Philly Flower Show reports $1.2 million loss, blames weather

This year’s Philadelphia Flower Show ended with a loss of about $1.2 million, and an official blames fears of a winter snowstorm that he says were whipped up by television and radio reports.

The Philadelphia Inquirer says the show usually makes about $1 million in profits for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, which uses the money for urban “greening” programs.

Society president Drew Becher accuses radio and television stations of “hyping up” forecasts of a feared storm during the March 2-10 week of the show.

He warns that next year’s show faces possible cuts in programs, staff, pension contributions, and other items.TV and radio station representatives declined comment or didn’t return calls.

The show dates back to 1829 and has been held in March since the 1920s.