Flower Show blooms at Convention Center

By Lauren McGlone
Senior Staff Writer
February 28, 2007

Anyone seeking to view a spectacular floral presentation and to take part in week-long related events during Spring Break may be interested in the Philadelphia Flower Show.

The Philadelphia Convention Center will host the annual event from March 4-11, which has been held since 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

This year’s theme, “Legends of Ireland,” features the fantastic land of Tir-Na-nOg and its accompanying music, dance, and gardens. As told to 6 ABC News, Sam Lemheney, Flower Show Design Director explains the theme.

“Tir-Na-nOg is the legend of the land of young and [according to ] this legend, the trees are always in leaf, the flowers are always blooming and the entire backdrop will be our Castle of the Emerald Kingdom, an unbelievable 360 degree exhibit,” Lemheney said.

In preparation for the annual show, gardeners control light and temperature to make growth possible for their floral creations. Professionals in their fields create complete gardens and vie for the highly-esteemed award of “Best in Show.” Competitors are invited to enter their work in the flower show based on their abilities as designers and creators of garden displays. Preparations last about 18 months, culminating in the highly-anticipated first week of March.

Listed under Competitive Classes for the individual displays, over 3,000 entries fall into either the Artistic or Horticultural categories. The Artistic class features those plants judged by design and color. Horticultural competitions highlight entries of a specific size, health and overall appearance.

According to the Flower Show’s Web site, the unique judging process includes “show quality, health, appearance and presentation.” Judges are selected by invitation only and are “authors, educators, specialists and designers who are nationally recognized as experts in their fields.”

Special events throughout the week include a lecture by Helen Dillon on the Irish Garden, music and cocktails at the Hive Lounge, lectures and demonstrations on the finer points of gardening and dance performances by Ragús, as well as culinary presentations and garden tea sittings.

The “Legends of Ireland” 2007 Philadelphia Flower Show is being held Sunday, March 4 through Sunday, March 11 at the Convention Center at 12th and Arch Streets. For more information regarding the show and tickets, visit www.theflowershow.com

mcglonel1@lasalle.edu