Philadelphia Flower Show Hosted a Hawaiian Themed Event

One of the beach displays 
Photo By: David L. Buckler

 The fresh smell of flowers, the vivid color of Hawaii, the soft feel of leafs between my fingers, and the sound of people talking are all part of the flower show experience.
      This past March, The Pennsylvania Convention Center hosted a Hawaiian themed Flower Show for the Philadelphia area. Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, or PHS has been funded by the proceeds of this event.
       PHS is an organization focused on urban greening programs, such as "City Harvest" which feeds Philadelphia families in need. Tickets cost $32, which is a steep cost for many but it helps PHS feed the hungry and plant in Philadelphia.
       Bob Ward, a front gate employee has been working the flower show for eleven years. He said, "Every year they do an amazing job here and every year thousands of people come to see the beautiful displays." He said around "300,000 people" attend each year over eight days.

Wedding Ideas 
Photo by: David L. Buckler

      Volunteers are a huge reason this is successful every year. Sharon Lentz has been volunteering for the last three years. She says, "It takes a lot, alot of volunteers to pull this off." Lentz also said, "The isles are bigger than ever before as is traffic flow because people  complained, which is a good thing."
         Being a volunteer comes with it's benefits. Free admission to the show is one benefit that Lentz said is why she volunteers. If interested in volunteering for the show contact PHS.
          John Tanouye, a first timer at the show said, "This is pretty amazing." The look of awe and amazement struck Tanouye's face as we walked by the table on the right.
          The people who show up to this event all seem very happy and relaxed. Maybe it's the pleasant smell or the eye striking colors. Or maybe it's an escape from everyday life. One thing is certain this is a colorful event to attend.

An actual beach built indoors
Photo by: David L. Buckler

          No event comes without it's criticism. Caitlin Pasarelli a long time member of PHS and photo enthusiast said, "I am disappointed with the lack of colors this year, I wanted to see hibiscus and more variety of flowers but it's mostly leaf work this year." Like Lentz said, when people complain things change. Next year the colorful display of Hawaii might be even more colorful as spectators demand for more flowers.
         Three shows were scheduled throughout the day in the PHS studios, located on the far left side of the building and directly in the center of the building. The first show was the PHS Gardeners studio where professionals gave the audience advice on gardening methods, to optimize their yards potential.
          After lunch time The Philadelphia Zoo hosted an event for the children. They brought a parrot, a turtle, and a sneak with them for children to see and touch. Parents seemed relieved to sit down as their children ran to the stage to pet the animals.
      Around dinner time the last show was at the PHS Designer's Studio where professionals gave the audience tips on how to make beautiful bouquets. They also demonstrated by making several bouquets with flowers from the show, and flowers that were on sale.
      By the end of the day most of the people filtered out of the doors exhausted but happy. "A day well spent" said Audrey Strother as she slowly made her way out of the building.