#and was gorgeous and thrilling and had so many layers

[rowanhoney]

Anyway don’t hate me but sinners was only alright

[insomniumstella]

baby, she's all yours

bucky x fem!reader

warnings: free use (consent to be "used" anytime & anywhere), explicit language, fingering, oral (m! and f! receiving), a sprinkle of degradation, a sprinkle of breeding kink, dom!bucky, public sex, light spanking, daddy kink (i should be stopped). this one is bad, so it goes without saying, but MDI

word count: 1,240

author's note: this is a lil' story in celebration of kinktober, which time won't permit me to participate in, but my thoughts always wanted to. ➼ sharp, but oh so gentle

James was hesitant to explore the concept you described as free use at first, and maybe a fraction scared. The two of you had been dating for close to three years, and though things were great, the idea of you introducing free use into the bedroom days after knife play troubled him. His heart has always been heavy with the notion of being too difficult to love and too bothersome to deal with, but you made him feel enough; more than. Special in public when you would proudly hold his hand, and special in the comfort of plush sheets when you would let him cherish you — use and mould you into a drooling mess, obeying every demand. Was proposing a fresh kink a silent plead to advise him you have gotten bored? 

As it turned out, it was. Kind of. The itch beneath your skin urging you to explore foreign waters wasn’t boredom but rather lust. Fiery hot and addicting type of lust that ignited every nerve ending in your body around him. Still does. Introducing Bucky to free use was the best—and the most deliciously infuriating—thing to soothe your constant yearning for his touch. 

It caught you off guard, the first time he complied with the request. Steve had recently purchased an apartment in Brooklyn and organised a small housewarming celebration. You slipped out of the living room and into the kitchen once your glass turned empty, oblivious to the very needy pair of eyes studying you. The music muffled your soft moans then, as James fingered you against the blonde’s new refrigerator, suffocating the whines his thick fingers caused with passionate kisses. 

The second time it happened, it was winter. Powdery layers of snow covered the entirety of New York City, and, as the sun laid to rest for the evening, the streets seemed magical. James and you were rushing to Natasha’s birthday dinner, stopping by Bergdorf Goodman for a last-minute gift. Time around holidays is always strenuous, but the missions almost doubled last year, rustles of a deadly biochemical weapon dampening the joy of Christmas and stealing your attention away from getting Natasha a gift early. Bucky tackled the three bottom floors whilst you handled the other three, scouring the variety of fine jewelry and designer clothing. As fate would have it, a gorgeous sequinned dress piqued your interest, the colour of it overly harsh for the redhead’s complexion but perfectly complimenting to yours. James practically pleaded for you to model it, assuring nobody would notice you being late a minute or two. Desire waltzed in his eyes when you agreed at last, twirling around to present the garment and flaunt how well it flattered your curves. He shoved the two of you into the private dressing room once the sales associate disappeared to bring out a pair of matching heels, closing the curtains and hiking the dress up to your waist. “Be good for me,” he spoke, undoing his zipper and slipping the tip of his cock into your dripping heat, “you wouldn’t want employees to hear us, would you, doll?” You couldn’t think of the gift you ended up buying Natasha, but you can still remember sobbing into Bucky’s hand as his hips feverishly snapped into yours.  

Sometimes, that particular memory makes you wonder if introducing James to free use was a mistake — you’d be lying if you said it was because the thrill of being played with at times you least expect is exhilarating. The agreement caused many risky scenarios, though. There was that instance of Bucky between your legs, lapping at your core during a video call with your sister. The wooden desk shielded him from view as he relished you, but the grimaces on your features were a smidge more difficult to camouflage. “You taste incredible, baby,” Bucky mumbled, flesh and metal hands gripping the softness of your exposed thighs, before eagerly licking your clit. “Couldn’t ever get enough of this pussy.” You inadvertently moaned thrice during the call, disguising the sinful sounds by feigning coughs and attributing your strange demeanour to a common cold. “Tell her the truth,” James teased then, slipping a metal digit inside your needy hole, and you sneakily slapped his shoulder. The unsuspecting woman on screen continued to babble about her upcoming visit as you hit the mute button on your computer because the man below you had zero intentions of easing up. “Can feel you squeezin’,” he groaned, slipping a couple more of his metal digits inside. “Please end the call, peach, so I could fuck you atop this desk already.” 

There was also the time he got annoyed on a road trip, freeing his cock and guiding your head downward to silence your complaints about his driving on unpaved roads. “Be a good girl and put that mouth to better use,” he grunted as you licked drops of pre-cum off his skin. “Na uh, doll,” with his left arm on the steering wheel, James forced the entirety of his length into your mouth, “we ain’t got time for any foreplay shit right now.” 

Furthermore, introducing him to free use is the reason for your current predicament — being bent over the sink at a local bar with Bucky balls deep inside you. 

“Takin’ me so well, sweetheart.” James praises, catching your gaze in the grimy mirror before spanking your velvety hips. “My girl’s such a slut for me, letting me play with her in a random pub’s bathroom.” It’s more of an observation than dirty talk, and you bite back a moan, nodding. “Bet you’re always thinking about daddy’s big cock, wishing you could be bursting full of me forever, aren’t you?” A harsh spank lands on your scorching skin when you don’t immediately answer. “I asked you a question, peach.”

“Yes,” you sob, digging your manicured nails into the base of your palm. “Love it—,” another wail slips past your swollen lips, “love it when you use me, daddy.” 

The pace of his hips slamming into yours remains brutal as he studies your expression in the mirror. “Look at you,” he clutches your chin, the slight pain of it forcing you to peel your eyes open, “my baby’s so fucked out, she’s having trouble speaking.” The steady pulse of your approaching orgasm heightens as Bucky admires the whimpering mess that is you, leaning lower until the slight stubble on his jaw tickles your ear. “Should I let you finish, or should I leave you all desperate and stuffed full of my cum until happy hour’s over?” 

“Please,” you plead, “I’m so close.” 

“That’s too—,” James chuckles through a groan as his own orgasm bursts in syrupy waves, “—bad.” The rhythm of his movements falters and then stops, and if tears weren’t streaming down your face already, you would’ve cried at the loss of contact, feeling terribly empty without Bucky to keep you warm. Though you don’t say a word to him, he can sense your frustration, the weight of your emotions lingering in the atmosphere around you. Slithering his metal hands between your legs, he pushes the cum that leaked out back inside you, thrusting a couple times to soothe your disappointment before withdrawing his touch and shoving your discarded panties into the pocket of his jacket. “Don’t let it drip out if you want a reward when we get home.” A lazy grin stretches across his features. “I promise to make it worth your while.” 

[milf-murdock]

I See Red (Part 1)

Simon "Ghost" Riley x 141!Reader

Part 2 can be found here

Summary: A tech expert lends her expertise to the 141 for a mission. It’s not her fault that she’s tall, beautiful, and perfect. But it is her fault that she can’t keep her goddamn hands to herself. How else are you supposed to react when you walk in to find her lips on your Ghost?   Warnings: allusions to cheating (not Ghost’s fault!! Sweet man has never done anything wrong in his life), swearing, angst (does it make it better if I promise all the fluff in the next chapter?) A/N: Well this has been on my brain for a while. I’m so thrilled to finally have this out into the world! The OGs know that this was one of my first prompts I came up with when I was first writing for Simon Riley. I guess we’ve come full circle <3 Thank you for all your support. Remember, your comments, tags, and messages mean the world to us writers! 

It’s surprising that the harsh grinding of your teeth isn’t audible given how hard you’re clenching your jaw. You watch in irritated silence as a tall curvy redhead named Bex leans over Ghost’s shoulder to peer down at the encrypted computer. 

She’s always so fucking close to him, to your Ghost. 

You steady your growing impatience by taking a swig of water, the thin plastic crinkling under your touch. 

“Hmm.” She leans in closer and you could tell Ghost is on edge. He wasn’t exactly the sort who tolerated too many people encroaching on his personal space. 

Clearly he makes an exception when it comes to gorgeous redheads though, you think to yourself before mentally chastising the thought.

The rational side of your brain knows that he’s more than likely just putting on a brave face because Bex is new to the team. Technically, you correct yourself, not an actual part of the team. She’s more like a short term contractor. Even you had to begrudgingly admit that the 141 needed her level of expertise to crack through the firewalls and get the intel needed to ensure success for the next part of your mission. After all, you risked your life getting the damn laptop. What good is it if you can’t even get into it?

You knew all of this. Logically. It made sense. Your team needed a military-grade computer expert. She was the most qualified for the job—the “best of the best” Price had said. Done. Fin. 

Except…

Except you just couldn’t get over the way her eyes always seemed to linger on Ghost. The way she’d accidentally brush up against him as they walked side by side through the hallway. The way she laughed a little too loud at his terrible Army jokes. And right now, the way her hand rests on his shoulder as she studies the screen. 

Your fist unconsciously clenches around your water bottle causing the ice cold water to gush over the loosened cap, spilling all over your lap. 

You let out a shout, jumping to your feet as the cold water soaks through your layers. Bex jumps as well, surprised by the outburst, stepping back from the mess. 

Simon is on his feet in a heartbeat. 

“You okay?” But not even his deep baritone, usually instantly calming, could soothe your irritation, now at an all time high.

“I’m fine,” you snap, crossing the briefing room in strides to toss the empty bottle in the bin.  Ghost watches you with careful eyes. Though his face is covered by his signature skull balaclava, you didn’t miss his appraising gaze as he tries to assess the situation—ever the tactician. 

You take a deep breath. “I’m fine,” you try again, aiming for a more pleasant tone. “Really. Just a slip of the hand.” 

“Well,” Bex scoffs, “You really should be more careful. We are dealing with electronics here, you know.” Her snarky tone has you nearly seeing red again, but you clench your jaw tight and plaster the friendliest smile you could muster, though you’re certain it must look more like a grimace. 

“Noted,” you grit out before turning your attention back to Ghost. “I’m gonna head to the barracks and grab a shower. Catch you later?” 

Ghost’s head bobs in a subtle nod, but his eyes are still looking at you with that quizzical expression on his face. He knows something is wrong. 

