Hoping for some semblance of spring and to escape the unseasonably cold 37-degree temperature, visitors flocked to the opening day of Phipps Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show on Saturday. Inside, they were rewarded with blooming tulips and the sweet aroma of hyacinths.
The spring flower show, “Five Senses of Splendor,” runs until April 16. The conservatory was expecting about 2,000 people on Saturday and more than 40,000 during the show’s four-week run, said Phipps spokesman Joe Reed.
The conservatory is stuffed with thousands of spring blooms, including the expected tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, but also more summery plants like petunias.
Deep blue delphiniums stood tall above the usual spring flowers. Multicolored ribbons in chime canopies sounded like a summer breeze.
But the blankets of red tulips around a red ornamental bridge crossing a babbling brook stole the show, said Melissa Bell, of Squirrel Hill, a Phipps member for 20 years.
“It’s a nice, fun day to hang out with a friend,” said Ms. Bell, who brought along Jennifer Litwin, of Mt. Lebanon.
Impressed with the color scheme of flowers, the vibrancy of tulips made the visit special, Ms. Litwin said.
Others just liked the concept of a flower show and looked for the unusual.
For Steeve Djomo of Monroeville, the 8-foot-tall perfume bottle labeled “Phipps’ Eau De Fleur” caught his attention.
“I like the French wording, it piqued my interest,” said Mr. Djomo, who brought a date to the flower show. Given the proliferation of petals and warm temperatures inside, he said, “This is better than a walk in the park.”
First Published: March 19, 2023, 12:57 a.m.
Updated: March 19, 2023, 3:26 a.m.
