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EPA’s Philly Flower Show Exhibit Features Beneficial Insects and Environmentally Friendly Gardening

Release Date: 3/3/2004
Contact Information: Nancy Grundahl, (215) 814-2729

Nancy Grundahl, (215) 814-2729

PHILADELPHIA – Although it may seem too cold to think about flowers bursting into bloom, insects buzzing through the garden, and sunny weather – the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s flower show team has been hard at work creating a Philadelphia Flower Show exhibit that will transport you into spring.

The theme of the 2004 Philadelphia Flower Show is “Destination Paradise.” EPA's exhibit, “A Sensible Small Space,” features environmentally friendly ways to enjoy your garden all year long.

“EPA has a dedicated team of staff members who work year-round protecting the environment, and who also devote time to creating an exhibit that brings alive environmental protection concepts,” said Donald S. Welsh, EPA mid-Atlantic regional administrator.

The exhibit=s small greenhouse and quaint backyard garden are designed to utilize native plants, integrated pest management techniques, and rain water recycling to emphasize the value of environmentally friendly gardening. A native azalea display and other native plants highlight the beauty of indigenous flora and the importance of conserving and protecting native plants. Several species of live beneficial insects illustrate how an integrated pest management program can reduce pesticide use. A rain barrel demonstrates the benefits of reducing and reusing storm water runoff.
Anyone can transform their backyard garden into a beautiful setting that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also beneficial for the environment.

The exhibit shows you how to create your own personal paradise through the use of native plants, water-wise gardening, and integrated pest management techniques.

EPA has also designed a website which includes information on environmentally friendly gardening, its benefits, and how to get started. The website is an expanded on-line version of “The Gardener's Guide to a Healthier Environment,” one of EPA’s most popular handouts at past flower shows. Photographs of natural landscaping used in residential settings are featured. The website is https://www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/garden.

EPA’s flower show team, along with all the other exhibitors, are setting up the exhibit at the Philadelphia Convention Center this week. The Philadelphia Flower Show opens to the public next week, on March 7, and will run through March 14.

In addition, the exhibit in EPA’s Public Information Center, located at 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, will have a flower show theme for the months of March and April. Stop by from 8:30 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday to see the display and to pick up informational materials.

List of flower show team members
Ken Andersen, Medford, Burlington County, New Jersey
Ed Cobbs, Cherry Hill, Camden County, New Jersey
Andrew Dinsmore, Hilltown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Annie Donnelly, Elkton, Cecil County, Maryland
Steven Donohue, Langhorne, Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Jeff Lapp, Hilltown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Todd Lutte, Jim Thorpe, Carbon County, Pennsylvania
Carol Petrow, East Nantmeal, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Jeff Pike, Voorhees, Camden County, New Jersey