Expect ‘a feast of the senses’ at 2013 Philadelphia Flower Show

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society announced the 2013 Philadelphia Flower Show theme — “Brilliant!” — on Friday afternoon. The 184th annual show will borrow from British culture, treating guests to royal jewels made of flowers, cottage gardens, tea time, and a 38-foot-tall Big Ben.

Philadelphia Flower Show designer Sam Lemheney said to expect “a feast of senses” with this year’s show including designs inspired by the Mad Hatter, classic cricket and Jack the Ripper.

PHS is partnering with the Royal Horticultural Society in London, which will provide presenters and judges for this year’s show. 

PHS president Drew Becher also announced the addition of an extra day to give visitors ample time to enjoy the exhibits. Becher touted the $61 million impact the show has on Philadelphia restaurants, hotels and ogther businesses.

“The Flower Show is more than a lot of ooos and ahhs and wows,” said Becher. “It’s actually a lot of green; it’s a lot of green in people’s pockets.”

Mayor Michael Nutter commended the extension of the show to include two weekends not only for its economic value, but also so that “people can get to know Philadelphia that much more.”

This year, PHS will also give flower show enthusiasts a behind-the-scenes peek at the show’s construction, allowing visitors to stop by the Philadelphia Convention Center February 25-28 to witness the building of the exhibits.

The 184th PHS Philadelphia Flower Show runs March 2-10 at the Convention Center.

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For tickets and information, visit the Philadelphia Flower Show website.