Wonders of Water at the 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show

What does a Teddy Bear Tea and the magnificence of a rain forest have in common? You can experience both within the span of a few hours, if you hurry, at the annual Philadelphia Flower Show, which wraps up on this weekend, March 11, 2018, at the Philadelphia Convention Center.

Each year, following the winter lull between New Year’s and Valentine’s Day, tens of thousands of flower-lovers wait with bated breath for the ushering of spring through the vibrancy and excitement of what is, by far, the best flower show in the country.

The 2018 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, “Wonders of Water,” celebrates the beauty and life-sustaining interplay of horticulture and water, showcasing the astounding plants that thrive in various environments, from exquisite orchids and flowering vines to luminescent desert blooms.

As you enter the halls, you immediately shut out the doldrums of winter and are ushered into spring in all its beauty and bloomery. This year’s theme, Wonders of Water, captivates visitors through the magic of a real-life rain forest and with the wonder of imagination and the creative genuis and mastery of people whose lives are “flowers”, you are enraptured throughout your visit. A word of advice, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers to avoid having to lug around a heavy coat.

From gardening inspiration for beginners to masterfully-crafted personal retreats, there is something for everyone. And by everyone, I mean everyone. The halls are filled with wide-eyed children whose excitement of all the beauty, to elders getting around in wheelchairs, they are there for one purpose - to be reminded of the beauty and wonder of flowers.

According to the creators of the show, “Visitors will enter the show and instantly feel as if they have been transported into a modern, imaginative jungle, reminiscent of nature’s diverse rainforest, featuring a playful, wildly colorful embellished landscape. An entrance canopy of lush greenery, hanging flowers and vines with cascading plants skillfully immerses each visitor. A labyrinth of scaffolding creates an architectural wonder filled with plants and flowers. Elaborate-cut, tropical flower arrangements sits atop bamboo stands, with hanging flowers and vines suspended overhead and pops of colorful flowers making a graceful climb along bamboo poles.

An ever-shifting rain curtain gently guides visitors to a tropical pond surrounded by palm and ficus trees, massive ferns and colorful tropical plants and flowers. Guests can flow through past a fish pond, with lily pads in a misting pool and be lead to a “suspended” rope bridge, and through a brilliant green rainforest. Marvel at a modernistic, 25-foot waterfall, which reveals itself as the backdrop to this rain forest garden, and a six-tier bamboo structure with cascades of falling water, adorned by plants and flowers, and flowing into a water stream.

“We want to capture all the sensory elements of the rainforest – its fantastic colors, scents and sounds -- and demonstrate its unique and vital role in purifying water and sustaining our environment,” explained Sam Lemheney, PHS Chief of Shows & Events.

And if you are aiming to take some of this magic home, there are a host of vendors offering all sorts of gardening inspiration that you can make your own. And if you are seeking the ultimate instruction, you can also pick up an autographed copy of Martha Stewart's book, Martha's Flowers.

There is so much to see and do and since I can’t possibly share it all, why not make your way to the show, purchase tickets for tea, which starts at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, and welcome the beauty and magic of spring. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite plush toy and meet the show’s famous bear, Teddy. Enjoy interactive live entertainment with a delicious menu of petite kid friendly sandwiches and pastries. All seating is social and assigned in groups.

Tickets must be reserved in advance. Space is limited. For more information, visit www.theflowershow.com

Because life should be good! How good is that.....Copyright Bonnie McDaniel, Farm Girl In The City™ 2017 All rights reserved I'm Bonnie McDaniel of Farm Girl In the City™ a contributor for Patch, writing about gardening, cooking, flowers, good living, urban gardening and more! Connect with me on social media on Twitter and Instagram for your daily dose of food and garden inspiration. You can also find me on Facebook, and check out my blog here. Stay tuned for the launch of my new cookbook, the first of the Farm Girl In The City cookbook series, entitled, Of Food and Love, coming in April 2018 ! Available on Amazon and at major bookstores.