Mar 9, 2012

AIB Wins Award at Philadelphia Flower ShowSource: America in Bloom

Last week, America in Bloom was awarded “Best Achievement for Depicting Horticulture as a Way to Create Community” by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for its 15 x 20-foot exhibit at the Philadelphia International Flower Show.

“We’re so pleased that our first exhibit of a garden display in this prestigious show has been so well received, not just by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, but by the thousands of people who have already visited it. Opening day was a big success, with some visitors being familiar with America in Bloom and others learning about us for the first time,” said Delilah Onofrey, an America in Bloom (AIB) board member and co-founder.

Each visitor to the AIB exhibit received a complimentary copy of AIB’s new educational brochure, “Discover the Surprising Side of Plants,” which highlights the benefits that plants bring to our lives in many ways.

The Philadelphia International Flower Show took place March 4 to 11.

This year’s theme was Hawaii: Islands of Aloha.

AIB partnered with Costa Farms, Knox Nursery, Peace Tree Farm, the National Foliage Foundation and Foliage Design Systems to supply plants to support the tropical theme. Supporting NFF growers include Kraft Gardens, NGM Productions, Wekiwa Gardens, and Bruce Jensen Nurseries/Florida. Eckert’s Greenhouse provided supporting poles and baskets to create a park-like scene. The display also spotlights plants bred by Suntory Flowers, including Sun Parasol mandevillas and Senetti pericallis.

AIB’s exhibit was designed by Troy Taylor of Taylor Environments in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., who has previously won the People’s Choice award for his work at the show.

Onofrey said, “Even in an island paradise like Hawaii, great communities don’t just happen. It takes a great deal of thought and tender loving care to create a sense of place. There’s no better way to communicate life and vitality than through beautiful plantings. That’s why more landscape architects are creating the “wow” factor by placing bold tropical foliage in urban settings, even in northern climates.”

America in Bloom is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting nationwide beautification programs and personal and community involvement through the use of flowers, plants, trees, and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements. America in Bloom provides educational programs, resources, and the challenge of a friendly competition between participating communities across the country.