Philly flower show channels Paris
The crowd gathers around the orchid exhibit on opening day at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Credit: INQ SUWA/AKIRA SUWA
Get ready for "Springtime in Paris" - in Philadelphia.
The annual Philadelphia International Flower Show will boast a Parisian theme during its run from March 6-13 at the convention center.
Visitors will enter under a replica of the Eiffel Tower's base that is 33 feet tall and 75 feet wide. Floral exhibits will represent aspects of Paris from the romantic and opulent to the artistic and avant-garde, said design director Sam Lemheney.
The event, billed as the nation's largest flower show, also aims to be more interactive this year. It will feature painters, strolling musicians, cafes, wine tastings and cabaret dancers.
"The whole feel and vibe of the show will be much more up and happy this year," said Drew Becher, president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, which has sponsored the show each year since 1829.
The event attracts about 250,000 gardening enthusiasts annually and pumps about $35 million into the city's economy. Details at theflowershow.com.