You just subtly shake your head in response, doing your best to a convey a “not now. We’ll talk later” with just a glance. Turning back to the door, you leave the two of them behind to tackle the task at hand. The sooner you crack the encryption and figured out where your target is, the sooner Bex can get the fuck out of here.

Walking across the base, you pinched the bridge of your nose between your fingers, internally scolding yourself for letting your temper get the best of you. The fresh, cool evening air helps calm your sour mood, and you do your best to reassure yourself. 

I’m sure it’s nothing.

 It’s all in your head. 

He probably doesn’t even like redheads.

You’re so caught up in your thoughts you don’t even see where you were going, which is exactly how you find yourself running face first into the brick wall of Johnny. 

Oomph. The air whooshes out of your lungs as two broad hands reach up to steady you. 

“Easy there, lass,” the Scottsman chuckles. “Watch where yer goin’ bonnie.” 

“Sorry Soap,” your cheeks feel warm with embarrassment. “Didn’t see you there. Lost in my own head.” 

“I’ll say!” Johnny claps a hand on your shoulder, the other balancing a stack of folders. “Hey, while I have you here, have ye seen LT?” 

“Yeah, he’s with Bex in the briefing room. They’re trying to tackle that computer we lifted from the last mission.” 

Soap nods. “More power to her. That shite doesn’t make any fucking sense to me.” 

“Yeah. She’s a real blessing to the team,” you grumble, unable to withhold your eye roll. 

“There’s that fiery sergeant I love so much,” Soap teases. “Am I getting a whiff a jealousy, hen?” 

“Don’t even get me started Soap or I swear to god—“

“Alright, alright,” Soap laughs good naturally, his free hand coming up in mock surrender.  “But hey, would you mind dropping off these files to LT? He needs to review them before our meeting with Laswell in a couple hours and I’ve got to meet up with Price now, don’t have time to trek all the way to the briefing room.” 

“Sure,” you do manage to hold back your sigh this time. “Happy to help.” And you are happy to help Soap—he’s a great friend to both you and Simon—you just aren’t too happy at the thought of seeing your new BFF Bex again so soon. At least the short walk had served its purpose in cooling your temper a bit. 

“You’re a treat, bonnie, I owe you one,” Soap smiles, giving your shoulder a firm pat before taking off in the opposite direction towards price’s office. 

You adjust the stack of sealed papers in your hands as your turned back around towards the briefing room and head across base. 

You quick steps have you approaching the briefing room soon enough. Surprisingly, the door is  left slightly ajar—you must not have shut it all the way when you stormed out of the room earlier, you reason.

You approach silently, softening your footsteps to avoid any kind of noise, a small voice in the back of your mind goading you to surreptitiously see how Bex might behave without an audience. You peer in the room to find Bex and Simon standing at the table, the computer screen lighting up in front of them. 

“We’re in!” Bex exclaims, her voice high pitched with excitement. 

You watch the scene unfold before you and it feels like the world is moving in slow motion. Bex turns her radiant expression up to face Simon, her hands moving upwards and tucking up under his balaclava, and then—in the blink of an eye—she raises it above his chin and presses a kiss to his lips. Simon’s hands reach up to grasp her wrists, already beginning to pull away, but it’s too late. 

You see everything. 

The papers fall to the floor with a crash, and both Simon and Bex jump apart, eyes flashing to the door. 

Bex at least has the good sense to look embarrassed by her actions, her face flushing bright red, eyes cast to the ground. 

“It’s not what it looks like,” Simon urges, pulling his mask back down in place. “Wait—“ 

You turn and walked out the door, the scene playing on a loop in your head. 

Her lips. Pressed up against Simon. Your Simon. His lips…kissing her back? The memory already warps, tinged with shades of red matching the shades of anger running through you. 

The rage fuels your steps as you run from the briefing room, desperate to get away.

Simon blinks at the empty space in the doorway, the space where you stood just a second ago, before this colossal shit storm descended. 

“Well, sorry we got interrupted,” Bex’s sultry voice breaks the silence, her small hand reaching towards Ghost’s glove. “Should we continue where we left off?”

“Touch me again, and you lose the whole goddamn hand,” Simon’s hardened voice is laced with the threat of violence. “Keep your bloody hands to yourself.” 

The blood drains from Bex’s face. 

With that, he storms out the door, following your trail. One thought playing on repeat in his mind: I can’t lose her. 

Masterlist ✧ Ask Box

Read Part 2 here ❤️

[driverlando]

extra, extra for George Russell of him and model reader dating after Shawn Mendes cheated on her with Camila Cabello. iykyk

EXTRA EXTRA: George Russell Sparks Romance with Model After Shawn Mendes’ Scandalous Cheating with Camila Cabello!

The Formula 1 world is buzzing with unexpected romance and drama as Mercedes driver George Russell has been spotted getting cosy with a well-known model, who was recently at the centre of a high-profile love triangle. The model, Y/N Y/L/N made headlines when her relationship with pop star Shawn Mendes ended abruptly amid rumours of Mendes rekindling his romance with Camila Cabello.

The New Power Couple?

George Russell, known for his clean-cut image and impressive racing skills, appears to have found love off the track with the stunning model. The pair were first seen together in a chic London restaurant, enjoying an intimate dinner. Onlookers reported that the duo seemed “completely smitten,” laughing and chatting easily, oblivious to the world around them.

Their public outings have only fueled speculation about a budding romance. Russell, typically private about his personal life, hasn’t been shy about showing affection, often seen holding hands and sharing warm smiles with Y/N. The chemistry between them has been described as palpable, with one source noting, “They look genuinely happy together—like they’re in their own little world.”

A Love Rebound for Y/N?

The model, recently ended a turbulent relationship with Shawn Mendes. The breakup made waves after it was revealed that Mendes had allegedly cheated on her with his former flame, Camila Cabello. The betrayal left fans shocked and heartbroken for Y/N, who had publicly supported Mendes throughout their time together.

However, it seems that Y/N has bounced back from the heartbreak with grace. Her blossoming relationship with George Russell has fans rooting for her happiness. “She deserves the world after what she’s been through,” one fan commented online. “Seeing her with George, who seems like such a kind and respectful guy, is wonderful.”

The Drama Behind the Scenes

The Mendes-Cabello saga has added an extra layer of intrigue to this new pairing. Mendes and Cabello, who were once pop music’s ‘it’ couple, have rekindled their relationship, leaving fans to speculate on the timeline and circumstances of their reunion. While neither Mendes nor Cabello has officially commented on the rumours, the sudden end of Mendes’ relationship with Y/N and his close proximity to Cabello have been hard to ignore.

Insiders suggest that Y/N, who has remained dignified and composed throughout the ordeal, has found a comforting and supportive partner in Russell. “George has been a true gentleman,” a close friend of the couple shared. “He’s been there for her, helping her move past the drama and focus on the positive.”

What’s Next for George and Y/N?

As George Russell prepares for the next round of the Formula 1 season, fans are eager to see how this new relationship unfolds. Will they become F1’s next power couple, or is this a fleeting romance? For now, the pair seem content enjoying each other’s company, whether it’s a quiet dinner date or a stroll through London’s trendy neighbourhoods.

The budding romance has also sparked interest among F1 fans, who are curious to see if Y/N will become a regular presence in the paddock. With her striking looks and poised demeanour, she could easily become a fan favourite and a fresh face among the F1 WAGs.

Fans Weigh In

Social media has been abuzz with mixed reactions. While many are thrilled to see Y/N finding happiness after a public breakup, others are intrigued by Russell’s decision to step into such a high-profile romance. “George and Y/N are such a gorgeous couple!” one fan tweeted, while another noted, “Interesting choice, George. Seems like a rebound to me.”

Final Thoughts

As the racing season heats up, so does the off-track drama. George Russell and Y/N’s new relationship has added a fresh twist to the world of sports and celebrity gossip. Whether this romance will stand the test of time remains to be seen, but for now, the couple seems to be enjoying every moment together.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and all the latest in celebrity news. From the racetrack to the runway, we’ve got all the juicy details!

[a-chinese-doll]

Cursed Passion

"Please, please, please, please!"

A pair of intense sapphire-like azure eyes stared up at you as Gojo Satoru, the leader of the band Death Paintings, clung desperately to your leg, begging you to be part of their latest music video.

"I'm beggggging you!" he wailed dramatically.

You had no idea why he was so insistent. Maybe the band was just so freaking cheap that they couldn’t afford a proper actress, but either way, you weren’t exactly convinced you were the right person for the job.

"Satoru, my acting skills are absolute garbage… you’re asking the worst person possible," you replied, rejecting him for the fifth time.

"If not for me, do it for Choso! He’d be thrilled to see you starring in the video for his song."

That gave you pause.

Choso, your best friend for… honestly, you didn’t even know how many years anymore, had written an autobiographical song, Cursed Passion. And, as per the band’s usual tradition, it was now his turn to play the main character in the music video, while the other members would appear in the background, either playing their instruments or performing along.

But still…

"Come on, Choso would be shocked by how god-awful my acting is. Just drop it already," you sighed.

"Please, please, please!"

And, well… in the end, you had never been able to say no to those damn puppy-dog eyes. Satoru was a cunning fox.

Which was why you now found yourself all dolled up in your own dressing room, while a team of frantic stylists and makeup artists worked tirelessly to prepare you for your big debut.

Dressing up like this wasn’t really your thing, but you had to admit—the gothic dress they had carefully selected for you was breathtaking.

The bodice hugged your chest, making it look far more noticeable than usual. The fitted waist flowed into a layered tulle-like skirt, while the sheer, billowy sleeves cascaded all the way down to your hands. And, as if that wasn’t enough, they had even dressed you in a matching lace bra and panties—because apparently, in a music video, your lingerie also needed to match the aesthetic.

Frankly, they probably cost more than your monthly grocery budget.

Not to mention the makeup—two long, false lashes framed your enormous eyes, accentuated by a dark line of eyeliner, while the lipstick on your lips was a deep red with black undertones.

A makeup worthy of the finest brands, perfectly in tune with the band’s style and the dark tones of the song. You never would’ve imagined looking this incredibly attractive, this seductive, given your constant lack of self-confidence.

"The hell?"

