February 2012 – MarvinGardensUSA

Everything You Need to Know About the Philadelphia Flower Show

It’s finally time! We have been sharing with you our excitement for the Philadelphia Flower Show for months now, and this weekend marks the opening weekend of the phenomenal show. As you can imagine, Marvin Gardens has been busy getting ready for the show, bringing in new merchandise and setting up our space at Booth #301.

If you haven’t had a chance yet to research the event and purchase tickets, we wanted to make sure you have all the information you need. The Show will run from March 4^th through March 11^th and will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (12^th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107-2299). Tickets may be purchased online and there’s also a floorplan available that you can use to find us! There will be dozens of special surprises as well, like a special “Man Cave” for guests who need to relax for a bit.

Visiting the Philadelphia Flower Show has always been a wonderful experience for us and we look forward to seeing each of you at the event as well!

You'll find garden inspiration at every corner at this year's Philadelphia International Flower Show!

Image via M T Miller

A Fanciful Find – The European Factory Mirror

Today we are excited to share with you yet another special find that our team at Marvin Gardens has just acquired. Arriving soon, this impressive European Factory Mirror is just what we’ve been looking for, for our vast garden collections.

The design possibilities for a garden accessory of this nature are endless. We all know that with an interior space, a mirror helps to open up a space, making the room seem larger and more grand – so what better area to recreate the same ambiance than in the garden, where the more openness, the better!

The size of the mirror is just remarkable. Standing 7.5’ high and 5’ wide, the grandness of the piece creates a bold statement. Built during the early 1900’s, the mirror also offers us a glimpse into the architecture and designs of the time over a century ago. The piece is absolutely stunning and we look forward to sharing it with you all! Stop by the Marvin Gardens shop soon to view the stunner.

Boasting Architectural Individuality in Your Garden

Recently, we illustrated to you some of the bold looks that can be achieved through the use of wrought iron products in your garden. Similarly, we have come across some equally as beautiful, large architectural elements that can be used in landscape design that will not only enhance the style of your exterior, but often have a fascinating story to tell as well.

When we come across these unique garden elements, their size, history, and potential, constantly surprise us. Often using these items in a completely different way, we can achieve an innovative design that stresses individuality and is far from the “mass replication” that we see so often in larger companies. This passion of ours can be seen easily by viewing some of our past products below.

Large Teak Root Ball

Garden Cloche

Hand Hewn Antique Beams

Iron Sculpture made from Reclaimed Agricultural Elements

To see more of our architectural garden elements, just stop by Marvin Gardens.

Wrought Iron Inspirations for Your Spring Garden

You have probably already starting planning the lavish and distinctive elements for your landscape this year. As you all are well aware, at Marvin Gardens we value the uniqueness of each and every landscape element. Whether a piece is of personal value for you or if it something you handpicked from our shop, distinctive landscape elements enable each of us to unleash a new appreciation for creativity!

One garden element that has always been a favorite of ours is the use of wrought iron in driveways, garden gates, fencing, and other features. The look promotes a bold style that is as classic as it is elegant. Just take a look at these images for some wrought iron inspiration.

What do you think you could do with some of these pieces?

As always, our inventory at Marvin Gardens is constantly changing so be sure to stop to see what unique garden items we currently have available!

The Topiary Traditions of Pearl Fryar

Every now and then, we come across the work of designers and artists that is so impressive that we are immediately compelled to share it with you, our Marvin Gardens readers; such is the work from Pearl Fryar.

After moving with his wife to South Carolina during the 1980s, Pearl Fryar set out to create a garden worthy of the local garden club’s Yard of the Month award. His motivation came from the community, as they expected that the African American couple would not keep up their yard properly. At the time, he knew nothing of gardening yet fashioned his three acre garden from salvaged plants from a local garden center’s throwaways. In doing so, he created a garden full of distinctive shapes and garden artwork.

Pearl Fryar went on to create incredible topiary designs though he had no formal training in horticulture or art. His work can now be seen anywhere. From local colleges and his hometown, to the Phillip Simmons Garden in Charleston and the South Carolina State Museum, his topiaries are certainly captivating.

He states:

“Gardening books will tell you that some of these things in my garden can’t be done, but I had never read them when I got started. Not knowing ahead of time that something is supposed to be impossible often makes it possible to achieve. I didn’t have any limitations because I really didn’t know anything about horticulture. I just figured I could do whatever I wanted with any plant I had.”

