For many of us flower lovers, flower shows are the highlight of the spring season. It's a place you come to be dazzled, challenged and inspired. It's also a forum for trading practical tips and ideas. If nothing else, it's nice to know that so many other folks share your passion for flowers.
Sometimes, brand-new varieties are introduced at a show, as was the case at the Philadelphia Flower Show theflowershow.com where the "All That Jazz" tulip and "Cool Splash" honeysuckle were introduced to the world. I was lucky enough to attend the Philly flower show (the theme was Jazz It Up, New Orleans style) and I have posted some pix in today's post.
I've been in touch with flower show organizers in other parts of the U.S. and Canada, and, in the next few weeks, I hope to post shots from other shows.
Enjoy ... and make plans to attend a show or two in 2009! And if you have a flower photo you'd like to share, send it my way.
An entrance to Philly's flower show, the largest indoor flower show in the world.
This year's theme was jazz and many exhibitors played on that motif, literally and figuratively.
Styer Nurseries' award-winning entry recreated the look of a country cabin in the Deep South.
Tourism Ireland was designed by John Cullen of Dexter, Mich.
Tulips were one of many flowers judged at the show.
The show had a steady stream of browsers and buyers. The weeklong event draws more than 250,000 visitors.
Flower Fact of the Day: Have you seen the pretty purple wildflower, commonly known as poodle-dog bush? Don't touch it! This flower contains an irritant akin to poison oak. For the full report, see ocregister.com/articles/oldar-flower-bush-2001799-people-fire.