When you think of Philadelphia
When you think of Philadelphia, do you think of cheese steaks or flower shows? Both? Well, you’re in luck because the end of February you can get a two-fer! Starting Saturday, 28 February, and continuing through Sunday 8 March, the world’s oldest and largest indoor flower show takes place in Philadelphia.
“So, where do cheese steaks come into this?” you may be asking yourself. The answer is simple. Drive or take a bus trip (more about that later) to Philadelphia. If you leave Salisbury around 9AM, you will arrive in Philadelphia just in time for lunch at the Reading Market. The Market is located diagonally across the street from the Pennsylvania Convention Center in center-city Philly where The Flower Show takes place. Take the time to stroll the market and marvel at the incredible fresh meats, flowers, vegetables and food vendors. At the back of the market, you will find the favorite cheese steak vendor of the Gardening Grannies. Take the time to savor the traditional sandwich of Philadelphia with all the toppings. Worry about the calories and cholesterol later. This is a one-time event and we think it really shouldn’t count for or against your diet!
With satisfied tummies, it’s time to head to the flower show for an afternoon of amazing experiences. The PHS Philadelphia Flower show attracts over a quarter million visitors each year and the show theme changes annually. In this, its 186th year, the show theme is “Celebrate the Movies”. The Gardening Grannies are busy brushing up on their classic movie trivia in anticipation of one-upping each other as they critique the displays. In addition to the always amazing floral displays, there are some serious horticultural competitions among the region’s most elite horticulturists, demonstrations by well-known experts, workshops, special events, fabulous vendors, parties and more. Getting tired from all the walking? Take a rest break at one of the wine kiosks for an adult beverage or head over to the food court for another of the many local food specialties…..or both!
We found it nice to know that proceeds of the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show benefit the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, including their City Harvest program which feeds more than 1,200 families per week during the growing season.
The Flower Show can be done comfortably in a day, especially if you take one of the many tour buses gearing up around the area and can, therefore, nap on the way home. The Gardening Grannies will be heading up on the bus out of the Wicomico County Civic Center on the 6th and plan to stow away an adult beverage or two on the bus for the trip home. If you are thinking about taking the Civic Center bus, at last check there were only ten seats available, so we encourage you to contact them PDQ. If you can stay more than a day to see more of the areas’ spectacular venues, there are many packages available that include transportation, hotel and admission to area gardens and historic homes. Just Google the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show (be sure you are getting information on the 2015 show) and you’ll be amazed at the ideas and options.
That’s our tip for February sites to visit (OK, a little February, but mostly March). Our next blog will have a super idea for March, so be sure to check back. The Gardening Grannies are a group of avid and Master Gardeners who live, love and garden on the Delmarva Peninsula. You can reach us at gardeninggrannies@47ABC.com.