Meanwhile, in the band’s dressing room, Choso’s usual aloof facade had been replaced by an expression of disbelief and shock.

He knew he had to shoot a music video with someone, but he had expected some random actress—someone used to this kind of thing—not… you.

And to make matters worse, he absolutely hated surprises.

"Hey, hey, relax. Isn’t it better to do this with someone you know rather than a total stranger?" Geto Suguru—another member of the band—had a point.

But Choso wasn’t having it.

"No way I’m shooting that video with her!" he snapped, raising his voice.

"Oh, come on. She’s your best friend, isn’t she?"

Sukuna, sprawled lazily on the couch with his legs wide open, took a slow sip of his beer before flashing a devilish grin.

"Don’t play dumb," Choso gritted his teeth. "Of course she’s my best friend… my best friend… and my forever crush!"

His composure was crumbling.

"You should be thanking me!" Gojo chimed in smugly. "At the very least, this video gives you a chance to finally do something about it!"

"That is the WRONGEST way to go about this!" Choso barked, clearly exasperated. This kind of frustration was foreign to him—he was rarely ever this pissed off.

As mentioned, Cursed Passion was an autobiographical song.

Choso—the always unconquerable, ever-distant member of the band —had been surrounded by gorgeous women, one after the other, each of them honored to even breathe the same air as him. And yet, not a single one had ever lasted beyond the second date.

And Cursed Passion was about that very curse.

His inability to love. The fact that every single relationship—every fleeting touch, every night spent tangled in sheets—was nothing but sterile, carnal, empty sex. Because no woman, no matter how stunning, how sexy, how utterly irresistible, had ever been enough to quench his insatiable thirst.

Because the only woman he had ever truly wanted… the only one he dreamed of holding in his arms…

Was you.

"I am not shooting that video. You guys should’ve consulted me before pulling this bullshit," Choso growled, pacing back and forth in the dressing room like a caged animal, fists clenched, eyes shooting daggers at the rest of the band.

"Oh, come on… what’s the big deal? A little kiss… some light making out…"

Gojo was not helping.

"Like hell I’m making out with her! I’m not touching her—I can’t—holy shit! But… does she even know about this?"

"Yeah, so… she actually has no clue about the nature of the video," Gojo admitted, sticking out his tongue playfully.

"She is going to kill us."

Choso’s face went pale.

Because, yeah—this wasn’t just any music video. It was PG-18. The song’s content was… spicy.

The script involved a partially censored make-out scene.

Not that Choso minded—God knows how many times he had fantasized about pinning you against a wall, kissing you breathless, leaving bite marks down your neck…

But the idea of forcing his tongue into your mouth, even if it was technically just acting, sent a cold chill down his spine.

"No way I’m shooting that video," he repeated, voice firm.

Gojo sighed, his patience clearly wearing thin as his foot tapped against the floor in irritation.

"Well, tough luck, buddy. It’s too late to find someone else now. And honestly, I’m quite surprised to hear you’d rather shoot it with some random actress instead of her!"

"At least if it were someone else, I’d never have to see them again in my life. But Y/N…"

His voice dropped.

"Just shove your damn tongue in her mouth already!" Sukuna snickered, rolling a joint between his fingers. "Here, take a hit. Might loosen you up."

"I don’t need that shit," Choso snapped, pushing away the freshly rolled blunt.

"Five minutes till the shoot!"

A voice echoed from the hallway, tolling like a funeral bell.

Choso flinched, his guts twisting with anxiety.

"Give me that," he muttered, snatching the joint from Sukuna’s hand. He had never been this nervous before.

His bandmate let out a loud laugh as the carefully rolled blunt disappeared between Choso’s lips.

"Go all in—one deep hit. You’ll loosen up and actually enjoy it."

"Jesus, what the hell are you even saying?" Choso snapped, his ears flaring up a deep shade of magenta.

It’s just acting. Pure fiction.

He kept repeating it to himself, as if saying it enough times would make his body believe it.

Meanwhile, the band was already gathered on set, waiting for the director’s cue.

Sukuna, lazily stretching his arms, was busy checking out the dancers who would be performing in the background. Gojo, of course, was grinning ear to ear like he had just sealed the deal of the century. Suguru, ever the detached one, simply stood there, waiting for the shoot to begin.

And then there was Choso—chronically anxious, gripping his temples like he was about to be executed.

The stylists, pleased with their work, finally led you onto the main stage.

And that was when Choso forgot how to breathe.

"Oh, shit."

It was all he could manage—his voice trailing off—as his jaw dropped.

Because there you were, standing under the bright stage lights, your body wrapped in that sinfully gorgeous gothic dress.

And you looked absolutely breathtaking.

You glanced around until your eyes landed on the guys.

"Hey, guys!"

With a bright smile, you hurried over to them, bowing slightly in gratitude.

"Satoru, thank you so much… I apologize in advance for the terrible acting you’re about to witness."

Satoru grinned. He knew you were perfect for this role. And he also knew you weren’t going to hate it as much as you had previously claimed.

"I’m sure you’ll do great," he said smoothly, adjusting his signature dark sunglasses.

Then, your gaze fell on Choso.

His usually pale complexion was even paler than usual—except for the deep red dusting his cheeks.

"Choso…" Your voice snapped him out of his trance. "Are you okay? You look super pale… and your cheeks are burning up. Are you sick?"

Sick?

Sick was an understatement.

Choso’s number one struggle at that very moment was keeping his uncontrollable lower body in check.

God, you looked stunning in that dress.

The tulle skirt fell just high enough to reveal more of your legs than it probably should have. And your chest—fuck—that bra pushed you up so perfectly, making it impossible not to stare.

He wanted to curse every single one of his bandmates for this.

But deep down… maybe he should be thanking them.

"No, I’m fine," he forced out, clearing his throat. "I’m just… not used to shooting videos like this."

"Videos like this?" you repeated, tilting your head in confusion.

But before Choso could even attempt an explanation, the director’s booming voice cut through the air.

"Alright! I want sensuality and passion in this scene!"

Your brows furrowed.

"Choso, kiss her! And I mean kiss her—make it intense. Use that tongue!"

"The fuck?" you blurted out.

Choso, meanwhile, was going from ghostly pale to a progressively deeper shade of rouge.

The director, however, paid no mind to your outburst.

"Then, pick her up—pin her to the wall—kiss her neck, wherever you want… and then take her to the bed. Kiss down the dress, along her chest, I don’t know—look, you’re young, I assume you know how to fuck."

His words rang in your ears.

"I… I don’t think I heard that right."

You turned to Choso, tugging anxiously at his hoodie.

"Did I hear that right?" Your voice trembled slightly as it reached him.

Choso said nothing, eyes locked on the floor.

"We could… we could cut the erotic parts," he finally mumbled, voice barely above a whisper.

"Are you out of your damn mind?" Gojo immediately interjected. "Dude, you wrote the song. Cutting all the spicy parts would make zero sense!"

"I wrote the song. I decide the video." Choso’s voice was low, controlled—but laced with tension.

"You’re such a fucking pussy, man." Sukuna’s irritated tone cut through the air.

"A video with a little spice will skyrocket the views. Quit being a pain in the ass and shoot the damn thing!"

Then, with a wicked smirk, he added, "Look at Y/N—she’s insanely hot. If you don’t wanna do it, I’ll gladly take your place."

Choso stepped forward immediately.

"Like hell you’re touching her."

But before things could escalate, you quickly intervened.

"Okay, everyone calm down," you said, raising your hands. "No one told me this was the direction we were going in…"

"Because if we had, you wouldn’t have agreed," Suguru cut in, his voice level and matter-of-fact.

You opened your mouth to argue—then shut it.

Because, well… he was right.

"Would you have agreed?" he pressed further.

You huffed. "No. Obviously not."

"Exactly." Suguru patted your shoulder with an infuriatingly calm smile. "Surprise effect works better."

Then, without warning, he pushed you forward. Straight into Choso.

Your embarrassed gaze met his wide, glossy eyes.

"Well…" You let out an awkward chuckle. "Choso… let's just do this. Quick and painless. Get it over with so we can go grab a drink or something…"

You were trying to ease the tension, to make him feel better.

But his face was still painfully stiff.

Because Choso felt so fucking guilty about this.

Or at least… he should have.

Since the guilt was blending into something darker, hotter, even  twisted.

Something hungry.

"Okay," he murmured, his voice fading into silence.

And then, with no further discussion, the two of you were ushered to the center of the stage—under the bright, blinding lights, surrounded by cameras rolling from every angle.

The set was ready—gloomy, dark, suffocatingly intimate.

The cold wall where you were supposed to be pinned. The bed waiting for the most intense scene.

You gulped, eyes scanning the space, wondering if you'd actually make it to the end of the day.

Beside you, Choso wasn’t faring any better. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, his fingers twitching at his sides.

"Roll the music… aaaaand—ACTION!"

The moment the song began, both of you stood there.

Frozen.

Staring at each other like complete idiots.

A single bead of sweat trailed down Choso’s temple, while you fidgeted with the hem of your sleeve, waiting for him to move.

But he didn't.

He just stood there, watching you.

Watching your embarrassed posture.

Your barely restrained nervousness.

Your lips, slightly parted, chest rising and falling faster than normal.

You looked so… submissive.

So devastatingly appetizing.

"What the hell is going on?" The director’s voice thundered across the set.

"You’re supposed to kiss her!" Gojo cupped his hands around his mouth to amplify the sound.

"I know what I’m supposed to do…" Choso snapped back, but his voice caught in his throat.

He couldn’t move.

Not because he didn’t want to.

But because if he did—he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop.

"Restart the music, damn it!" Sukuna barked at the sound crew.

Choso turned back to you, voice so low it was barely a whisper.

"I’m sorry… They shouldn’t have dragged you into this…"

It wasn’t an apology for the scene.

It was a plea—begging you not to hate them.

Not to hate this.

Not to hate… him.

You let out a sigh.

"It’s okay, Choso. It’s just a video… though I do expect a cut of the profits." You tried to joke, hoping to lighten the tension.

And for a second—just a second—he smiled.

But the moment the music restarted; his lips fell back into their usual stoic line.

And this time…

He stepped forward.

Your shoulders were grabbed by trembling hands. A gentle pull toward him.

