Tuesday, March 9, 2010

THE PHILADELPHIA "INTERNATIONAL" FLOWER SHOW

I went to the Philadelphia "International" Flower Show on Thursday, March 4.  Note the quotations around International.  For as long as I can remember it has been the Philadelphia Flower Show.  The International was inserted this year - I don't know if it will be permanent.  The show is held at the Philadelphia Convention Center but I can remember when it was held at the 34th Street Convention Center. 

Because I have been attending for so many years, there is very little that really captures my attention and makes me say "Oooo, Aaaah".  Now don't get me wrong, the Flower Show is ALWAYS beautiful.  With all the plants and flowers it really can't help it.  But, there is very little that has real WOW factor - for me, at least.  So without further ado, here are some pictures of exhibits that had a bit of WOW factor, in my humble opinion. 

From the India display:



From the Africa Display:  (The shaggy one is a Lion)



I am not sure where these next two critters came from.  Isn't he scary?  He's a water feature.

And this is Mr. Lobster:


Bamboo.  This went all the way to the ceiling.  The gentleman in the front was six foot tall, just to give you an idea of the scale.


 And, of course, the prerequisite orchids.  This one is a tree.  The guy in the second picture is also a six footer.




More Orchids


Every now and then, an exhibit captures my attention and actually makes me say WOW out  loud.  These next pictures show that exhibit.  The plant bottles were suspended with monofilament twine and filled with colored water.  The plants in the bottles graduated in color up a slope to the back.  I don't know how else to describe it, but a picture is worth a thousand words, as they say.


Don't you just love the color gradations?

Normally, I don't do much shopping at the show.  The merchandise is overpriced for the most part and any plant material is better left for another month, or even two, because it is too cold outside just yet.  However, this year I found something that will speak to all my quilty friends.  Isn't this just lovely?



It is an Indian market bag.  It's all purply and embroidered, very deep and it slings over your shoulder.  I love it and used it this weekend at the flea market.  Drafting a pattern from the bag shouldn't be very hard.  When I get it done, I will share if you are interested. 


Liri

8 comments:

  1. Beautiful pictures. What a fun day! Love the market basket, put me on your list for a reproduction of the pattern. It looks great!

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  2. Very intriguing pictures, particularly the "bottled" flower garden. Question: Did you fill the market bag at the flea market? *wink* ---"Love"

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  3. Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos of the flower show. I like your market bag and I'd like to be on the list when you draft a pattern.

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  4. I always say I'm going to the show and then I don't get around to it. I'm such a suburb girl. I really should make it down there. :) Christine

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  5. Spectacular! Your bag is terrific and it would be wonderful if you would be prepared to share the pattern. Thank you Liri. Ann :-)

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  6. What fantastic pictures. I wish I could have been there because I bet those pictures can't do justice to that fantastic hanging garden! Makes you wonder at the thought process and creative mind(s) that came up with it.

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  7. I haven't been to the Flower Show in years. It is amazing how they recreate the outside inside.

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  8. I had forgotten that Good Morning America normally features the Philly Flower Show... I either missed it this year or the Oscars overrode the coverage? I am green with envy at the exhibits you got to see! Why not give a tutorial for the bag? Looks like another wonderful idea for using scraps... Mary
    I forgot to ask which of the items on ebay you won?

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