Submitted by Trish Reppert, CFD
The first time I attended the Philadelphia Flower Show was three years ago, when my daughters gifted me tickets and came along for the adventure. As I write this, a picture of us among one of the amazing displays from that year sits on my desk and still makes me smile! That trip inspired me to lean into my creative side and pursue my growing interest in flowers. That same year, I enrolled in the AIFD Certified Floral Design Certification program at Bucks County Community College, outside of Philadelphia, PA.
After a few classes, I fell in love with flowers and felt that I had found my passion, but I would not have called myself a natural. I had an understanding of the principles and elements but had some trouble fully implementing them (not to mention struggling with time management and perfectionism.) The instructors were patient, kind, and encouraging. My understanding of design techniques grew, along with my confidence, and within the year, I began to blossom. I completed the program and obtained my CFD designation in the Fall of 2021, two years and one pandemic later!
I am so grateful to AIFD and my North East Region teachers for allowing the time and space for my abilities to grow. As these instructors are mostly Philadelphia based florists, they also participated in the annual Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Philadelphia Flower Show as organizers, exhibitors, and competitors. I enjoyed attending the past two years to see their creations, so when the opportunity came to lend a hand on this year’s AIFD exhibit, I jumped at the chance!
Although the request to work on the project, did not highlight, italicize, underline, and capitalize the word “work”, it certainly could have, as to put on a display at the nation’s longest-running horticultural event is no easy feat! It took months of planning by the organizers, weeks of construction by the volunteers, and hurried days to install, but, in the end, was a sight to behold!
Of course, creating an outdoor installation in the June heat was not always pleasant, the team’s dedication to the task helped everyone keep their cool. There were construction issues, concept changes, and complications along the way, but there was also comedy and camaraderie that lifted everyone’s spirits.
We created a two-sided, interactive exhibit entitled “Fleurestial”, where attendees could stand in front of large, flower-covered wings for a fun photo-op. From the brilliant, artistic mind of Ron Mulray, and in collaboration with the 2022 Flower Show Chairperson and NE Region Incoming President Shannon Toal, they led a team of designers and volunteers in creating four sets of celestial wings, on a backdrop of fluffy, flower clouds and electrifying, lightning bolts. One of those designers was National AIFD President, Janet Black, who, upon arrival, did not hesitate to roll up her sleeves and get down to work. Altogether, the display was literally a show-stopper, and took the Bronze Award.
As the exhibit was outside again this year, at South Philadelphia’s FDR Park, the materials were a mix of dried and preserved florals, along with some interestingly recycled objects. I had worked on parts of all the various pieces, but on the day before the Show’s opening, I was tasked to specifically decorate the sign identifying our exhibit. The directions given were to make it over the top, using all the materials we had on hand. I was nervous at first, but Ron guided me in the mechanics, and Janet advised me in finding my focal emphasis. Shannon and the rest of the team continued to encourage my efforts as I tried to create a display reflective of our eclectic exhibit. Upon completion, the team, and even other designers in the area, admired and praised the piece, and I was honored and humbled. That moment will stay with me for a lifetime!
The Show had so much to offer to all attendees. We had the pleasure of sharing the display area with other AIFD NE Regional designers Renee Tucci along with Bill Schaffer and Kris Kratt. Renee won the Silver Award for “Heartwood”, a display of wood-carved creatures among a beautifully crafted tree, showing how trees provide essential support to the communities where they grow and thrive. Bill and Kris won Best in Show for their creation “Flower Bower”, celebrating the bower bird’s elaborate structure to entice a mate. There were many other wonderfully intricate and colorful displays from various talented designers. In addition, there were vendors for jewelry, plants, gardening goods, as well as the best food and drinks from all around the area.
Despite all the time and work put into it, the chance to assist the AIFD team at the Philadelphia Flower Show was a dream come true. I learned new skills, saw new and exciting things all around me, pushed myself as a designer, made new friends, and had a blast! Three years ago, attending my first Show, I could never have imagined it all, but a seed was definitely planted that day. Sign me up for next year!!
