Springtime in Paris - Philadelphia Flower Show 2011

The Philadelphia Flower show is the oldest and largest flower show in the world.  This was our third visit to this annual event. We weren't going to go this year but after I heard what the theme was we couldn't pass it up. “Springtime in Paris” featured romantic and elegant scenes of Paris through a lot of wonderful gardens.  At the entrance your met by the Eiffel Tower and a scene of the park set along the Seine with an array of flowering trees, lilacs, roses and lanes bordered with lavender.

 

Flowering topiary animals lead visitors past a Carousel stage and rousting Moulin Rouge atmosphere where lively cabaret performances include Can-Can dancers, singers and musicians set among beautiful flower sculptures, and carousel topiaries.

 

 Our favorite herb, Lavender was found throughout the convention center.

 

  What a burst of color!  I must be in heaven.

Of course you'll find the finest of fashion in Paris.

Their are no words to describe all the senses that you take in when you are in this room full of color and fragrance.

Artist line the streets of Paris.  Finding that perfect scene to paint.

Spring can not be far away.

I want this flower cart.

Can you Can-Can?  This "Urban Graffiti Shadow Art" by Michael Bruce was a big attraction. See the next pictures to see what the shadow is made from.  You'll be surprised.

  

I told you, You can, can.

 

 I didn't know Orchids came in so many colors.

Longwood Gardens, just a short distance from Philadelphia has the largest collection of Orchid on display during there Orchid Extravaganza now till March 27th.

Over 150 presentations took place through out the week, as well as dozens of educational shows of the latest trends in gardening. There are competitive classes for producers and gardeners from all over the world who will showcase their valuable plants and compete for prestigious awards.

More than 580 artistic and horticultural classes are on display with more than 2000 entries in classes ranging from miniature settings to pressed plants. 

I love topiaries in all shapes and sizes.  The talent and imagination of some of the competitors is unbelievable.

Food and wine attractions include tea garden, cooking demonstrations of the best chefs in Philadelphia, a wine tasting and coffee clutches with mouth-watering desserts.

Of course we had to shop.  The market has more than 150 suppliers from the United States and as far away as Wales, that will sell plants, flowers, awnings (even a small shed), floral-inspired furniture, artwork, unique products, and garden-related crafts.

The trip isn't complete without going to the Reading Terminal Market, which is across the street from the Convention Center.

 Reading Market is a blog entree all its own because there so much to see and eat.

 Somewhere in this picture is Gary standing in line to order lunch at  Herschel's East Side Deli.

Ok, so I couldn't wait to eat to take the picture.  Turkey with coleslaw.

 Corn Beef with coleslaw and a pickle.

Later in the afternoon we came back to the market to have crepe's at  Profi's Creperie.

We shared a Berry Cheesecake with Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberry and Raspberry sauce.  Oh, with a small slice of cheesecake inside.  It was to die for!  Yummo!  We want to find a food vendor to offer these during our Lavender Festival.

To the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia.  Thank you for a wonder time.

Check back this week for the rest of our adventure back home from Philadelphia.