by Brenda Hillegas
The Philadelphia Flower Show is the world’s longest running and largest indoor show of it’s kind. Held annually by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society, this event needs no introduction. Everyone in Philadelphia knows about it- parking around the convention center is hard to find and the crowds at the show are pretty big. However, those are not excuses to miss it. Also not worthy excuses- you aren’t a big fan of flowers or gardening. Go anyway. Here’s why…
All photos by Brenda Hillegas
Sure, spring is a few weeks away and we’re hoping the cold weather will vanish soon. Winter blues will soon be behind us. But for now, the weather sucks and we’re longing for warmer days. Get out of the house, hop on the train or bus (Flower Show discount tix available via Septa), and SMELL THE FLOWERS! The Flower Show is indoors, warm with the smells of flowers, fresh dirt and buttered popcorn- yes, the show is Disney Movie Themed this year! Turn off your phone’s email alerts, put on some comfortable shoes and take some me-time. The Flower Show is the perfect place to relax, turn on your imagination and have a stress-free day.
Even if you don’t know a thing about flowers or what seeds to plant in what season (I don’t, no clue), you’ll be amazed and impressed by what the Flower Show has to offer. Spring and summer mean weddings, showers, parties, celebrations. With plenty of vendors on hand, you’ll be able to get all your upcoming gift needs taken care of…and don’t forget to treat yourself.
As mentioned, the Disney movie theme this year includes beautiful, breath-taking displays created by various landscapers, floral designers and nurseries. Each group put in an amazing amount of work to create floral scenes inspired by new and old Disney movies. From classics like The Parent Trap and Fantasia to child-obsessed Frozen and Cars as well as new movies like Into The Woods, there has to be at least one display that will flood you with memories and put some Disney songs back in your head.
Here are a few of my favorite displays and the album link for each one. You might want to download your favorite Disney soundtrack or best-of collection before you go, so you don’t spend time doing it when you get home like I did. Trust me, you’ll want to hear these songs again.
PA Wine & Spirits will also be on hand in the back lot to offer free tastings from 2pm-7pm now until 3/7, and 1pm-4pm on 3/8. This is an absolute must if you plan on coming to the Flower Show. The amount of wine and spirits to sample was incredibly impressive and not only were they available straight-up, but you were also given the opportunity to try cocktails featuring the liquors. Many of the vendors were happy to hand out coupons and drink recipes as well, and the pop-up Wine & Spirits shop as you exit the samples makes it pretty hard to not leave with a bottle of something new. Directly across from the tasting area is a pop-up beer garden with delicious food, a hard cider made exclusively for the flower show and live music.
The exhibit I enjoyed the most was Gene London’s Hollywood Collection. For a few dollars more, you can view London’s personal collection of costumes worn by some of Hollywood’s leading actors from the past. See dresses made famous by Marilyn Monroe, Vivien Leigh, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Rita Hayworth as well as outfits from Gone With the Wind and other classics. Any fan of the Golden Age of Hollywood can’t miss this.
Special events throughout the week can be found on the website. Friday March 6th is Fido Friday and you can bring your pup with you! Spend the day, or a few hours after work. If you have to travel through Jefferson Station anyway, the Flower Show entrance is just a few steps away. Wander around, grab dinner, do some shopping and smile. There’s lots to look at, lots to try and a great way to take care of yourself during this cold season.
Go enjoy the flowers.
