Every year, thousands descend upon the annual Philadelphia Flower Show to ogle the pristine displays, weigh in on the best succulents and peruse the brightly-colored booths. The Pennsylvania Horticulture Society's crown jewel is the largest indoor flower show in the country. This year's theme is "Brilliant" -- as in the popular British compliment -- and showcases work inspired by the UK's gardens and national icons. The show runs through March 10.

Most ticket holders are likely unaware that PHS turns the dollars generated by this decidedly traditional event into a slate of innovative, progressive greening programs throughout Philadelphia. PHS has been working to improve our city's green spaces -- both public and private -- for 185 years. 

Their groundbreaking initiatives include City Harvest, a program that has grown and donated over 180,000 lbs of fresh produce to families in need. A particularly innovative element of City Harvest, the Growers Alliance, enables backyard gardeners to become micro-entrepreneurs, selling their output at local farmers' markets (while also donating a portion back into the program).

Other ongoing PHS priorities include Plant One Million (trees, that is), community garden support, youth programs and vacant land restoration.

Our photographer Michael Persico spent some time at last weekend's Flower Show, capturing the chromatic fireworks of all those gorgeous plants. They look even more striking when you consider the fact that their display indirectly leads to a new tree on a dusty block or a fresh, healthy meal on a local family's table.

Text by Lee Stabert.
All photographs by Michael Perisco.