Garden designs encourage attendees to slow down, appreciate 'Beauty of Balance'

Joseph Gray's stone carvings invite introspection at the Boston Flower & Garden Show. 

Serenity. Peace. Reflection.

Garden designers channeled their inner zen to create display gardens for the "Beauty of Balance", this year's theme at the Boston Flower & Garden Show.

What do you see first when you look at this stone sculpture?

"Spiritual Awakening" featured hand-carved stone sculptures from Joseph Gray, whose work has been featured in interior design books and magazines. A large Meditating Man (made of stone) is placed above a large Yin Yang floral installation. The Yin Yang symbol represents balance in the universe, and is surrounded by a stone wall. "This exhibit, more than any other, I carved from my soul," he said.

"Most of my sculpture is based on what I am feeling at the time of the carving," Gray said. "This winter I was moved by a lot of events happening in the world and felt there was going to be an awakening of spiritual energy to bring us all together."

Gray's installation is not meant to be looked at quickly. There are thoughtful elements added to his design, including carved pieces placed alongside and in the stone wall. "The people in the wall are on a pilgrimage to see the Meditating Man to share in his vision," he explained.

Winter outside, spring inside

Many of the gardens designed for the show were representative of growing zones 5-6, and all included plants forced into bloom or early spring growth. Substantial planning and timing is involved in coordinating the timing for this "early spring" at flower and garden shows.

"The Teahouse", designed by Studio [id] Interior design, focused on a tranquil, Asian garden theme.  The team's design depicted a shady garden with a large, wooden Asian-style teahouse perched above a water feature, which included koi fish. Large trees, including Japanese maples, soften the structure, and everything is stitched together with a patchwork of moss in different shades of green. Large black bamboo plants lined the back portion of this garden.

"The Teahouse".

Attention to detail in the moss included in "The Teahouse" display garden.

Beautifully balanced landscapes are best created by Mother Nature, according to the garden display "Escaping to Nature" by Samantha's Garden. "We attempt to capture the calm, soothing tranquility of a natural forest scene with a meditative space that draws individuals to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature in the hopes of bringing balance back into their lives," according to the display description. This garden installation featured an assortment of shade plants and a large structure complete with white curtains and lit candles to encourage meditation. A reclining Buddha statue overlooked the water feature in the space.

"Escaping to Nature".

While many designs focused on outdoor gardens, Kirsten VanDijk, the owner of My Passionflower focused on the indoors. Her "Destination Flower Shop" display encouraged florists who are considering opening a brick and mortar store to think beyond a spot to fulfill orders. Flower shops can be an "urban oasis" in the retail world, she said.

"The key is to create an experience. It is OK to come in and look around and breathe deeply," she said.

Her display included plans to have fresh flowers displayed in buckets (a trait found in European florist shops). It also featured houseplants such as philodendrons, pothos and hanging succulents, along with modern cultivars. "Houseplants can surround you every day," she said.

"Let's bring the community back to the flower shop," said Kirsten VanDijk, referring to her display, "Destination Flower Shop".

An antique cash register is a reminder of the past.

Houseplants even made their way into the garden of "Plug into Family" by Terrascape Design, which included air plants in the center gate of their display. Planted in containers and along the garden beds were yellow-blooming pocketbook plants (calceolaria), green purple and silver leaved Tradescanta zebrina, and orange-blooming kalanchoe. The design's intent was to offer an outdoor space for families to unwind with each other.

"Plug into Family".

"Plug into Family".

If you go

The Boston Flower & Garden Show
Seaport World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Boulevard, Boston

The show runs through March 18, 2019.

• Friday, March 16: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. EST
• Saturday, March 17: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. EST
• Sunday, March 18: 10: a.m. – 6 p.m. EST

Admission
Adults: $20; Seniors (65+): $17; Children (6-17): $10; Children (under 6): FREE

Parking 
A free shuttle is offered from the EDIC Garage at 343 Northern Avenue to the Show’s entrance.
There is the Seaport Hotel garage across the street from the Seaport World Trade Center, and while it is convenient, expect to pay for that convenience. (I paid $34 for parking for just under five hours.)