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Gardenland Express:
Behind the Scenes - Watch as the Show is Created!
Visitors are often amazed to learn that the Gardenland Express landscape is temporary and created mostly of living plant material. In late October/early November, truckloads of sawdust are spread upon a 5,000 square foot concrete floor to create rolling hills, valleys and mountains. Approximately 1,500 feet of brass track is laid before plants and props are carefully placed within railroad tie borders. The Garden's horticulture staff uses dwarf conifers, succulents and moss to create the landscapes. "We created our vintage store front window in this show using pieces of a previous Orchid Show conservatory," said Pat Scace, floral display designer. "Our Belton Chalet from last year's Gardenland Express show has an architecturally Swiss influence that has been modified and works well for this year's Trapp Family Lodge. It's fun to be creative and explore alternatives uses of items from year to year, while still keeping a fresh look with each new display." The cozy comfort of a lobby fireplace welcomes visitors to the 5,000-square-foot Orthwein Floral Display Hall. Inside, model trains circle snow-capped mountains along 1,500 feet of elevated railway tracks. An animated gondola lifts tiny passengers to a mountaintop as a dozen mini-skiers soar with ease down a glistening, five-foot-tall slope. Speed and figure skaters whirl in circles and figure eights across the icy reflection of a frozen pond. Residents of an intricately-detailed village stroll through the winter wonderland to do their holiday shopping and visit at the town hall. Nearby, mini-entertainers raise the spirits of troops in uniform, reminiscent of the opening scene of the holiday classic, "White Christmas." Giant snowflakes suspended in mid-air glisten above the Trapp Family Lodge of Vermont, shrunken to scale and decked in holiday finery. Covered bridges dot the living landscape of dwarf conifers, succulents and moss. A winding toy train inside a frosty store front window invites a nostalgic glimpse at the holidays of yesteryear. Large adorned wreaths and Norman Rockwell artwork decks the walls. The "wintery" setting is enhanced by ribbons of potted poinsettias and blooming plants. Snow-colored poinsettia cultivars 'Eggnog,' 'Classic White,' and 'Snow Cap' are complimented by numerous miniatures in blue hues. Pink cyclamen, kalanchoe, and begonias color the living display with a rosy-cheek blush. Helichrysum thianschanicum 'Icicles,' Euphorbia 'Diamond Frost,' Pelargonium 'Charming Snow Flurry,' Kalanchoe 'Snowden' and more add a chilly charm to the landscape. Ficus trees adorned with twinkling lights complete the scene. Horticulture staff and volunteers work diligently year-round to create the seasonal spectacle. In keeping with the Garden's focus on sustainability, several models are adapted and re-created each year to suit current show themes.
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