Choso’s face was drawing closer—slowly, irreversibly, dangerously.

Your breath hitched.

Instinctively, you shut your eyes, brows furrowing—as if you were bracing yourself for a slap rather than a kiss.

And then—

Soft.

His lips brushed against yours, featherlight, fleeting—so impossibly delicate it barely felt real.

You cracked your eyes open.

Choso’s were squeezed shut, his expression tense, his nose scrunching slightly.

Because he knew.

He knew this wasn’t enough.

He knew that chaste, innocent little peck would never meet the standards the scene required.

"What the hell was that supposed to be?" The director’s exasperated voice yelled at him, stopping the music.

"Are you kissing your grandmother or the woman you wanna fuck?" Sukuna’s voice followed immediately after, mocking, cutting.

A deep sigh. Gojo crossed his arms, shaking his head.

Choso had everything—the sex appeal, the natural magnetism, the deep, sultry voice that made girls melt—but the second it came to you…

He was completely and utterly useless.

A fucking pussy.

"Listen, pull that kind of bullshit again, and I swear I’m taking your place." Sukuna’s voice was a low, venomous hiss.

Choso shot him a murderous glare.

You, on the other hand, were still struggling to process what was happening—if this was real or if the blinding lights flashing in your face every time the scene was cut had somehow transported you into some kind of fever dream.

A fever dream where Choso…

Your best friend.

The man you had secretly loved for years.

—was kissing you.

Maybe it had been just a peck.

But for you, it wasn’t just a peck.

It was the kind of kiss that sent your heart spiraling, your stomach twisting, your skin tingling.

"I’m sorry," Choso whispered, his voice low and regretful, snapping you out of the stupor of your disbelief.

But before he could finish, you cut him off.

"I’d rather you make out with me like a damn savage than let that idiot Sukuna touch me. Just do it, okay? It’s only for show, right?"

Only for show.

Right?

…Damn no.

There was nothing fake about this.

Choso’s dark eyes locked onto yours, his teeth sinking into his bottom lip.

And you could see it.

The way his expression betrayed him, his face burning, his gaze flickering down to your lips.

This wasn’t acting.

"Rolling again!" the director shouted. "If you don’t do it right, we’re bringing Sukuna in!"

Sukuna grinned, arms crossed, watching like a predator waiting for an opening.

He wouldn’t mind throwing you around a little.

And whether it was the weed finally kicking in or the damn fear of seeing you at someone else's mercy, something inside Choso snapped.

Because the second the music hit, you swore, you saw something insanely demonic flicker in his eyes.

"Forgive me," he breathed—just a second before the director’s voice rang out:

"ACTION!"

And then—

His lips crashed onto yours.

But this time—

It wasn’t soft.

It wasn’t hesitant.

It was voracious.

Devastating .

A sharp yank—

Your body slammed against his, flush, no space left between you—

And then, heat.

His mouth pried yours open, tongue diving deep, claiming, conquering, pushing you back, back, back…

Fuck.

He was practically shoving himself down your throat. Like he wanted to consume you whole. You swallowed hard, trying to push him back, just for a second, just to breathe.

But Choso was on you.

Ravaging you.

Devouring you like a starving animal tearing into its prey.

"OH—NOW THAT’S A KISS!"

The director’s voice boomed through the studio, echoing off the walls, but Choso didn’t even flinch.

Not when the other band members stared, speechless…

Not when Sukuna’s smirk widened…

Not when Gojo muttered, "Well, damn."

No—

Choso was too far gone.

"Proceed with the wall scene!" the director called out.

And oh shit—

He didn’t need to say it twice.

With his lips still fused to yours, tongue dancing with yours, your mouth so damn welcoming, Choso shrugged off his hoodie…

And you barely had time to process before…

Oh. Oh, God.

That black, skintight crop top.

His chiseled chest, muscles strained, tight against the fabric. His engorged biceps, thick, flexed, trembling with adrenaline.

You barely let out a gasp before he grabbed you!

Arms locking around your thighs, body lifting you effortlessly, pressing you high against the cold wall.

The impact made you shudder, your breath catching in your throat as his lips finally—finally—tore away from yours.

Only to drop.

Dragging down.

Down your jaw—

Down your neck—

Hot breath ghosting over your skin…

"Choso…" you gasped.

You tried to say something—anything.

Tried to remind him that you were still in a room full of people, that this was just a music video, that this was all supposed to be an act…

But all you got in response was…

A low, deep, utterly wrecked growl.

That growl... THAT growl, had you wet in an instant.

Your legs wrapped around him, your cunt clenching around nothing when he answered back, "Wanna fuck you for real." His voice gravelly, panting, so drunk on you.

And when he lifted his gaze to lock eyes with you, biting your lower lip, you felt the truth behind the act.

Months, years of self-restraint shattered in that single immoral scene.

Just as the script demanded, Choso yanked you off the wall, pulling you close, so damn close, while the weight of your body surrendered completely to him. His arms wrapped tightly around you, his lips never leaving your neck, sucking, feasting on it until it was marked properly.

Your hands grabbed his broad shoulders, gliding down his veiny arms, as he gently placed you on the bed, positioning himself over you, hovering—threatening.

And what could you do?

You’d be a fool if you didn’t submitted to that raw, lustful moment, as his needy eyes silently begged you not to resist, not to fight back.

So you let him stretch out over you, your hands tangling in his hair, his disheveled pigtail falling loose, hair cascading down his neck as he, unfazed, buried his face in the crook of your neck—kissing, biting, lapping.

One of his hands lingered on your face, caressing it, worshipping it, when suddenly, his thumb slid over your lips, only to be shoved unexpectedly into your mouth.

"Suck it..." His voice, hoarse, made the command feel almost inevitable.

You obeyed, sucking at his thumb, feeling it press against your greedy tongue, your cheeks caving in, allowing Choso to smear your lipstick across your mouth, down your chin.

"This is one hell of a scene!" the director praised.

But in the room, the band members had realized that this was no longer a farce... and perhaps it was time to tone things down a bit...

And it became clear the moment the scene, where Choso was supposed to kiss the hem of your dress near your chest, turned into a full-on erotic film.

As his left hand slid down, down, down along your dress, to your thigh, slipping under the fabric, the other hand suddenly and adventurously hooked into your bra, pulling, yanking until your bare chest popped out. Instinctively, Choso's free hand moved to cover your exposed breast - no way he was letting your nipples show to anyone else - as his mouth latched onto your other round, aching bud, sucking deeply.

"Choso..." Tears of pleasure started to form in your eyes, even though, out of dignity and because you were practically in front of cameras, you tried everything to bring him back to his senses.

But your taste—it was a drug Choso never wanted to detox from, and he was pulling out the best of himself... as he performed in the best way possible, according to every detail he had in mind, to give the best performance of his life... not for the crowd, not for his fans, but for you.

The music blaring, the intoxicating scent of your skin, that damned gothic dress that made you so sensual—Choso’s teeth wrapped around your nipple as his hand began to venture along your lingerie... so damn... erotic...

Did he really want to fuck you in front of everyone?

As his restraint completely shattered, Choso detached himself from your breast, fondling it with one hand, the same hand that shamelessly traced down your dress, caressing your tulle skirt, and positioned itself suggestively on the waistband of his jeans.

Gosh, Gosh, Gosh, he was really working on the belt to loosen it, as his hips began grinding against your thigh, his succulent bulge pressing against you.

"Choso," you begged him... but for what?

To keep going, to take you audaciously in front of everyone... or to stop, for your dignity, for his... for both of you? It could still pass as some insane, real-life performance.

But lucky... or unlucky... just as the zipper of his jeans was pulled down, the music came to a halt.

"NAILED IT!" the director shouted, pumped up by the take.

Choso’s eyes shot wide open, pupils shrinking as the lights flared back on, locking onto you, his breath ragged as he scrambled to make sense of what had just happened. Snapping out of his trance, he quickly grabbed the zipper, realizing it was down and tried to hide the obvious bulge straining against his clothes.

His wild, untamed hair hid the intense flush of embarrassment spreading across his face, but the rosy hue of his cheeks was unmistakable to your eyes.

Still reeling from the confusion of the moment, you stayed on the bed.

Staring at him in shock, hair sprawled across the pillow, your lipstick and eyeliner smudged under his touch and the tears of ecstasy rolling down your cheeks.

His hand was still firmly placed between your legs, where it felt so right.

But then Choso suddenly jerked back, his body stiffening as he pulled away. His voice was frantic, his words tumbling out in a rush: “Sorry, sorry, sorry—damn, I’m so sorry!”

“Perfect! That’s the intensity I was looking for! You two were amazing!” The director was over the moon, thrilled with how the scene came together, perfectly in sync with the words echoing in Cursed Passion:

In your arms, I burn in paradise, but your touch drags me down to hell. Ride me through the dark, entering your gates where Heaven lies, beyond the abyss, to Nirvana's desire, where pleasure meets pain, and shadows vanish. I enter your realm, as I lose control, we rise. In this world of phantom banshees, you're my only light, my angel divine, guiding me through this darkness, where our souls intertwine.

The timing of the scene was perfect, as the intense exchange of intimacy flowed seamlessly with the rhythm of the words.

The band members exchanged glances, letting out a collective sigh of relief, knowing the director was the only one oblivious to the fact that, soon enough, Choso would really get down to pounding into you relentlessly.

You slowly rose from the bed, your head still spinning from the lack of air.

Choso’s voice betrayed the panic he was feeling, and he couldn’t stop apologizing to you.

“Hey, hey, it’s fine... it’s okay... calm down.” Your voice was soothing and tender.

Choso's hands trembled, so shaky that he kept them in his lap, as if he was afraid of himself.

“Choso...” you whispered his name, gently caressing his jaw and lifting his chin.

“It’s okay,” you reassured him, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to the side of his mouth.

"EH?" He looked at you bewildered, completely unable to comprehend how what had just happened could possibly be okay with you.

But your moment was interrupted by Gojo’s voice. "What the—?".

Choso quickly turned his gaze, his eyes locking onto the opposite wall, away from the band leader.

Sukuna chimed in with a loud whistle. "Damn... at least get a room..." He laughed like an idiot, as usual.

