The Chicago Flower and Garden Show was inspiring in a way that I thought only happened on Broadway. This year's theme is "Cultivating Great Performances" and it did not disappoint. From a 20-foot tall Queen of Hearts from
Alice in Wonderland to a green baby next to the letter
Z from
Wicked, the displays gave
whimsical a new name. Other displays include
Hairspray, complete with Aqua Net®, and
Little Shop of Horrors, with a small version of Audrey II.
It is certain that home gardeners would have a difficult time translating these designs in totality to their yards. But by exploring the use of nontraditional materials, like using tumbled and ground glass to outline walkways, the show is certain to push us all to think outside the box.
Old materials were given new life with bare trees hung suspended from the ceiling and clear Plexiglas used in window boxes. Colors are vivid with a strong nod towards turquoise. Larger-than-life garden ornaments include full-size carousel horses and suspended boats full of succulents.
This year, whimsy rules in Chicago gardens... and there is little doubt that Portland gardeners will willingly embrace the trend and create magnificent designs of our own