Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is reflecting on their mission and history through its Spring Flower show this year, “TrueColors.” The show, one of many rotating exhibitions throughout the year, is on display through April 26.
“They’re a lot to put on,” said Ben Dunigan, director of horticulture for Phipps. “They’re expensive. But that’s historically how many conservatories did it. but it’s basically we’re one of the left of the bigger conservatories that does these.”
Not all botanical gardens put on rotating flower shows like Phipps does, and Dunigan noted that they’re one of the bigger conservatories left that takes on that feat year after year. But, he said, the work is worth it. The community keeps coming back to see their shows, because they know they can see a fresh flower display each time they come in.
“And what better season to do it with the spring,” he said. “The beans are coming back on the tree, and the daffodils are starting to push their way through the soil after a cold winter. It’s just a special time.”
Phipps has been mounting a Spring Flower Show since 1894. This year’s, designed by Associate Director of Exhibits Jordyn Melino, is intended to be a sensory exhibit. The goal is to have the guests use all of their senses in experiencing the show, said Michael Bechtel, the indoor display manager.
“Touch, the sense of sound, sense of smell, obviously, with all the flowers,” Bechtel said.
Aside from solely a sensory experience, Phipps likes to bring the real world into their flower shows. They want their shows to have a significant meaning behind it for their guests. And this show is no different.
With their mission statement focused on promoting sustainability and environmental wellbeing, they want that message to shine through their flower shows. The garden and conservatory has a 137-year history in Pittsburgh, so they also focus on their historical significance within the city and the Oakland neighborhood. They use their flower shows as a way to ensure that they are a key place for the community members to visit, time and time again.
“We’re celebrating the place of Pittsburgh and the role that Phipps and the garden plays in the community,” Dunigan said.
With the “True Colors” show, Phipps is highlighting their past and bringing back elements of favorite flower displays from years past.
Dunigan said that a very special part of the show is the urn that they will be displaying. This urn originated in 1910, in Phipps’ cloister garden — a garden that has an open ceiling, but is surrounded by walkways or aisles. The urn stayed in its place until the ‘60s when it was put away. This artifact that Phipps has maintained through storage is back on display for the “True Colors” show.
A show like this takes a lot of work, time and people to successfully pull off. Bechtel said every year, as soon as the spring show is over, they immediately begin planning for the next year. They hold four meetings during the year to decide on the theme and plan for the exhibition.
“It’s really exciting,” Dunigan said. “The magic of an organized chaos.”
For Dunigan and Bechtel, the flower shows are something that they have always wanted to do. Working at Phipps and curating these shows is a lifelong dream fulfilled for both of them.
“I have always been in love with plants,” Bechtel said. “So, that interest led me here, as well as kind of having history of growing up and coming here to see the spring flower show.”
The “True Colors” show is a celebration of the history of Phipps, and how they’ve been shaped into who they are today.
Sophia Bowman is a student at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in media and professional communications.