant way to go vertical with your gardening

Cold frames – These are definitely on my gardening bucket list

Mini Philadelphia

Orchid frame

In addition to great visual inspiration this year, the Philadelphia Flower Show also had its own app for smartphone users.

You can find the bare bones details about where to park, what the hours are, a FAQ about the event, and a section for you to store information on your favorite exhibitions. Also, there is an entire section about the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the parent body of the show, and its other events and projects. What is particularly impressive about that section of the app is the detail of is McLean Library, where folks can check out all kinds of gardening books and DVDs, and a guide to native plants in the area. Finally, you can submit questions to the Society straight from your phone.

All of the contributing businesses that designed exhibitions and those who were in the marketplace can be found in the app. I can definitely say that it saved me from taking and storing scores of business cards. I was particularly excited about the category under Exhibitions that allows you to look up each section of the show and complete a survey about how you felt about it. Overall, I definitely think the app is a great media addition to the show.

I hope you were able to check out the show for yourself this week or will have a chance to this weekend. Be sure to check out this link from Jennifer Auer about the particular activities which are available on the Family Day on Sunday and enjoy!