"Wasn’t that... a little reckless?" Gojo asked, wrinkling his nose.

"It... maybe... was," Choso replied, trying to regain his usual aloof expression.

Meanwhile, Geto helped you to your feet. "Are you okay?" he asked, concern in his voice.

Without thinking, the words left your lips. "I couldn’t be better," you chuckled to yourself.

Your eyes once again landed on Choso, who met your gaze with a subtle, almost imperceptible smile.

"Well... at least the scene turned out well... can’t complain," the band leader’s blue eyes met yours.

"Maybe putting your hand under her skirt wasn’t necessary..." he scolded Choso, who lowered his head like a child in trouble.

"Thanks for your... work anyway," he turned to you.

"No problem," you replied, embarrassed. "It was... my pleasure."

Damn, if it had actually been your pleasure, right?

The group suppressed a laugh.

"We still need to shoot the rest of the scenes, though," Geto suggested.

As they rearranged themselves to figure out what to do next, you approached Choso, who still couldn’t bring himself to look you in the eyes.

He knew very well that his actions would lead to consequences, to awkward explanations.

"I think you and I need to talk..." you said, lowering your voice.

Of course, he looked down again. But what was there to say? The stoic, impassive Choso—the unreachable one in the band, who had dismissed all his shallow, insignificant relationships, waiting for his angel divine, as he had sung about in his song—had just delivered that flawless performance with you.

There was nothing more to explain.

"I think... what happened speaks for itself..." his words got stuck in his throat.

"If you're ready... once the video is finished, we can take some time to talk about it... I don’t mind what happened."

Choso’s cheeks turned crimson. He could no longer wait to rid himself of that weight on his chest. "It’s you..." he whispered. "You’re the protagonist of my song... the only breaking spell to that... cursed passion..."

The butterflies in your stomach did seven spins, and you could swear the hairs on your arms stood up at the sound of his confession.

"I desire you... with all of myself."

His pleading eyes begged for you, he was so mortified for what had happened. But if only you could give him a chance, you could ease the emptiness in his heart with your love...

"It’s never too late..." you whispered, wrapping your arms around his waist.

"If you need me so much, I can help you exorcise your curse."

There was a silent moment of exchanged glances, where your eyes spoke for themselves, conveying the unspoken answer that Choso had always wanted...

"I..." His voice faltered, struggling to find the words...

"Wait, wait, wait," the director’s voice pierced your ears, as he scrutinized the video playback on the camera, surrounded by the band members.

You and Choso turned to him, slightly disappointed by the interruption of the romantic moment.

"I don’t like how this part of the video turned out," the director pointed at some small details no one else seemed to grasp. "Mind shooting it again?"

Shooting it again...

If you hadn’t cared about what had just happened, then Choso sure as hell didn’t either.

A wide grin spread across his lips—no hesitation, no second thoughts.

In one swift motion, he pulled you back into the scene, his grip firm yet smooth.

Lust slowly eclipsed the last traces of regret in his eyes as his smirk deepened. "Damn, forget being sorry. If we’re doing this, let’s make it count."

He kissed you fiercely, parting only when the music started again.

"Let’s try that one more time—and this time, we’re finishing it in the dressing room," he murmured, a low chuckle slipping from his lips—only to be swallowed by another unstoppable kiss as the camera started rolling once again.

[tameblog]

Hi GPODers! A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining the rest of the Fine Gardening crew on their expedition to the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show. In its 196th year, the flower show is a feast for plant lovers of every kind. Whether you’re there to see the spectacular floral displays or marvel in the many prized plant specimens on display, hours fly by like they are minutes in the busy showroom. Produced by the nonprofit Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the show is a fundraiser to support the society’s mission to use horticulture to improve the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. Also one of the largest and oldest flower shows in the world, it attracts over 200,000 guests annually and gathers plant professionals from across the Mid-Atlantic region (and world) to exchange ideas, information, and knowledge. Fine Gardening was there to hold talks as part of the show’s “Know to Grow” educational lecture series. However, that didn’t stop me from slipping out into the showroom whenever I had free time to capture as much of the unbelievable creations and exhibits as I could. The 2025 theme, “Gardens of Tomorrow,” invited onlookers to imagine how our gardens and plant arrangements will evolve in the near future, and the entry displays (titled Futura Florentia) immediately immersed you into this experimental world. Garden entryways have been marked by some kind of archway for centuries, so it’s reasonable that future gardens will continue this tradition. This entry display imagined what a more futuristic interpretation of these classic structures might look like and put it on a grand scale. The mix of materials and lighting colors used throughout these beds also lent to the futuristic feel. While the structures used were sleek and ultramodern, all of the plantings were lush, comforting, and familiar. A mix of pink and purple flowers matched the huge, bright pink water features while a mix of foliage shapes created a naturalistic effect with tons of incredible texture. Varying plant heights also gave this border lots of dimension. Spires of classic foxgloves and the bulbous blooms of alliums contrast each other while complimenting many of the unique shapes found in the elaborate water features made up of tons of glass ornaments. The only thing missing from these gorgeous odes to spring were the blooms on the many cherry trees that were focal points of the design. Just like in our gardens, plants don’t care when you’ve scheduled a fancy garden show and will come into their peak at their own time. Just a week or two away from full color, the trees were covered in buds and the first unfurling flowers. While not the floral display they were intending, it’s reassuring for the home gardener that not even the professionals get it right 100% of the time. In no way lacking for blooms were the opulent arrangements that were encountered as soon as you passed through the entryway’s arching lights. Layers and layers of hot-colored flowers created bold mounds that thrilled and spilled out containers that I believe were 3D printed (very fitting for “Gardens of Tomorrow”). Various orchids, tulips, roses, and allium are just some of the big blooms used to create these incredible combinations, which were so large that huge monstera leaves were an appropriate foliage match. I tried my best to get photos that captured as much of the incredible details in this arrangements as possible, but that is no easy task when hundreds of other people are also vying for a great view of these plants. All of these bright colors again married well with the bright pink water features. The third of these structures traded the glass baubles found in the first two for cylinders that held gorgeous orchid flowers. Just another angle of these incredible containers and the lovely mix of tulips and grasses that surrounded them. I don’t think any picture could completely capture the size and magnitude of these over-the-top displays, but know if you find these impressive they were that much more impressive in real life. Keep an eye out for more posts from the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show in the coming weeks! The show is vast and full of delicious details so I won’t be able to cover everything there was to see, but I will dive into some of my favorite displays and most unusual finds. If you had a chance to visit the show this year, let us know in the comments what your favorite part was, or consider sharing your favorite photos with the blog! Follow the directions below to submit your photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Telescopes from 4 to 7'. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning. The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time. Source link

[ramestoryworld]

Hi GPODers! A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining the rest of the Fine Gardening crew on their expedition to the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show. In its 196th year, the flower show is a feast for plant lovers of every kind. Whether you’re there to see the spectacular floral displays or marvel in the many prized plant specimens on display, hours fly by like they are minutes in the busy showroom. Produced by the nonprofit Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the show is a fundraiser to support the society’s mission to use horticulture to improve the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. Also one of the largest and oldest flower shows in the world, it attracts over 200,000 guests annually and gathers plant professionals from across the Mid-Atlantic region (and world) to exchange ideas, information, and knowledge. Fine Gardening was there to hold talks as part of the show’s “Know to Grow” educational lecture series. However, that didn’t stop me from slipping out into the showroom whenever I had free time to capture as much of the unbelievable creations and exhibits as I could. The 2025 theme, “Gardens of Tomorrow,” invited onlookers to imagine how our gardens and plant arrangements will evolve in the near future, and the entry displays (titled Futura Florentia) immediately immersed you into this experimental world. Garden entryways have been marked by some kind of archway for centuries, so it’s reasonable that future gardens will continue this tradition. This entry display imagined what a more futuristic interpretation of these classic structures might look like and put it on a grand scale. The mix of materials and lighting colors used throughout these beds also lent to the futuristic feel. While the structures used were sleek and ultramodern, all of the plantings were lush, comforting, and familiar. A mix of pink and purple flowers matched the huge, bright pink water features while a mix of foliage shapes created a naturalistic effect with tons of incredible texture. Varying plant heights also gave this border lots of dimension. Spires of classic foxgloves and the bulbous blooms of alliums contrast each other while complimenting many of the unique shapes found in the elaborate water features made up of tons of glass ornaments. The only thing missing from these gorgeous odes to spring were the blooms on the many cherry trees that were focal points of the design. Just like in our gardens, plants don’t care when you’ve scheduled a fancy garden show and will come into their peak at their own time. Just a week or two away from full color, the trees were covered in buds and the first unfurling flowers. While not the floral display they were intending, it’s reassuring for the home gardener that not even the professionals get it right 100% of the time. In no way lacking for blooms were the opulent arrangements that were encountered as soon as you passed through the entryway’s arching lights. Layers and layers of hot-colored flowers created bold mounds that thrilled and spilled out containers that I believe were 3D printed (very fitting for “Gardens of Tomorrow”). Various orchids, tulips, roses, and allium are just some of the big blooms used to create these incredible combinations, which were so large that huge monstera leaves were an appropriate foliage match. I tried my best to get photos that captured as much of the incredible details in this arrangements as possible, but that is no easy task when hundreds of other people are also vying for a great view of these plants. All of these bright colors again married well with the bright pink water features. The third of these structures traded the glass baubles found in the first two for cylinders that held gorgeous orchid flowers. Just another angle of these incredible containers and the lovely mix of tulips and grasses that surrounded them. I don’t think any picture could completely capture the size and magnitude of these over-the-top displays, but know if you find these impressive they were that much more impressive in real life. Keep an eye out for more posts from the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show in the coming weeks! The show is vast and full of delicious details so I won’t be able to cover everything there was to see, but I will dive into some of my favorite displays and most unusual finds. If you had a chance to visit the show this year, let us know in the comments what your favorite part was, or consider sharing your favorite photos with the blog! Follow the directions below to submit your photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Telescopes from 4 to 7'. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning. The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time. Source link

[alexha2210]

