Have you been on social media in oh, say, the past seven days? If so, then I presume you know that the 2017 Philadelphia Flower Show is here, and it’s pretty freakin beautiful. The theme this year is Holland, and with that comes (the best flower ever) . . . the tulip. So many tulips, you guys, and they’re actually quite amazing. I wasn’t convinced I was going to make the trip to the show this year, but during our mini snow event this week, I thought it would be a good night to try. And, for the Instagram shots alone, it was worth it.
Armed with my new DSLR camera (that I’m definitely still figuring out how to fully work), I bopped around the show snapping photos of my favorite scenes (and getting my own photo taken in several mini shoots – totally not embarrassing at all, in front of a few pairs of judging Flower Show goer eyes) and taking in the joy that is a room of color and fragrance, especially when you just climbed over piles of dirt, ice, and snow (in shoes that are certainly not snow boots) on your way here.
I haven’t been to the Flower Show in years, so allow me to refresh all other memories like mine. The majority of the floor is filled with contest winners with so many different themes. My overall reaction: so. impressed. There are plenty of stalls for food and alcohol (which I, quite strangely, can not find called out by name anywhere on the site), but I saw places like Di Bruno Bros and Termini Brothers selling their goods – swoon. Lots of people were walking around with beer and wine, but I couldn’t find any open stalls from about 7pm on. I’m sure it’s there, just do your research before you go.
The shops are a huge part of the show, and are probably pretty fun if you’re really into plants and gardening. For me, however, subtly pretending like I was not drastically shocked by the price when I asked the booth keeper “how much is this one?” about a casual shawl I saw displayed, was enough for me. He replied, “Four…fifty,” then must have seen the squiggle of confusion on my face (“how could this be only $4.50?!”) and quickly clarified, “Four hundred … and fifty.”
When I have flowers in my home, I have a lot of trouble keeping them alive. The Flower Show folks have kept these babies blooming for a week now, but they can only last so long. If you want to check the show this year, head to the Pennsylvania Convention Center (12th & Arch Streets) today (Friday) from 10am – 9pm, Saturday from 8am – 9pm or Sunday from 8am – 6pm. Tickets are $32.50 each online for adults, but, if you’re a student under 24, your online ticket is $21.50. (My .50 cent ending estimates include the service fee, because I can’t hide that sneaky $1.50 from you any longer.)
What do you think – is the Flower Show your scene? Are you going to the show this year?
