Pinelands Preservation Alliance Debuts at Philadelphia Flower Show
The Pinelands Preservation Alliance makes its first appearance at the world-renowned Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s (PHS) Philadelphia Flower Show.
Pinelands Preservation Alliance (PPA) is the leading voice for protecting the natural and historic resources of the New Jersey Pinelands. These resources include 800,000 acres of forest in one of the world’s most densely developed regions, the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer that remains one of North America’s largest and healthiest aquifers, rare plants, and animals under siege in other parts of their natural habitat, and a fascinating history embodied in the Pinelands’ ghost towns, historic villages, farms, and people.
On June 5, 2021, PPA will make its first appearance at the world-renowned Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s (PHS) Philadelphia Flower Show. The region’s most looked-to gardening attraction will move outdoors for the first time, making this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The show runs from June 5th – June 13th at FDR Park which is located at 1500 Pattison Ave & South Broad Street.
The Show’s theme, “HABITAT: Nature’s Masterpiece,” explores the beauty of life through nature’s kaleidoscopic lens. Visitors will see exceptional beauty, learn from a diverse line-up of designers and leading horticulturalists, and enter a new gardener-centric experience that invites everyone at all skill levels to nurture a lifelong connection to plants and gardening.
PPA’s exhibit called “Somewhere over the Rain Garden,” features a rain garden and emphasizes the benefits of rain gardens to our Pinelands habitat. Rain gardens can be planted in your backyard or in your town center. They filter pollutants from rain, prevent soil erosion, control stormwater runoff, reduce mosquito breeding, encourage use of native plants, and provide excellent habitats for wildlife like birds, bees, and butterflies. The exhibit highlights work that PPA does with partner organizations called the South Jersey Landscape Makeover Program (SJLMP). Residents who participate in the SJLMP program receive assistance with design and professional tips for their rain garden free of charge. Plants for the exhibit were provided by Summersweet Native Plants, LLC, in Mays Landing and Pinelands Direct Native Plants in Columbus, NJ. Jim Pizzuto, South Jersey woodcarver, provided the unique birdhouse. The exhibit can be found in the “Garden District” at G7.
PPA was awarded 2nd place in the Pocket Garden category. The judges appreciated that we stuck to the habitat theme, loved our plant choices and were impressed with the presentation.
Patricia Butenis, PPA’s Board President, said, “The Pinelands Preservation Alliance is honored and thrilled to participate in this year’s PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. What a perfect venue to showcase our Pinelands native plants and promote a key type of green infrastructure — the rain garden. We hope visitors not only enjoy our exhibition but learn a little about protecting the Pineland and its natural treasures.”
For more information about the Philadelphia Flower Show including a schedule of events, hours and tickets visit www.phsonline.org/the-flower-show. To learn more about the South Jersey Landscape Makeover Program visit www.sjwatersavers.org or reach out to Heather Sampey at pinelands2@pinelandsalliance.org.