A Bit of Ireland Comes to The 2007 Flower Show

PHILADELPHIA – The story of Tír na nÓg , the land of the young, will be told amid a chorus of Celtic gardens, music and entertainment at the 2007 Flower Show to be held March 4 – 11 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Show producers have teamed up with sponsor Tourism Ireland and garden creators to present, Legends of Ireland. “Visitors will enjoy a huge Irish spectrum,” said Chris Woods, guest landscape designer for the 2007 Show. “They’ll see a weaving of Ireland’s long history of gardens, arts and crafts.”

A “living” archway fragrant with flowers, ferns and artfully woven tree limbs will welcome visitors to the Ealain Wood, where mythical creatures will roam under giant trees to the ethereal sounds of flutes and harps. As the Irish mist lifts from the Wood edge, visitors will behold a magnificent courtyard.

The Knot Garden, composed of crystals and flowers, will shimmer in the light and be flanked by two 40-foot waterways with spiral fountains and artistic Celtic banners. The formal setting will provide a grand stage for the Castle of the Emerald Kingdom.

This massive estate features a tiered garden, turrets, towers and ancient stone work. Its interior will serve as a stage for performances of traditional Irish music, step-dancing, singing and stories throughout Show week.

Thousands of orchids, bulbs, topiary, alpine plants and exotic species will be on display in one of the nation’s most impressive horticultural competitions. In this interactive area, known as “It’s Your Garden,” activities will invite visitors to compare their favorite entries with those of the judges.

The Gardeners Studio, presented by Subaru of America Inc., will host daily how-to demonstrations by local experts. Along the “Grand Hall Concourse,” lively gardening demonstrations and lectures will be conducted by local and nationally known experts as well as culinary demonstrations by celebrity authors, television personalities and chefs. The Irish influence will be felt throughout the week in a number of presentations by great gardeners and chefs of Ireland.  A complete schedule of special events will be available online at www.theflowershow.com beginning in January.

The “Hive” Lounge located on Grand Hall Concourse will feature evening music, cash bar and food sampling from local restaurants starting at 5 p.m. Hive admission is free for Show visitors.

The Flower Show Marketplace with its huge collection of top quality vendors will provide the perfect opportunity to get the garden started. Tools, sculpture, plants, art work, bonsai, orchids, and cut flowers are just a few of the items that will be offered. Irish crafts, sweaters and glassware will be featured throughout the Marketplace with special pieces available at the Flower Show Shoppe, the official store of the Flower Show.

Tickets and special packages are sold at the Box Office, $28 for adults on the Opening Sunday (March 4), $26 weekends and $24 weekdays. Children’s tickets are available at the Box Office, ages 2 – 12 are $13.00 (good any day). Advance purchase tickets $22.00 for adults and $12.00 for children, ages 2 - 12 (good any day) and Group tickets (20 or more) are $21.50 (good any day). Advance tickets may be purchased online beginning in November 2006 at www.theflowershow.com and at participating retail outlets including select PNC Bank branches, AAA Mid-Atlantic, Acme Markets, Philadelphia-area Borders Books & Music, Clemens Family Markets, SEPTA ticket sales outlets, local garden centers, nurseries and florists. In some cases, service charges may apply. Please call retail locations for details. Groups may purchase tickets by completing and order form available at www.theflowershow.com or by calling (215) 988-8839.

NEW Special Value Offers: Opportunities for families and college students to view the Philadelphia Flower Show have been increased with two new ticket packages.

Family Fun Pak ($11 savings off regular admission) is available for $55 and includes 2 adult and 2 child (2-12 years) tickets plus a year-round membership in the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Sold at www.theflowershow.com or by calling (215) 988-8776.

Student Pairs Pak for college students. Buy 1 adult ticket at full box office price and get 1 adult ticket free by showing student IDs. Available after 3 p.m. on all days. Both students must show valid college identification. Sold during Show week after 3 p.m. at Convention Center Box Office.

“This is seen as a way to encourage a younger and expanded audience with an interest in horticulture,” says Sam Lemheney, Show Design Director. For those seeking a private tour of the Show before it opens to the public, early morning tours are conducted Monday through Friday, March 5-9. Individuals and groups can make reservations by calling (215) 988-8782 or at www.theflowershow.com. The charge is $105 per person and $95 for groups of 15 or more who reserve by November 15, 2006. PHS members receive special $85 rate. The package includes: guided tour, celebrity flower arranging presentation, one-day discount Shopping Pass for the Flower Show Shoppe, and one additional general admission ticket.

Outside of the Show, Philadelphia blooms with special offers on dining, shopping and accommodations. A complete Flower Show Week listing of activities, including coupons, individual and group hotel packages, is available at www.theflowershow.com.
The Philadelphia Flower Show, the first and largest indoor Show of its kind, is produced by The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS). PHS has more than 14,000 members throughout the country, offers hundreds of gardening programs year-round and is considered the nation’s foremost authority on urban renewal through greening. 

Show revenues, including contributions from presenting sponsor, PNC Bank, support PHS’s programs, including its acclaimed Philadelphia Green program. Philadelphia Green works in partnership with agencies, corporations and community groups to transform derelict vacant land, streets and parks into vibrant, stabilized and well-managed open spaces. These efforts contribute to the quality of life throughout Philadelphia, serve as an economic stimulus for communities, and as a model for similar efforts nationwide.

PNC Bank, N.A., is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group Inc. PNC, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services organizations, providing regional community banking; wholesale banking, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management; asset management; and global fund services.

2007 Philadelphia Flower Show sponsors include: Presenting Sponsor PNC Bank;  Premier Sponsors, Subaru of America Inc. and Tourism Ireland; Official Sponsors Bartlett Tree Experts, EP Henry (Official Hardscaping Supplier); Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia Newspapers Inc., WPVI-TV 6 ABC, and ARAMARK.

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