garden for the lavish central feature. His vast experience was challenged by the task. Asked by the show’s director to interpret the “Garden of the Gods” on the island of Lanai, Petrie had to dig deep to figure out how to make a garden inspired by Lanai. No lush tropical landscape, the actual Lanaian landscape looks more like Mars than Hawaii. “Garden of the Gods” in Petrie’s interpretation was a rockery that had its roots in the island’s strange landscape, as well as rock follies created by the Victorians. It challenged visitors to think about what a garden is and can be. Before the show, Petrie explained,
“Lanai is high dry desert. There’s no plant material to speak of so we’re going to make a rock garden of pumice stone. There are stacked stone columns, skewered really, and plants will be understated with succulents and conifers in jewel-like vignettes. We can’t really make it feel like Hawaii—we don’t have the sky, air, wind, and water that help give the islands their character, so the focus of the garden is going to be very close to the ground.” When asked about his own experience creating show gardens, Petrie was thoughtful. “Winter is almost over, spring is coming. I’m trying to please myself. If I don’t do something that makes me feel good, hen I’m not in the flower show. I want to be inspired by what I do and I want to inspire other people.” SC
Plan for next year! The 2013 Philadelphia International Flower Show will run from March 3 March 10, 2013. To avoid the crowds, attend early- or mid-week at dinnertime. Hungry? Eat at the Reading Terminal Market across from the convention center. Be sure to get your hand stamped before you leave if you want to return to the show.
LEAF MAGAZINE
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