By Tammy Thornton
Plans and sketches are giving way to reality as Waldor Orchids, of Linwood, New Jersey, readies its displays for the 2020 Philadelphia Flower Show, scheduled for February 28 – March 8. This year’s theme, Riviera Holiday, is inspired by the world’s Mediterranean gardens and coasts. Waldor Orchids has been exhibiting and winning awards at the Philadelphia Flower Show since the 1930’s.
David Off, a third generation orchid grower, started planning the current exhibit pretty much as they were taking down the displays from last year. His envisions a hotel suite in a natural setting, complete with a canopy bed, patio, and sitting area. He is calling the scene “Rest” which is set in a landscape filled with plants that don’t need maintenance, hoping to inspire visitors to incorporate some of these same low-maintenance ideas into their own gardens. In addition to agaves and succulents, suitable to an arid Mediterranean climate, Off plans to give the patio area a lot of height, with a raised section that will include trees such as palms and olive trees. Off is particularly excited about the Cycad plant that they are having shipped in especially for the flower show. The costliest plant in the display, this palm-like plant has a unique shape and texture that will add an exotic feel to the scene.
Of course, the display will include those award-winning Waldor orchids. Some of the orchids he plans to use are a stunning Gold Digger orchid; the fragrant, white orchid Coelogyne cristata; and an enormous pink Dendrobium orchid.
A team of five has been busily working to create the raised platform and canopy. They are using a painting technique to transform the wooden structure into “stucco” walls, while exposed beams overhead will be draped with fabric.
All this comes at the busiest time of year for Waldor Orchids, as seasonal retail and wholesale customers returning to South Jersey will be restocking. When you see this rapturous hotel suite scene at the flower show, you may wish you could bring it home. Well, you’re in luck! After the show, customers will be able to purchase plants from the display at 20% off at the retail location in Linwood.
The Philadelphia Flower Show has been an inspiration to gardeners since it was started by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in 1829, making it the nation’s largest and longest-running horticulture event. This year plans to greet you with groves of citrus trees leading the way to a lush promenade filled with flowers to tease the senses with its intoxicating scents and sights. For details and tickets to the show, go to: theflowershow.com.
See you at the Show!
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
