Yeah, I say ya gotta go whenever you can go! ;-) We encountered crowds too, on and off. Have gone mostly on Wednesdays and Thursdays over the last 8 or 9 years, but I don't think we've gotten there much before 11 or 11:30. Maybe the plan should be come up the day before and spend the night somewhere so we can get in earlier.
Bella Italia! Share your PHILLY FLOWER SHOW photos!
Hi, I've enjoyed viewing the photos, I can't believe all the exhibits we missed!!! I guess you really need a few days to take it all in. There was so much to see. As it was, my husband and mom tuckered out before we even ventured into the area with all the plant vendors. I had to move fast, visiting what I could while they sat down waiting for me at one of the exhibits.
I didn't take that many pictures, but I'll post some of the ones that don't seem too repetitive. My favorites were the coleus and dark burgundy, near black, chocolate color plants. This is a cordyline with some black mondo grass below.
Rhododendron Purple Gem
Aeonium Arboreum
No ID lily
Balcony, to the left of this was a pianist and two actors/singers performing opera. They did a Puccini's opera when we were there, and were excellent.
not sure what this was
zinnia and sweet potato vine 'margarite' (they had it miss tagged as carex bronze)
veggie garden and rain collector barrel
Coleus 'Fishnet Stockings'
I really liked coleus 'Fishnet Stockings' after seeing it in person, I've added it to my miles long wish list ^_^
Coleus 'Inky Fingers', another favorite of mine.
Mixed variety of Coleus
I'm going to take a break and post a few more later (our computer is uploading slow). It was a great time. We missed last years show, so this was a nice treat.
Wind, my friend and I think that your "not sure what this was" picture is supposed to represent the Duomo in Florence (at least its shape). It was definitely not immediately obvious!
I loved the "Fishnet Stockings" coleus too - bought it last year, and was sorta disappointed, in that it lost the dark veining as it grew. I'm not sure if it needed more sun or less sun - I had it in a place that was sort of morning light and afternoon sun, but shady during the middle of the day. I'd try again though - it's a great look!
nice photos everyone... thanks for posting
I'm a sucker for Coleus and was thrilled to find Fishnet Stockings a couple of years ago. Have to say I was VERY disappointed - it just never grew! When I was at Baker's Acres in Columbus last year I asked Chris Baker about it, they introduce tons of new Coleus every year and I think Fishnet Stockings is one of theirs? Anyhow, he told me it's a "fussy" one, doesn't like sun and definitely doesn't grow huge like some of them. Regardless it's still pretty and I might just be tempted to try it again after seeing your picture!
It's been about five years since I visited the show and after seeing all these great pictures I've got to go back! My girlfriend and I drove up one afternoon, spent the evening visiting the displays, got there early the next morning to visit the vendors before it got crowded, checked out the displays we had missed the night before or revisited those we really liked. A whirlwind trip but it was perfect, we were back home the next night in time for dinner :)
Can you believe that they had this gondola setting there. We went on Saturday and found it slow navigating and getting good shots, but I did enjoy it and will go during the week next year.
Debby, Good to know about Fishnet Stockings - IF I get it again, I'll definitely keep it in the shade. It's such a striking combination.
Roses - very nice shot of the gondola! That was a tough one, I know from experience! ;-)