What do you think of these topiary designs? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section!

Source and images via GardenHistoryGirl

Showcasing the Marvin Gardens Product Line!

When you visit Marvin Gardens (or our new satellite location at Hiden Galleries!) you can expect to have a new shopping experience. Rather than stocking our shop with generic products that can be found at any landscaping store, Marvin Gardens features products that stimulate your creativity. With dozens of unique planters, urns, and other garden accessories, you’ll be able to make your landscape a true original. If you’re looking for something specific, we likely carry that too. Take a look at the impressive Marvin Gardens Product Line.

Cast Iron Urns

Wrought Iron Driveway, Garden Gates, and Fencing

Cast Stone and Cement Planters

Zinc and Lead Planters

Contemporary and Vintage Statuary

Vintage Birdbaths

Vintage Industrial Bins

Metal Folk Art Animals

Arbors

Trellises

Pergolas

Gazebos

Custom Iron Sculptures

Antique and Vintage Architectural Elements

Interior Furnishings and Accessories

Vintage and Antique Lighting

Antique Hand Hewn Beams and Floorboards

Specialty/Exotic Perennials and Annuals such as Citrus Trees

Australian Tree Ferns

Succulents and Tillandsia

Vintage Garden Tools

Garden Design Services

And a multitude of other Garden Elements and Accessories!

Wondering how to incorporate these items into your landscape? We would be happy to help! Just stop by Marvin Gardens at 713 Danbury Road in Wilton, CT to get started!

With unique plants such as this Tillandsia Xerographica, we can help you create a sophisticated, original garden.

Delighted to Become a Part of Hiden Galleries!

This year is all about new opportunities for our team here at Marvin Gardens! Already this year we have been delighted to continue sharing our love for bringing together distinctive and intriguing elements for home designs that transcend traditional trends. In support of our efforts to continue to expand our collections and make them available to you, you will soon find Marvin Gardens at Hiden Galleries in Stamford, Connecticut.

hiden galleries from above — Hiden Galleries offers guests a wonderful opportunity to find truly unique elements for their homes.

Within the antique district of Stamford, Hiden Galleries (47 John Street, Stamford, CT) is the premier location for lovers of all things antique and vintage. The 48,000 square foot showroom houses 275 antique and artisan dealers offering some of the finest decorative furniture, artwork, and garden pieces in the tri-state area.

Marvin Gardens has had the distinct opportunity of becoming a part of Hiden Galleries and will soon offer our products at Booth #1424. Our location will evoke the conservatory style setting with both the indoor and outdoor living pieces that we’re known for. You’ll find plenty of cast iron urns, vintage and antique garden element, as well as patio furniture!

Over the next week we will be moving into our newest location and sharing all the updates with each of you! Once we get settled in, we hope you will all join us in celebrating this exciting addition by stopping by for a visit!

Image via Hiden Galleries

Four Reasons to Attend the Philadelphia International Flower Show

As we shared with you a few weeks ago, this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show is quickly approaching! To be held from Sunday, March 4 through Sunday, March 11, the annual event will once again bring together some of the finest garden talents in all of the world. In fact, since Marvin Gardens will also be one of the exhibitors in attendance, we encourage all of our readers to do the same! Here are four of our favorite reasons we think you should attend the Philadelphia International Flower Show.

1. Exceptional Talent of Designers

This show is dedicated to showcasing the finest talent in today’s garden design. Creative designers worldwide who have spent decades perfecting their work will be on hand to showoff their skill!

2. Evening Outings

The Garden Show isn’t just a daytime event. Be sure to keep up with information about the Flower Show Preview Party, Wedding Wednesday, Girls’ Night, and other evening events.

3. Events for Everyone

During the daytime events at the show, you’ll find activities for everyone. There will be culinary demonstrations, wine tasting, a Garden Tea, and garden lectures.

4. Proceeds Support PHS

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) receives tremendous support from the Garden Show each year. Proceeds allow the PHS to continue to “improve the quality of life and create a sense of community through horticulture.”

To learn more about what we have been up to at Marvin Gardens, just subscribe to our blog by entering your email address on our blog home page!

flower show waterfall — Each year, we find that the Philadelphia International Flower Show gives us an extra boost of enthusiasm for the approaching spring season.

Image via berrihol