At PHS, creativity doesn’t stop when the Philadelphia Flower Show ends. In fact, it often marks the beginning of a new chapter; especially at the PHS Pop Up Gardens at South Street and Manayunk. 

Over the past several years, PHS has worked with talented Flower Show exhibitors and partners to repurpose plants, garden structures, and materials. These collaborations transform temporary exhibit components into lasting features of the Pop Up Gardens. It’s sustainable garden design in action and a powerful example of innovative reuse in public green spaces. 

From pergolas to palms and lighting to garden beds, these projects highlight how thoughtful reuse benefits the environment and enhances the visitor experience in two of Philadelphia’s beloved seasonal gardens. 

J. Downend Landscaping Brings Lasting Craftsmanship 

Longtime PHS collaborator J. Downend Landscaping has made durable, meaningful contributions to the Pop Up Garden at South Street, beginning with a special donation that rooted the space in Flower Show history. The zelkova trees that now provide shade and structure at South Street originally appeared in Downend’s 2014 ARTiculture Flower Show exhibit. After the show, he gifted them to PHS, where they were transplanted into the garden and continue to thrive today. 

In 2016, Downend partnered with PHS and Amtrak to design a temporary seating installation for the Democratic National Convention using reclaimed wooden railroad ties. After the event, the seating was donated back to PHS. Downend’s team removed, stored, and later reinstalled the ties as bench seating in both the South Street and Manayunk gardens—benches that are still in use nearly a decade later. 

The relationship has continued to grow. In 2023, Downend helped rebuild the South Street garden’s main pergola, reinforcing one of its most iconic features with structural updates and expert craftsmanship. Each spring, the team also resets and levels pavers and refreshes the space with new playground mulch to keep the garden safe, accessible, and welcoming for all. 

"Working with PHS has shown me their incredible dedication to sustainability," says Jim Downend, President and Founder of  J. Downend Landscaping. "It's not just about saving money; PHS is committed to giving materials a second life, imbuing their designs with unique character. Their designers are brilliant at envisioning how repurposed materials can be integrated, and we're proud to help bring those innovative ideas to life."

From Flower Show to Community Garden: Jack Doyle of Scenery First 

Visitors to the Manayunk Pop Up Garden may not know they’re looking at a piece of Flower Show history when they discover that this location features vegetable garden beds that PHS oversees for donation to food pantries. Originally designed as the Lemonary exhibit for the 2020 Flower Show, the beds were repurposed by designer Jack Doyle of Scenery First and the PHS team. Today, these raised beds serve as demonstration gardens where PHS staff and volunteers grow produce from City Harvest seeds, donating the harvest to North Light Community Center. 

Jack also brought new life to the rear garden at Manayunk by installing fan-style string lighting, based on a design by PHS’s Lead Designer, Laura Butera. The warm, carnival-like glow has transformed the space into a favorite spot for evening programs and casual gatherings. 

“It’s great to see the Lemonary exhibit being reused to make the beer garden a relaxing setting with its own vegetable garden!” says Jack Doyle. “Every year we get to work with PHS to build exhibits for the Flower Show, hoping they will inspire people to do great things with plants.” 

Mark Cook’s Elegant Garden Repairs 

Some of the Manayunk garden beds were initially constructed with reused materials and designed to last only a few seasons. When they needed repairs, award-winning designer Mark Cook applied his engineering expertise to strengthen and upgrade the structures with custom-fabricated solutions. 

These updates not only extend the life of the beds but also improve their appearance, usability, and flexibility. The repairs were thoughtfully designed and installed to be disassembled and reused for future projects, aligning with PHS’s commitment to sustainable design and materials reuse. Additional improvements to the rear garden beds are planned for later this summer.  

Plants with a Past: Living Legacy from the Flower Show 

Reusing materials doesn’t stop with wood and metal. Many plants from past Flower Shows are now thriving in the Pop Up Gardens. These include: 

• An olive tree at Manayunk, originally featured in 2021’s Habitat: Nature’s Masterpiece 
• Two Flame Azaleas (Rhododendron calendulaceum) from Susan Cohan’s 2023 exhibit for the The Garden Electric; one planted in each garden 
• Fan palms at South Street that once welcomed guests at the 2023 Show’s entrance garden 

Each plant tells a story of artistry, care, and PHS’s dedication to conservation and reuse. 

Glass with Purpose: Bottle Underground and Remark Glass 

For more than three years, the South Street garden has partnered with Bottle Underground to recycle glass collected from garden operations. The program goes beyond curbside recycling. Bottles are ground into fine glass sand, which is now used as a decorative topper in container plantings throughout the garden. 

Through a sister organization, Remark Glass, some of the recycled bottles have also been transformed into custom-blown chandeliers that hang above the stage at South Street. 

This collaboration even inspired a 2025 Flower Show feature. After discussions with PHS staff, Bottle Underground helped inform the design of the OLIN exhibit, which showcased glass sand and hand-blown pieces in a striking example of sustainable art. 

Get Involved: Garden Workshops and Learning Opportunities 

The Pop Up Gardens don’t just showcase sustainable design. They also offer hands-on learning. Each month, visitors can participate in PHS garden workshops that teach skills you can apply in your own green space, or as an exhibitor at the Philadelphia Flower Show’s PHS Hamilton Horticourt. 

Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, these classes are a great way to connect with others and deepen your love of plants. 

Plan Your Visit: See Sustainable Garden Design in Action 

The next time you visit the PHS Pop Up Gardens at South Street or Manayunk, take a closer look. Many of the materials, structures, and plants you’ll see have a second life, repurposed from the Philadelphia Flower Show. 

From custom-crafted pergolas and seating to artistic glass chandeliers and thriving trees, every detail reflects PHS’s mission to use horticulture for good. Explore, unwind, and be inspired by the power of reuse!