Hi GPODers! A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining the rest of the Fine Gardening crew on their expedition to the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show. In its 196th year, the flower show is a feast for plant lovers of every kind. Whether you’re there to see the spectacular floral displays or marvel in the many prized plant specimens on display, hours fly by like they are minutes in the busy showroom. Produced by the nonprofit Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the show is a fundraiser to support the society’s mission to use horticulture to improve the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. Also one of the largest and oldest flower shows in the world, it attracts over 200,000 guests annually and gathers plant professionals from across the Mid-Atlantic region (and world) to exchange ideas, information, and knowledge. Fine Gardening was there to hold talks as part of the show’s “Know to Grow” educational lecture series. However, that didn’t stop me from slipping out into the showroom whenever I had free time to capture as much of the unbelievable creations and exhibits as I could. The 2025 theme, “Gardens of Tomorrow,” invited onlookers to imagine how our gardens and plant arrangements will evolve in the near future, and the entry displays (titled Futura Florentia) immediately immersed you into this experimental world. Garden entryways have been marked by some kind of archway for centuries, so it’s reasonable that future gardens will continue this tradition. This entry display imagined what a more futuristic interpretation of these classic structures might look like and put it on a grand scale. The mix of materials and lighting colors used throughout these beds also lent to the futuristic feel. While the structures used were sleek and ultramodern, all of the plantings were lush, comforting, and familiar. A mix of pink and purple flowers matched the huge, bright pink water features while a mix of foliage shapes created a naturalistic effect with tons of incredible texture. Varying plant heights also gave this border lots of dimension. Spires of classic foxgloves and the bulbous blooms of alliums contrast each other while complimenting many of the unique shapes found in the elaborate water features made up of tons of glass ornaments. The only thing missing from these gorgeous odes to spring were the blooms on the many cherry trees that were focal points of the design. Just like in our gardens, plants don’t care when you’ve scheduled a fancy garden show and will come into their peak at their own time. Just a week or two away from full color, the trees were covered in buds and the first unfurling flowers. While not the floral display they were intending, it’s reassuring for the home gardener that not even the professionals get it right 100% of the time. In no way lacking for blooms were the opulent arrangements that were encountered as soon as you passed through the entryway’s arching lights. Layers and layers of hot-colored flowers created bold mounds that thrilled and spilled out containers that I believe were 3D printed (very fitting for “Gardens of Tomorrow”). Various orchids, tulips, roses, and allium are just some of the big blooms used to create these incredible combinations, which were so large that huge monstera leaves were an appropriate foliage match. I tried my best to get photos that captured as much of the incredible details in this arrangements as possible, but that is no easy task when hundreds of other people are also vying for a great view of these plants. All of these bright colors again married well with the bright pink water features. The third of these structures traded the glass baubles found in the first two for cylinders that held gorgeous orchid flowers. Just another angle of these incredible containers and the lovely mix of tulips and grasses that surrounded them. I don’t think any picture could completely capture the size and magnitude of these over-the-top displays, but know if you find these impressive they were that much more impressive in real life. Keep an eye out for more posts from the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show in the coming weeks! The show is vast and full of delicious details so I won’t be able to cover everything there was to see, but I will dive into some of my favorite displays and most unusual finds. If you had a chance to visit the show this year, let us know in the comments what your favorite part was, or consider sharing your favorite photos with the blog! Follow the directions below to submit your photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Telescopes from 4 to 7'. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning. The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time. Source link

[angusstory]

Hi GPODers! A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining the rest of the Fine Gardening crew on their expedition to the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show. In its 196th year, the flower show is a feast for plant lovers of every kind. Whether you’re there to see the spectacular floral displays or marvel in the many prized plant specimens on display, hours fly by like they are minutes in the busy showroom. Produced by the nonprofit Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the show is a fundraiser to support the society’s mission to use horticulture to improve the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. Also one of the largest and oldest flower shows in the world, it attracts over 200,000 guests annually and gathers plant professionals from across the Mid-Atlantic region (and world) to exchange ideas, information, and knowledge. Fine Gardening was there to hold talks as part of the show’s “Know to Grow” educational lecture series. However, that didn’t stop me from slipping out into the showroom whenever I had free time to capture as much of the unbelievable creations and exhibits as I could. The 2025 theme, “Gardens of Tomorrow,” invited onlookers to imagine how our gardens and plant arrangements will evolve in the near future, and the entry displays (titled Futura Florentia) immediately immersed you into this experimental world. Garden entryways have been marked by some kind of archway for centuries, so it’s reasonable that future gardens will continue this tradition. This entry display imagined what a more futuristic interpretation of these classic structures might look like and put it on a grand scale. The mix of materials and lighting colors used throughout these beds also lent to the futuristic feel. While the structures used were sleek and ultramodern, all of the plantings were lush, comforting, and familiar. A mix of pink and purple flowers matched the huge, bright pink water features while a mix of foliage shapes created a naturalistic effect with tons of incredible texture. Varying plant heights also gave this border lots of dimension. Spires of classic foxgloves and the bulbous blooms of alliums contrast each other while complimenting many of the unique shapes found in the elaborate water features made up of tons of glass ornaments. The only thing missing from these gorgeous odes to spring were the blooms on the many cherry trees that were focal points of the design. Just like in our gardens, plants don’t care when you’ve scheduled a fancy garden show and will come into their peak at their own time. Just a week or two away from full color, the trees were covered in buds and the first unfurling flowers. While not the floral display they were intending, it’s reassuring for the home gardener that not even the professionals get it right 100% of the time. In no way lacking for blooms were the opulent arrangements that were encountered as soon as you passed through the entryway’s arching lights. Layers and layers of hot-colored flowers created bold mounds that thrilled and spilled out containers that I believe were 3D printed (very fitting for “Gardens of Tomorrow”). Various orchids, tulips, roses, and allium are just some of the big blooms used to create these incredible combinations, which were so large that huge monstera leaves were an appropriate foliage match. I tried my best to get photos that captured as much of the incredible details in this arrangements as possible, but that is no easy task when hundreds of other people are also vying for a great view of these plants. All of these bright colors again married well with the bright pink water features. The third of these structures traded the glass baubles found in the first two for cylinders that held gorgeous orchid flowers. Just another angle of these incredible containers and the lovely mix of tulips and grasses that surrounded them. I don’t think any picture could completely capture the size and magnitude of these over-the-top displays, but know if you find these impressive they were that much more impressive in real life. Keep an eye out for more posts from the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show in the coming weeks! The show is vast and full of delicious details so I won’t be able to cover everything there was to see, but I will dive into some of my favorite displays and most unusual finds. If you had a chance to visit the show this year, let us know in the comments what your favorite part was, or consider sharing your favorite photos with the blog! Follow the directions below to submit your photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Telescopes from 4 to 7'. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning. The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time. Source link

[tumibaba]

Hi GPODers! A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining the rest of the Fine Gardening crew on their expedition to the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show. In its 196th year, the flower show is a feast for plant lovers of every kind. Whether you’re there to see the spectacular floral displays or marvel in the many prized plant specimens on display, hours fly by like they are minutes in the busy showroom. Produced by the nonprofit Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the show is a fundraiser to support the society’s mission to use horticulture to improve the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. Also one of the largest and oldest flower shows in the world, it attracts over 200,000 guests annually and gathers plant professionals from across the Mid-Atlantic region (and world) to exchange ideas, information, and knowledge. Fine Gardening was there to hold talks as part of the show’s “Know to Grow” educational lecture series. However, that didn’t stop me from slipping out into the showroom whenever I had free time to capture as much of the unbelievable creations and exhibits as I could. The 2025 theme, “Gardens of Tomorrow,” invited onlookers to imagine how our gardens and plant arrangements will evolve in the near future, and the entry displays (titled Futura Florentia) immediately immersed you into this experimental world. Garden entryways have been marked by some kind of archway for centuries, so it’s reasonable that future gardens will continue this tradition. This entry display imagined what a more futuristic interpretation of these classic structures might look like and put it on a grand scale. The mix of materials and lighting colors used throughout these beds also lent to the futuristic feel. While the structures used were sleek and ultramodern, all of the plantings were lush, comforting, and familiar. A mix of pink and purple flowers matched the huge, bright pink water features while a mix of foliage shapes created a naturalistic effect with tons of incredible texture. Varying plant heights also gave this border lots of dimension. Spires of classic foxgloves and the bulbous blooms of alliums contrast each other while complimenting many of the unique shapes found in the elaborate water features made up of tons of glass ornaments. The only thing missing from these gorgeous odes to spring were the blooms on the many cherry trees that were focal points of the design. Just like in our gardens, plants don’t care when you’ve scheduled a fancy garden show and will come into their peak at their own time. Just a week or two away from full color, the trees were covered in buds and the first unfurling flowers. While not the floral display they were intending, it’s reassuring for the home gardener that not even the professionals get it right 100% of the time. In no way lacking for blooms were the opulent arrangements that were encountered as soon as you passed through the entryway’s arching lights. Layers and layers of hot-colored flowers created bold mounds that thrilled and spilled out containers that I believe were 3D printed (very fitting for “Gardens of Tomorrow”). Various orchids, tulips, roses, and allium are just some of the big blooms used to create these incredible combinations, which were so large that huge monstera leaves were an appropriate foliage match. I tried my best to get photos that captured as much of the incredible details in this arrangements as possible, but that is no easy task when hundreds of other people are also vying for a great view of these plants. All of these bright colors again married well with the bright pink water features. The third of these structures traded the glass baubles found in the first two for cylinders that held gorgeous orchid flowers. Just another angle of these incredible containers and the lovely mix of tulips and grasses that surrounded them. I don’t think any picture could completely capture the size and magnitude of these over-the-top displays, but know if you find these impressive they were that much more impressive in real life. Keep an eye out for more posts from the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show in the coming weeks! The show is vast and full of delicious details so I won’t be able to cover everything there was to see, but I will dive into some of my favorite displays and most unusual finds. If you had a chance to visit the show this year, let us know in the comments what your favorite part was, or consider sharing your favorite photos with the blog! Follow the directions below to submit your photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Telescopes from 4 to 7'. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning. The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time. Source link

[romaleen]

