Springtime in Paris Philadelphia Flower Show

One of the displays had 'ground painting'. It reminded me of some chalk artist's work. It would look very striking in a garden setting.

The Philadelphia International Flower Show, March 6 to March 13. Though the flower show is not quite as old as the city Philadelphia, it celebrates 182 years. This year theme - Springtime in Paris. Entering the Convention Center, you are greeted by a 30 foot replica of the Eiffel Tower, 985 feet high rugged tracery of iron work. Built in 1887 and designed by Gustave Eiffel, the tower is a fine example of Victorian Structural Expressionist.

There are over 600 divisions ranging from small displays, miniature settings to pressed plants. This years program features a commercial section that includes an area where you can purchased various plants, accessories, porcelain as well as several gardening lectures. The Marketplace has over 150 vendors represented.

The flower show included miniature shadow boxes. For display purposes they were set back into the walls. Some consisted of one room displays, such as a patio or garden scene. Several others had several rooms as if you were looking into a dollhouse. The requirement for its entry was that it had to include flowers and/or plants and they had to be living. Many of the rooms had working lights, running fountains in the patios. They were absolutely adorable!

This beautiful horse is part of a carousel display.

The cuisine of Philadelphia was shaped largely by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's mixture of ethnicities, available foodstuffs and history. Certain foods have become iconic to the city. Invented in Philadelphia in the 1930s, the cheesesteak is the most well known icon of the city, and soft pretzels have become a part of Philadelphia culture. During the 18th century city taverns were major meeting places for politicians and businessmen, while the 19th century saw the creation of two Philadelphia landmarks, the Reading Terminal Market and Italian Market. After a dismal restaurant scene during the post-war era of the 20th century, the 1970s brough a restaurant renaissance that has continued into the 21st century.

Philadelphia's large immigrant population has contributed to a large mixture of tastes to mingle and develop. Many types of foods have been created in or near Philadelphia or have strong associations with the city. Philadelphia's most iconic food is the cheesesteak. The cheesesteak is a sandwich traditionally made with sliced beef and melted cheese on an Italian roll. In the 1930s, the phenomenon as a steak sandwich began when hot dog vendor brothers Pat Olivieri and Harry Olivieri put grilled beef on a hot dog bun and gave it to a taxi driver.[dubious - discuss] Later, after Pat and Harry had started selling the sandwich on Italian rolls, the cheesesteak was affixed in the local culture when one of their cooks put melted cheese on the sandwich.

Credit - Wikipedia - continue on: Philly Food

This is one bug I would not mind having in my garden!

Encompassing more than 1,077 acres, Longwood Gardens was founded by Pierre S. du Pont. In 1906, Pierre purchased the property saving trees that were scheduled to be cut for lumber. He saw a vision of gardens and conservatory and it is that and more. It has a beautiful information center, gift shop and restaurant. There are performing arts conducted throughout the year; student recitals; Jazz Club; and Tours. Just to name a few of the Conservatory displays: Bonsai display; Waterlily display; Children's garden; Music room; Ballroom, as well as an Organ Museum. Longwood Gardens - Click Here
Blue Orchid

Conservatory