Take in 'The Poetry of Nature' during Phipps Conservatory's annual fall flower show

A long tradition continues with the opening of “Fall Flower Show: The Poetry of Nature” at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh’s Oakland section.

Featuring thousands of chrysanthemums in a rainbow of colors, the show is an annual tradition dating back to the fall of 1894, making it the longest-running fall flower show in the United States.

“The first flower show at Phipps was a chrysanthemum show,” says Joe Reed, Phipps director of marketing and communications. “They are the quintessential fall flower.

In the late 1800s, Reed says, “Mums shows were quite common, so Phipps set out to have the biggest and best show of them all.”

These days, you don’t see many of them, he says, as conservatories across the country tend to focus on permanent exhibits.

“It takes a lot of time and labor, and mums take a long time to grow,” Reed says. “We train mums year-round. Some are started right after the previous show closes.”

Visitors are sure to appreciate the results.

“Carefully selected poems about nature accompany displays of thousands of chrysanthemums in a dazzling array of colors, shapes and sizes. Trickling fountains, topiary cranes and a tranquil waterfall add to the serene experience as mums paint the glasshouse in vibrant autumnal hues,” according to a release. “Plus, guests can learn about the year-long process that Phipps horticulturists undertake to grow the mums in the show and discover the 13 classifications of mum.”

The show continues through Nov. 1 and includes these sights:

• Orange and red mums cascading from towers, setting off the trickling fountain in Palm Court

• Many unique varieties showcased in the Sunken Garden

• Jewel-toned mums surrounding the pond in the Victoria Room

• Topiary cranes set among gold, bronze and orange mums in front of the East Room waterfall

• Billows of pink and white blooms in the classic French garden beds of the Broderie Room

• Plantings gradating from bright yellows to vibrant oranges to deep reds along the winding path of the Serpentine Room.

Also open is “Garden Railroad: Rails and Trails,” an update of the annual miniature railroad display of the sights and sounds of Phipps Biophilia Park. The tiny trains chug through a tableau featuring a pontoon boat cruising on a lake, a concert at a band shell, miniature figures enjoying various park activities and tiny plantings.

In the typical “Rails and Trails” display, visitors can push a button to make the trains move. This year, there’s a new touchless feature.

“Children can wave their hands and make the train move,” Reed says.

The railroad remains on display until March, Reed says: “It’s a sad day for the little ones when that closes.”

“The Poetry of Nature” was designed by display horticulturist Laura Schoch. “Rails and Trails was designed by Jordyn Melino, associate director of exhibits, with animatronics by maintenance technician Paul Widek.

Hours at Phipps are 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Timed tickets must be reserved in advance at phipps.conservatory.org.