The scent of rain mixed with the beautiful sight of bright spring flowers entices those who walk through the 2015 Spring Flower Show at Phipps Conservatory. Eyes will glance over beautiful spring bulb arrangements, pink cherry trees and bright blue poppies.
“When guests walk into the historic Palm Court, they will be greeted by dozens of multi-colored umbrellas hanging overhead, along with cute rain boots planted with many different bulbs,” Spring Flower Show designer and Phipps Exhibit Coordinator Jordyn Melino said.
Phipps Conservatory’s 2015 Spring Flower Show theme is April Showers Bring May Flowers and will feature rare Himalayan poppies, a room full of blue flowers that are difficult to grow and a wide array of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and lilies among the 57,000 plants on display until April 12.
There are all types of colorful bulbs; tulips, pansies, cherry trees, cineraria and azalea, as well as spring rain designs that will bring spring to life nine rooms.
Phipps is also excited to showcase a variety of flowers not often seen by guests such as primula, snapdragons, delphiniums and the Poor Man’s Orchid.
Outdoor gardens, a café, store and interactive rooms are at Phipps. When guests walk through the Serpentine Room, motion activated clouds sprinkle rain into a pond and create a rainbow.
Visitors are also welcome to be a part of the show by participating in the used bulb sale on March 28, April 11 and 25.
Conservatory hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors and students and $11 for children ages 2-18. Members and kids under 2 enter free of charge.
Phipps season pass holder and Professor Bob O’Gara is a frequent visitor. From Phipps, you can see the high points of Oakland and enjoy nature at the same time, which make it a “celebration of Pittsburgh, according to O’Gara.
“It is a creative therapeutic experience,” O’Gara said. O’Gara enjoys walking around Phipps to relax and appreciate his surroundings, which he does twice a month.
Caitlyn Dee, a sophomore secondary education major, appreciates Phipps and its changing landscape.
“The seasonal displays and butterfly room are great for her to shoot,” Dee, an amateur photographer, said.
Chris Hunt, a freshman acting major, enjoys the nature of Phipps.
“Phipps is a beautiful and interactive place to go and walk around,” Hunt said.
Phipps Conservatory and its 2015 Spring Flower Show will be “bringing to life the magic of this season of renewal and regrowth,” Melino said.
