Amongst the sights
of imaginative landscapes and the scents of flowering hyacinths, a pair of
hands gently offers visitors a rainbow of blooms at the Philadelphia
Flower Show “Rooted:
Origins of American Gardening” now until Sunday at the Pennsylvania Convention
Center. 
Designed by Tanesha
Sample, of Tissa Rose Floral in Drexel Hill, IKECHI is a bridge between history
and the present. Plans for the Sample’s exhibit took months to create, as she
curated the color palette and materials needed to bring her creative vision to
life.
“IKECHI captures
the resilience of the Africans and African Americans that tilled the land.
Featuring cotton, it highlights the fact that they were more than crop
harvesters, they cultivated the crops and gardens for both functional and
expressive purposes,” explained Sample. “A hand structure that will be holding
a garden as if it were ripped from the ground. The hand will have an African
American skin tone to represent history, rooted in African American
contributions to gardening and agriculture. It's also linked to my
representation of the biblical creation story, which my life and passion for
floral design are rooted.”
Through immersive garden exhibits and floral displays, “Rooted,” showcases
the personal stories, cultural traditions and horticultural inspiration that
connects us to plants and each other.
“The reactions have been deeply emotional. Many
visitors have told me they felt a sense of reverence standing in front of the
piece. Some connect strongly with the biblical imagery of creation, while
others resonate with the symbolism of the hands, recognizing the importance of
mentors, ancestors, and community in their own lives. I've also heard from
guests who were moved by the representation of African American hands in such a
central, uplifting role. That acknowledgment of history and contribution has
sparked meaningful conversations throughout the show,” she said.
Earning
a bronze medal for her exhibit, Sample said she’s happy to see
her design resonate with visitors.
“The biggest reward
are compliments and messages I receive about the emotional impact our Flower
Show designs have had on the PHS members and show attendees. Every year I look
forward to bringing something opulent to the thousands of people who look
forward to what we create,” she said.
If
you go: The Philadelphia Flower Show’s “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening” runs until
this Sunday at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
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