Preview Of The Philadelphia Flower Show
Since 1829, the Philadelphia Flower Show has been the place to go see the latest in flowers and plants -- and a great way to dispel midwinter doldrums. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society, the show was first held in the Masonic Hall on Chestnut Street. About 25 society members participated in the first event by exhibiting a variety of exotic plants such as magnolias, peonies, an India rubber tree, a coffee tree from Arabia and sugarcane from the West Indies. The theme of this year's show brings the atmosphere of Great Britain to its former colonies, and a portion of the proceeds benefit City Harvest, which has grown and donated 180,000 pounds of fresh produce to help feed 1,000 families.
Philadelphia Flower Show
Pennsylvania Convention Center
11-1 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 988-8779
www.theflowershow.com
Date: March 2 to March 10 - see website for specific hours
Price: $27 adults/ $20 students (ages 17 - 24) /$25 children ages 2 to 16/free children 2 and under
Some of the highlights of this year's show include:
Garden Tea
Imbibe the atmosphere of a traditional United Kingdom tea. Held twice a day at 12:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m., the Garden Tea gives visitors a chance to take a break from touring the show and enjoy soothing music and a light meal amidst a setting of beautiful flowers. The menu features sandwiches, pastries, fruit and (of course!) a variety of teas.
Related: Off Season Gardening
Do-It-Yourself
At the flower show's new Make and Take Room, try your hand at creating a floral wristlet or magic wand. Guided by an expert in floral design, visitors will make original creations that they can take home. Supplies are included.
Early Morning Tours
Enjoy an Early Morning Tour as a VIP and get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes on at flower show. The tour will feature flower arranging demonstrations by award-winning floral designers. Participants are provided all day access to the private member's lounge at the show.
Preview Party
On March 1, a preview party is scheduled to give guests an exclusive look at the flowers, exotic plants, landscape designs and other displays. The event will be held on the show floor to allow guests access to all the exhibits. Cocktails and other beverages will be available. Admission includes tickets for the 10 p.m. after party. Chat with friends, dance and experience the British-inspired landscape. Refreshments are available.
Theme Nights
Several theme nights will liven up the show. On Sunday, March 3 from 4 to 6 p.m., a LGBT Party sponsored by G Philly will be held at the show. British-inspired cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be provided. On March 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Philadelphia Wedding Magazine will be hosting brides-to-be at the flower show's Wedding Wednesday. Bring your bridesmaids along and take advantage of free advice on wedding arrangements from more than 50 local fashion, catering, honeymoon, music and other experts. On March 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., it's Girls Night Out. Sponsored by Philadelphia Style Magazine, the event is designed for ladies only and features food samples, health and beauty tutorials and shopping with goodies from Philadelphia's best retailers. Raffle prizes and gifts will be provided.
Related: Winter Garden May Bloom With Snow
Jeffrey B. Roth, has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