Hi GPODers! A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining the rest of the Fine Gardening crew on their expedition to the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show. In its 196th year, the flower show is a feast for plant lovers of every kind. Whether you’re there to see the spectacular floral displays or marvel in the many prized plant specimens on display, hours fly by like they are minutes in the busy showroom. Produced by the nonprofit Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the show is a fundraiser to support the society’s mission to use horticulture to improve the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. Also one of the largest and oldest flower shows in the world, it attracts over 200,000 guests annually and gathers plant professionals from across the Mid-Atlantic region (and world) to exchange ideas, information, and knowledge. Fine Gardening was there to hold talks as part of the show’s “Know to Grow” educational lecture series. However, that didn’t stop me from slipping out into the showroom whenever I had free time to capture as much of the unbelievable creations and exhibits as I could. The 2025 theme, “Gardens of Tomorrow,” invited onlookers to imagine how our gardens and plant arrangements will evolve in the near future, and the entry displays (titled Futura Florentia) immediately immersed you into this experimental world. Garden entryways have been marked by some kind of archway for centuries, so it’s reasonable that future gardens will continue this tradition. This entry display imagined what a more futuristic interpretation of these classic structures might look like and put it on a grand scale. The mix of materials and lighting colors used throughout these beds also lent to the futuristic feel. While the structures used were sleek and ultramodern, all of the plantings were lush, comforting, and familiar. A mix of pink and purple flowers matched the huge, bright pink water features while a mix of foliage shapes created a naturalistic effect with tons of incredible texture. Varying plant heights also gave this border lots of dimension. Spires of classic foxgloves and the bulbous blooms of alliums contrast each other while complimenting many of the unique shapes found in the elaborate water features made up of tons of glass ornaments. The only thing missing from these gorgeous odes to spring were the blooms on the many cherry trees that were focal points of the design. Just like in our gardens, plants don’t care when you’ve scheduled a fancy garden show and will come into their peak at their own time. Just a week or two away from full color, the trees were covered in buds and the first unfurling flowers. While not the floral display they were intending, it’s reassuring for the home gardener that not even the professionals get it right 100% of the time. In no way lacking for blooms were the opulent arrangements that were encountered as soon as you passed through the entryway’s arching lights. Layers and layers of hot-colored flowers created bold mounds that thrilled and spilled out containers that I believe were 3D printed (very fitting for “Gardens of Tomorrow”). Various orchids, tulips, roses, and allium are just some of the big blooms used to create these incredible combinations, which were so large that huge monstera leaves were an appropriate foliage match. I tried my best to get photos that captured as much of the incredible details in this arrangements as possible, but that is no easy task when hundreds of other people are also vying for a great view of these plants. All of these bright colors again married well with the bright pink water features. The third of these structures traded the glass baubles found in the first two for cylinders that held gorgeous orchid flowers. Just another angle of these incredible containers and the lovely mix of tulips and grasses that surrounded them. I don’t think any picture could completely capture the size and magnitude of these over-the-top displays, but know if you find these impressive they were that much more impressive in real life. Keep an eye out for more posts from the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show in the coming weeks! The show is vast and full of delicious details so I won’t be able to cover everything there was to see, but I will dive into some of my favorite displays and most unusual finds. If you had a chance to visit the show this year, let us know in the comments what your favorite part was, or consider sharing your favorite photos with the blog! Follow the directions below to submit your photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Telescopes from 4 to 7'. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning. The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time. Source link

[monaleen101]

Hi GPODers! A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining the rest of the Fine Gardening crew on their expedition to the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show. In its 196th year, the flower show is a feast for plant lovers of every kind. Whether you’re there to see the spectacular floral displays or marvel in the many prized plant specimens on display, hours fly by like they are minutes in the busy showroom. Produced by the nonprofit Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the show is a fundraiser to support the society’s mission to use horticulture to improve the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. Also one of the largest and oldest flower shows in the world, it attracts over 200,000 guests annually and gathers plant professionals from across the Mid-Atlantic region (and world) to exchange ideas, information, and knowledge. Fine Gardening was there to hold talks as part of the show’s “Know to Grow” educational lecture series. However, that didn’t stop me from slipping out into the showroom whenever I had free time to capture as much of the unbelievable creations and exhibits as I could. The 2025 theme, “Gardens of Tomorrow,” invited onlookers to imagine how our gardens and plant arrangements will evolve in the near future, and the entry displays (titled Futura Florentia) immediately immersed you into this experimental world. Garden entryways have been marked by some kind of archway for centuries, so it’s reasonable that future gardens will continue this tradition. This entry display imagined what a more futuristic interpretation of these classic structures might look like and put it on a grand scale. The mix of materials and lighting colors used throughout these beds also lent to the futuristic feel. While the structures used were sleek and ultramodern, all of the plantings were lush, comforting, and familiar. A mix of pink and purple flowers matched the huge, bright pink water features while a mix of foliage shapes created a naturalistic effect with tons of incredible texture. Varying plant heights also gave this border lots of dimension. Spires of classic foxgloves and the bulbous blooms of alliums contrast each other while complimenting many of the unique shapes found in the elaborate water features made up of tons of glass ornaments. The only thing missing from these gorgeous odes to spring were the blooms on the many cherry trees that were focal points of the design. Just like in our gardens, plants don’t care when you’ve scheduled a fancy garden show and will come into their peak at their own time. Just a week or two away from full color, the trees were covered in buds and the first unfurling flowers. While not the floral display they were intending, it’s reassuring for the home gardener that not even the professionals get it right 100% of the time. In no way lacking for blooms were the opulent arrangements that were encountered as soon as you passed through the entryway’s arching lights. Layers and layers of hot-colored flowers created bold mounds that thrilled and spilled out containers that I believe were 3D printed (very fitting for “Gardens of Tomorrow”). Various orchids, tulips, roses, and allium are just some of the big blooms used to create these incredible combinations, which were so large that huge monstera leaves were an appropriate foliage match. I tried my best to get photos that captured as much of the incredible details in this arrangements as possible, but that is no easy task when hundreds of other people are also vying for a great view of these plants. All of these bright colors again married well with the bright pink water features. The third of these structures traded the glass baubles found in the first two for cylinders that held gorgeous orchid flowers. Just another angle of these incredible containers and the lovely mix of tulips and grasses that surrounded them. I don’t think any picture could completely capture the size and magnitude of these over-the-top displays, but know if you find these impressive they were that much more impressive in real life. Keep an eye out for more posts from the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show in the coming weeks! The show is vast and full of delicious details so I won’t be able to cover everything there was to see, but I will dive into some of my favorite displays and most unusual finds. If you had a chance to visit the show this year, let us know in the comments what your favorite part was, or consider sharing your favorite photos with the blog! Follow the directions below to submit your photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Telescopes from 4 to 7'. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning. The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time. Source link

[iamownerofme]

Hi GPODers! A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining the rest of the Fine Gardening crew on their expedition to the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show. In its 196th year, the flower show is a feast for plant lovers of every kind. Whether you’re there to see the spectacular floral displays or marvel in the many prized plant specimens on display, hours fly by like they are minutes in the busy showroom. Produced by the nonprofit Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the show is a fundraiser to support the society’s mission to use horticulture to improve the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. Also one of the largest and oldest flower shows in the world, it attracts over 200,000 guests annually and gathers plant professionals from across the Mid-Atlantic region (and world) to exchange ideas, information, and knowledge. Fine Gardening was there to hold talks as part of the show’s “Know to Grow” educational lecture series. However, that didn’t stop me from slipping out into the showroom whenever I had free time to capture as much of the unbelievable creations and exhibits as I could. The 2025 theme, “Gardens of Tomorrow,” invited onlookers to imagine how our gardens and plant arrangements will evolve in the near future, and the entry displays (titled Futura Florentia) immediately immersed you into this experimental world. Garden entryways have been marked by some kind of archway for centuries, so it’s reasonable that future gardens will continue this tradition. This entry display imagined what a more futuristic interpretation of these classic structures might look like and put it on a grand scale. The mix of materials and lighting colors used throughout these beds also lent to the futuristic feel. While the structures used were sleek and ultramodern, all of the plantings were lush, comforting, and familiar. A mix of pink and purple flowers matched the huge, bright pink water features while a mix of foliage shapes created a naturalistic effect with tons of incredible texture. Varying plant heights also gave this border lots of dimension. Spires of classic foxgloves and the bulbous blooms of alliums contrast each other while complimenting many of the unique shapes found in the elaborate water features made up of tons of glass ornaments. The only thing missing from these gorgeous odes to spring were the blooms on the many cherry trees that were focal points of the design. Just like in our gardens, plants don’t care when you’ve scheduled a fancy garden show and will come into their peak at their own time. Just a week or two away from full color, the trees were covered in buds and the first unfurling flowers. While not the floral display they were intending, it’s reassuring for the home gardener that not even the professionals get it right 100% of the time. In no way lacking for blooms were the opulent arrangements that were encountered as soon as you passed through the entryway’s arching lights. Layers and layers of hot-colored flowers created bold mounds that thrilled and spilled out containers that I believe were 3D printed (very fitting for “Gardens of Tomorrow”). Various orchids, tulips, roses, and allium are just some of the big blooms used to create these incredible combinations, which were so large that huge monstera leaves were an appropriate foliage match. I tried my best to get photos that captured as much of the incredible details in this arrangements as possible, but that is no easy task when hundreds of other people are also vying for a great view of these plants. All of these bright colors again married well with the bright pink water features. The third of these structures traded the glass baubles found in the first two for cylinders that held gorgeous orchid flowers. Just another angle of these incredible containers and the lovely mix of tulips and grasses that surrounded them. I don’t think any picture could completely capture the size and magnitude of these over-the-top displays, but know if you find these impressive they were that much more impressive in real life. Keep an eye out for more posts from the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show in the coming weeks! The show is vast and full of delicious details so I won’t be able to cover everything there was to see, but I will dive into some of my favorite displays and most unusual finds. If you had a chance to visit the show this year, let us know in the comments what your favorite part was, or consider sharing your favorite photos with the blog! Follow the directions below to submit your photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Telescopes from 4 to 7'. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning. The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time. Source link

[shelyold]

