2009 Philadelphia Flower Show to Celebrate “Bella Italia”

Philadelphia (July 2008) – The landscapes, gardens and culture of Italy, which have enchanted visitors and artists for centuries, will serve as inspiration for the 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show theme, “Bella Italia.” The celebration of the natural beauty, art, food, music and people of Italy will be held March 1-8, 2009, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society produces the Flower Show, which is the major fundraiser for PHS’ Philadelphia Green, one of the most comprehensive urban revitalization programs in the nation.

The Entrance Garden of the 2009 Show will capture the majesty of ancient Rome with its formal gardens of statuary, topiary, manicured hedges and tiered plantings. Show exhibitors will also pay tribute to the many distinctive regions and cities of Italy:

• Liguria, Venezia - Milan and its fashion district, as seen through innovative floral designs; The Lake Region, characterized by its lush estates and countryside; Venice, the floating city, experienced through dancing fountains, cobblestone and glistening glass; and the Italian Riviera, the resort paradise of San Remo, evoked in a flower-filled dreamscape.

• Toscana, Abruzzo, Umbria - Florence, heart of the Renaissance, with gardens that interpret the art of Michelangelo and Botticelli; the Tuscany region’s terraced vineyards, wildflowers and olive trees.

• Campania, Calabria – the fascinating beauty of the Amalfi Coast and sunny gardens of Sicily.

The country’s top landscape and floral designers will expand on the Italian theme with a variety of gardens and creations that evoke the Italian way of life, complete with cypress and palm trees, courtyard containers and cascading urns. Thousands of flower-arranging enthusiasts will compete for the coveted blue ribbon in a multitude of categories, including a new Fashion District of Italian-inspired handbags, shoes, dresses and jewelry.

Gardening know-how and ideas are at the forefront of what the Show does best, and exhibitors will provide attendees with an endless array of tips and techniques to create their own dream garden at home. Exhibits will emphasize the importance of greening, and will demonstrate state-of-the-art, sustainable techniques in urban, suburban and rural environments.  The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will showcase its array of innovative programs to engage children, families and volunteers year-round.

Entertainment will include operatic performances, strolling mandolin players, folk dancers and costumed actors reminiscent of those found throughout the piazzas of Italy.

“Bella Italia” also will highlight the strong ties between Italy and the Philadelphia region, with its great Italian-American community and heritage, fine restaurants and, of course, Philadelphia’s lively Italian Market.
        
“We’re going to showcase not only the diverse gardens of Italy, but the culture and a glimpse of what you experience when you go to this beautiful and intriguing country,” explained Flower Show Designer Sam Lemheney. “It’s about the allure of Italy, the artistry, and the passion.”

Admission: Individual tickets are non-refundable

Tickets at the Box Office:
Adults - $28 Opening Sunday (March 1); $24 March 2 – 6; $26 March 7 & 8
Students (ages 17-24) any day - $17 (must have valid student ID; proof of age)
Children (ages 2-16) any day - $13 
Advance Purchase Tickets:
Adults - $22.00*
Children (ages 2-16) any day - $13*

*On sale at participating retail outlets in January 2009 including select PNC Bank branches, AAA Mid-Atlantic, Acme Markets, Philadelphia-area Borders Books & Music, Giant Food Stores, SEPTA ticket sales outlets, local garden centers, nurseries and florists. In some cases, service charges may apply. Please call retail locations for details.

Family Fun Paks are available for $65 (savings of $5 off advance admission) includes two adult and two child tickets plus a one-year membership in the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. The Fun Pak is sold at www.theflowershow.com or can be purchased by calling 215-988-8776.

Student Tickets are available for $17 for students ages 17-24 with a valid student ID and proof of age. This offer is only available at the Show’s Box Office. 

Group Tickets (minimum purchase of 25 adult tickets) are available for $21.50 each. Groups may purchase tickets by completing an order form at www.theflowershow.com or by calling 215-988-8839.

Private Tours of the Show (before public hours) will be held Monday to Friday, March 2 to 6. Individuals and groups can make reservations by contacting PHS at 215-988-8775, earlymorningtours@pennhort.org, or  www.theflowershow.com. The Early Morning Tour package includes one additional general admission ticket, guided tour, celebrity flower arranging presentation, and one-day Shopper’s Delight card good for 10% off purchases in the Flower Show Shoppe. Price pp $105. (PHS members receive a special $85 rate.)

In Philadelphia, the city blooms with special offers on dining, shopping and accommodations. A complete list of Flower Show Week activities including coupons in the Bloomin’ Fun Pass and individual and group hotel packages are available at www.theflowershow.com.       

The Philadelphia Flower Show, the oldest and largest indoor show of its kind, is produced by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and presented by PNC Bank. PHS has more than 16,000 members throughout the country, offers hundreds of gardening programs year-round, and is considered the nation’s foremost authority on urban renewal through greening.

PNC Bank is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. PNC is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services organizations, providing retail and business banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management; asset management and global fund services.

FOR PRESS INFORMATION, CONTACT:
ALAN JAFFE, email or call 215-988-8833
LAURA BEITMAN, email or call 215-988-8836