Tulips Around Town

Outside of the UCP in Oakland

This spring tulips have been the major trend when it comes to designing a front yard. Walking and driving through the city I noticed tulips everywhere; in front of large houses, apartment complexes and churches. Whenever I would go by a particularly well kept lawn or interesting display of tulips I just had to snap a picture. Some used a variety of tulip colors while others made striking displays with just one type of tulip. Since I didn't want to look like a creeper, I didn't spend more than a minute in front of any house nor are there many close ups since I didn't want to step on anyone's property. Here are pictures of some of my favorite front yards around Shadyside, Oakland and Squirrel Hill.

 The pictures above and below are from the outside of an apartment complex in Oakland.

Front yard of a house in Shadyside. They had  tulips in a horseshoe around the lawn.

This display used only white tulips which I think looked very classy in front of this gorgeous Shadyside house.

I love how this home in Shadyside surrounded their sculpture with bright tulips.

The front entrance of a grand house in Squirell Hill. I really like how they lined the hedges with tulips.

The right side was a mixture of bright colored tulips.

More feathery tulips in soft colors were along the left hedge,

This blue ranch style house in Squirrel Hill displayed lots of color in their spring flowered lawn.

Close up of all the gorgeous tulips and pansies.

This house in Squirrel Hill had a fountain in the center of their display.

Red, white and yellow tulips lined the entire lawn and look great under the blossoming cherry tree.

Just a small row of tulips add a punch of color outside of the Newman Center in Oakland.

What favorite lawn displays have you noticed in the city?

Valley Forge in the Spring

Last weekend I went home to Philly for Easter where the weather couldn't have been more perfect. The sun was shining, a light breeze was blowing and the flowers and trees were in full bloom. We had Easter dinner at my aunt and uncle's house so my dad and I decided to take the long way there through Valley Forge National Park. Since it was so gorgeous out, we had the top of his convertible down which was perfect for taking pictures.
Here are some of the shots I was able to get as we drove through the park.

National Memorial Arch

Log Cabin

I encourage everyone to take half an hour to drive through the parks or out to the country and experience the wonderful spring weather. 

Spring Around The World: Phipps Flower Show 2012

Last week I visited the Spring Flower Show at Phipps Conservatory where the theme was a Trip around the World. Each room depicted a different country showcasing spring flowers and  highlighting some unique pieces of each culture.

Flags were displayed in the Palm Court when you first walked in showing some of the countries included in the flower show.

 A huge Dutch tulip display with a moving windmill was one of my favorite rooms due to the variety of tulips and other flowers included. Of course my favorites were the orange tulips which I took many pictures of, one of which you can see below.

 

Dutch Display

Pretty Pink Tulips

Triumph Tulip in orange. Tulipa. 'Anne Schilder'

 A close second favorite was the Great Britain display.It was set up in the Sunken Garden ans included a British red phone booth filled with white flowers and the Union Jack depicted by red, white and blue blooms.

Red phone booth filled with white snapdragons and surrounded by tulips.

I like the contrast of the white delicate tulips against the red frame of the booth.

One half of the Union Jack created by the flowers in the sunken garden. 

France was also represented during the Spring Flower Show. Of course the display was in none other than the Broderie Room which is the wedding or love room at Phipps Conservatory.

The Broderie Room was filled with pink, white and green flowers.

Little touches like this bike were placed around the room to feel like you were outside in Paris.

Official wishing well.

Variety of plants and flowers filled the bed along the back wall.

 Other countries such as Greece, China and the Polynesia Islands were also represented in the exhibit along with the permanent India display and Orchid room. Pictures from the rest of the rooms will be up soon but since this post is getting long I will end it now.

The show closes soon so hopefully you will be able to go and see it and experience all the wonderful spring flowers.