Spring is in the air … and at the Philadelphia Zoo.
In a partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the zoo is ready to refresh, revitalize and reimagine its 42-acre gardens.
“Philadelphia Zoo is a destination where we invite all our guests to connect with all living things, not just the 1,900 animals in our care,” said Philadelphia Zoo President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is renowned for the work they do to bring beautiful gardens to improve the health and well-being of communities, and we’re excited to add their expertise to our 42 acres. Plants are vital to a healthy ecosystem that supports all life on Earth, and we hope this garden refresh and the addition of these eye-catching mosaic topiaries will spark a curiosity about how we can all be better stewards for the planet.”
This collaboration will start by recreating four garden areas in highly visible locations to showcase the power of horticulture to create joy and inspire action to protect habitats.
The garden beds, blueprinted by PHS designer and procurement manager Sam Keitch, will be filled with plants of different textures, colors and scents that will be unique to each garden to enhance the guest experience.
The zoo will also debut of “ZOOtopiaries: Nature’s Sculptures” in April.
These new towering, three-dimensional mosaic topiaries will be spread out throughout the campus and feature whimsical figures that highlight the interconnection of art, plants and animals. Each living art piece is skillfully designed in meticulous patterns, creating the likeness of a giant giraffe, stunning butterflies, preening peacock, slow-moving snail and more.
The new ZOOtopiaries and garden beds in partnership with PHS will join the already opened East Coast premiere of Wildlife Rescue by Little Ray’s Exhibitions that has 13 animal statues spread throughout to share stories about wildlife conservation.
All three exhibits and enhancements will be included with admission and memberships, with no additional fee required to enjoy them. For more information for the launch date for ZOOtopiaries and the PHS gardens, visit philadelphiazoo.org/attractions.
“PHS is proud to be the horticulture partner to bedrock institutions across the city, and we are thrilled to add the Zoo to our network,” said Matt Rader, president of PHS. “Philadelphia Zoo is a leading conservation and education organization so this was a natural partnership that aligns with our mission. We are excited to not only design new gardens but provide training opportunities for the fantastic team of horticulturalists at the Zoo.”
Guests will also find a series of more than 18 large planters next to a new surprise exhibit that will have the Zoo’s feathered fans lining up at rope drop.
Look for these new installations to debut in time for Flamingo Cove (opening in late spring). The planters will be part of a new shaded space providing guests the chance to relax and recharge. The planters will feature small flowering or evergreen trees surrounded by plants like Plectranthus ‘mona lavender,’ hydrangea and begonia.
In the fall, guests will be able to enjoy the two other reimagined garden areas of the zoo. The entrance will feature new beds with a selected mix of sun and shade species, with a strong emphasis on native plants that enhance ecological diversity while maintaining visual appeal.
When finished, the PHS partnership for the zoo gardens will include 8,150 square feet of plantings, featuring 78 plant species.
Source: Berkshire mont
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