Hi GPODers! A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining the rest of the Fine Gardening crew on their expedition to the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show. In its 196th year, the flower show is a feast for plant lovers of every kind. Whether you’re there to see the spectacular floral displays or marvel in the many prized plant specimens on display, hours fly by like they are minutes in the busy showroom. Produced by the nonprofit Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the show is a fundraiser to support the society’s mission to use horticulture to improve the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. Also one of the largest and oldest flower shows in the world, it attracts over 200,000 guests annually and gathers plant professionals from across the Mid-Atlantic region (and world) to exchange ideas, information, and knowledge. Fine Gardening was there to hold talks as part of the show’s “Know to Grow” educational lecture series. However, that didn’t stop me from slipping out into the showroom whenever I had free time to capture as much of the unbelievable creations and exhibits as I could. The 2025 theme, “Gardens of Tomorrow,” invited onlookers to imagine how our gardens and plant arrangements will evolve in the near future, and the entry displays (titled Futura Florentia) immediately immersed you into this experimental world. Garden entryways have been marked by some kind of archway for centuries, so it’s reasonable that future gardens will continue this tradition. This entry display imagined what a more futuristic interpretation of these classic structures might look like and put it on a grand scale. The mix of materials and lighting colors used throughout these beds also lent to the futuristic feel. While the structures used were sleek and ultramodern, all of the plantings were lush, comforting, and familiar. A mix of pink and purple flowers matched the huge, bright pink water features while a mix of foliage shapes created a naturalistic effect with tons of incredible texture. Varying plant heights also gave this border lots of dimension. Spires of classic foxgloves and the bulbous blooms of alliums contrast each other while complimenting many of the unique shapes found in the elaborate water features made up of tons of glass ornaments. The only thing missing from these gorgeous odes to spring were the blooms on the many cherry trees that were focal points of the design. Just like in our gardens, plants don’t care when you’ve scheduled a fancy garden show and will come into their peak at their own time. Just a week or two away from full color, the trees were covered in buds and the first unfurling flowers. While not the floral display they were intending, it’s reassuring for the home gardener that not even the professionals get it right 100% of the time. In no way lacking for blooms were the opulent arrangements that were encountered as soon as you passed through the entryway’s arching lights. Layers and layers of hot-colored flowers created bold mounds that thrilled and spilled out containers that I believe were 3D printed (very fitting for “Gardens of Tomorrow”). Various orchids, tulips, roses, and allium are just some of the big blooms used to create these incredible combinations, which were so large that huge monstera leaves were an appropriate foliage match. I tried my best to get photos that captured as much of the incredible details in this arrangements as possible, but that is no easy task when hundreds of other people are also vying for a great view of these plants. All of these bright colors again married well with the bright pink water features. The third of these structures traded the glass baubles found in the first two for cylinders that held gorgeous orchid flowers. Just another angle of these incredible containers and the lovely mix of tulips and grasses that surrounded them. I don’t think any picture could completely capture the size and magnitude of these over-the-top displays, but know if you find these impressive they were that much more impressive in real life. Keep an eye out for more posts from the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show in the coming weeks! The show is vast and full of delicious details so I won’t be able to cover everything there was to see, but I will dive into some of my favorite displays and most unusual finds. If you had a chance to visit the show this year, let us know in the comments what your favorite part was, or consider sharing your favorite photos with the blog! Follow the directions below to submit your photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Telescopes from 4 to 7'. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning. The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time. Source link

[iammeandmy]

Hi GPODers! A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining the rest of the Fine Gardening crew on their expedition to the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show. In its 196th year, the flower show is a feast for plant lovers of every kind. Whether you’re there to see the spectacular floral displays or marvel in the many prized plant specimens on display, hours fly by like they are minutes in the busy showroom. Produced by the nonprofit Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the show is a fundraiser to support the society’s mission to use horticulture to improve the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. Also one of the largest and oldest flower shows in the world, it attracts over 200,000 guests annually and gathers plant professionals from across the Mid-Atlantic region (and world) to exchange ideas, information, and knowledge. Fine Gardening was there to hold talks as part of the show’s “Know to Grow” educational lecture series. However, that didn’t stop me from slipping out into the showroom whenever I had free time to capture as much of the unbelievable creations and exhibits as I could. The 2025 theme, “Gardens of Tomorrow,” invited onlookers to imagine how our gardens and plant arrangements will evolve in the near future, and the entry displays (titled Futura Florentia) immediately immersed you into this experimental world. Garden entryways have been marked by some kind of archway for centuries, so it’s reasonable that future gardens will continue this tradition. This entry display imagined what a more futuristic interpretation of these classic structures might look like and put it on a grand scale. The mix of materials and lighting colors used throughout these beds also lent to the futuristic feel. While the structures used were sleek and ultramodern, all of the plantings were lush, comforting, and familiar. A mix of pink and purple flowers matched the huge, bright pink water features while a mix of foliage shapes created a naturalistic effect with tons of incredible texture. Varying plant heights also gave this border lots of dimension. Spires of classic foxgloves and the bulbous blooms of alliums contrast each other while complimenting many of the unique shapes found in the elaborate water features made up of tons of glass ornaments. The only thing missing from these gorgeous odes to spring were the blooms on the many cherry trees that were focal points of the design. Just like in our gardens, plants don’t care when you’ve scheduled a fancy garden show and will come into their peak at their own time. Just a week or two away from full color, the trees were covered in buds and the first unfurling flowers. While not the floral display they were intending, it’s reassuring for the home gardener that not even the professionals get it right 100% of the time. In no way lacking for blooms were the opulent arrangements that were encountered as soon as you passed through the entryway’s arching lights. Layers and layers of hot-colored flowers created bold mounds that thrilled and spilled out containers that I believe were 3D printed (very fitting for “Gardens of Tomorrow”). Various orchids, tulips, roses, and allium are just some of the big blooms used to create these incredible combinations, which were so large that huge monstera leaves were an appropriate foliage match. I tried my best to get photos that captured as much of the incredible details in this arrangements as possible, but that is no easy task when hundreds of other people are also vying for a great view of these plants. All of these bright colors again married well with the bright pink water features. The third of these structures traded the glass baubles found in the first two for cylinders that held gorgeous orchid flowers. Just another angle of these incredible containers and the lovely mix of tulips and grasses that surrounded them. I don’t think any picture could completely capture the size and magnitude of these over-the-top displays, but know if you find these impressive they were that much more impressive in real life. Keep an eye out for more posts from the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show in the coming weeks! The show is vast and full of delicious details so I won’t be able to cover everything there was to see, but I will dive into some of my favorite displays and most unusual finds. If you had a chance to visit the show this year, let us know in the comments what your favorite part was, or consider sharing your favorite photos with the blog! Follow the directions below to submit your photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Telescopes from 4 to 7'. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning. The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time. Source link

[januishstory]

Hi GPODers! A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining the rest of the Fine Gardening crew on their expedition to the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show. In its 196th year, the flower show is a feast for plant lovers of every kind. Whether you’re there to see the spectacular floral displays or marvel in the many prized plant specimens on display, hours fly by like they are minutes in the busy showroom. Produced by the nonprofit Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), the show is a fundraiser to support the society’s mission to use horticulture to improve the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. Also one of the largest and oldest flower shows in the world, it attracts over 200,000 guests annually and gathers plant professionals from across the Mid-Atlantic region (and world) to exchange ideas, information, and knowledge. Fine Gardening was there to hold talks as part of the show’s “Know to Grow” educational lecture series. However, that didn’t stop me from slipping out into the showroom whenever I had free time to capture as much of the unbelievable creations and exhibits as I could. The 2025 theme, “Gardens of Tomorrow,” invited onlookers to imagine how our gardens and plant arrangements will evolve in the near future, and the entry displays (titled Futura Florentia) immediately immersed you into this experimental world. Garden entryways have been marked by some kind of archway for centuries, so it’s reasonable that future gardens will continue this tradition. This entry display imagined what a more futuristic interpretation of these classic structures might look like and put it on a grand scale. The mix of materials and lighting colors used throughout these beds also lent to the futuristic feel. While the structures used were sleek and ultramodern, all of the plantings were lush, comforting, and familiar. A mix of pink and purple flowers matched the huge, bright pink water features while a mix of foliage shapes created a naturalistic effect with tons of incredible texture. Varying plant heights also gave this border lots of dimension. Spires of classic foxgloves and the bulbous blooms of alliums contrast each other while complimenting many of the unique shapes found in the elaborate water features made up of tons of glass ornaments. The only thing missing from these gorgeous odes to spring were the blooms on the many cherry trees that were focal points of the design. Just like in our gardens, plants don’t care when you’ve scheduled a fancy garden show and will come into their peak at their own time. Just a week or two away from full color, the trees were covered in buds and the first unfurling flowers. While not the floral display they were intending, it’s reassuring for the home gardener that not even the professionals get it right 100% of the time. In no way lacking for blooms were the opulent arrangements that were encountered as soon as you passed through the entryway’s arching lights. Layers and layers of hot-colored flowers created bold mounds that thrilled and spilled out containers that I believe were 3D printed (very fitting for “Gardens of Tomorrow”). Various orchids, tulips, roses, and allium are just some of the big blooms used to create these incredible combinations, which were so large that huge monstera leaves were an appropriate foliage match. I tried my best to get photos that captured as much of the incredible details in this arrangements as possible, but that is no easy task when hundreds of other people are also vying for a great view of these plants. All of these bright colors again married well with the bright pink water features. The third of these structures traded the glass baubles found in the first two for cylinders that held gorgeous orchid flowers. Just another angle of these incredible containers and the lovely mix of tulips and grasses that surrounded them. I don’t think any picture could completely capture the size and magnitude of these over-the-top displays, but know if you find these impressive they were that much more impressive in real life. Keep an eye out for more posts from the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show in the coming weeks! The show is vast and full of delicious details so I won’t be able to cover everything there was to see, but I will dive into some of my favorite displays and most unusual finds. If you had a chance to visit the show this year, let us know in the comments what your favorite part was, or consider sharing your favorite photos with the blog! Follow the directions below to submit your photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.   Have a garden you’d like to share? Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit! To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden. Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening! Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here. Fine Gardening Recommended Products ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Telescopes from 4 to 7'. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning. The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time. Source link