by June Portnoy 

The Trevose Horticultural Society (THS) entered this year’s PHS (Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s) Philadelphia Flower Show, marking the first time it participated in this event. After working on its display of a large deck for five months, THS was rewarded for its efforts by receiving two third place ribbons. It also received an additional ribbon for its display’s daily maintenance and plant quality during the show.

In the past, some THS members have entered small individual displays at the flower show, but they never entered as a club. However, last August when the PHS invited this garden club to display an exhibit during this year’s show, THS decided it was up to the challenge.

The majority of the work was completed by THS members, Karen Wychock, display chairperson; Betty Sykes, club president; and Ruth Kurtz and Lenis Van Aken, both active club members.

This year’s flower show theme was, “Brilliant,” based on the majestic beauty and creative genius of Great Britain. THS entered the “Bubble and Squeak” category. Bubble and Squeak is a traditional English dish made with shallow-fried leftover vegetables, such as edible plants. The chopped vegetables are fried in a pan, creating bubbles and squeaking sounds during the cooking process.

“It took us a while to come up with our idea,” says Karen. “It wasn’t until mid-October that we reached a consensus.”

THS used the analogy of anticipating the birth of a garden with the upcoming birth of the new royal baby this summer.

“We have to nurture and care for our gardens for them to grow, much like one does for a baby,” adds Karen.

THS members decorated their deck like a royal baby shower, set up in a 12-foot by 16-foot area box. They used a traditional deck made of English teak with a wooden table and chairs. They set the table with a champagne bottle and glasses.

Next, they filled a large Victorian basket with gifts wrapped with golden paper. They selected a large ceramic bowl to create a fountain, in which they placed a pump to produce bubbling water. In addition, they used iridescent glass balls replicating bubbles.

They included a large variety of edible plants, consisting of diverse herbs, in their display. Some other plants used throughout their deck included kalanchoe, a traditional English shrub, kale, red cabbage, English ivy and lots of purple and orange pansies.

“Overall, we used about 40 different plants in our display,” says Karen. “We had to label each one using their Latin name.”

THS met with Meadowbrook Farm to help them grow some of the plants in their greenhouse.

“We needed to trick some of our plants into thinking spring had arrived earlier, so they would bloom when we needed them for the show,” explains Karen.

Two days prior to the big flower show, which began March 2nd, THS, along with all other exhibiters, unloaded their vans and trucks at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. They also had mulch and sod delivered to the site. The next day THS members worked nine hours to create their finished masterpiece.

“It was so rewarding seeing our finished deck on exhibit at this prestigious flower show,” says Karen. “It turned out exactly how we envisioned it would, so we were all very pleased.”

And winning three ribbons was also very gratifying for this novice group of exhibitors. After such a positive experience, THS plans to participate in next year’s Philadelphia Flower Show, modifying some of what they do based on what they learned this year.

THS, a member of the National Garden Club, Inc. and the Garden Club Federation of PA, has remained a constant presence in Bucks County and surrounding areas for the past 90 years.

Join them at their next meeting on Monday, May 20th at 7:00pm when local experts demonstrate container gardening. All meetings take place at the Wood River Village Auditorium, 3200 Bensalem Boulevard in Bensalem.

Also, don’t miss THS’ Annual Flower Show Friday, August 23rd and Saturday, August 24th, also at Wood River Village. This year’s theme is “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

For more information about the Trevose Horticultural Society, call 215-441-5884.

PHOTO CAP: Trevose Horticultural Society members at the Philadelphia Flower Show, front row, Karen Wychock and Betty Sykes; back row, Ruth Kurtz, Mary May, and Lenis van Aken.