Date: 1-8 March 2009
Venue: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, USA

Philadelphia is considered the birthplace of America’s horticultural society, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Founded in 1827, the Society organized the nation’s first flower show, the Philadelphia Flower Show, in 1829.

During that time, twenty-five Society members presented their horticultural treasures including a variety of exotic and native plants like magnolias, peonies from China, an India rubber tree, the Coffee Tree of Arabia, and sugar cane from the West Indies. The Show was held in Masonic Hall on Chestnut Street.

From 1927 until the mid ’60s, a professional group of nurserymen and growers called Philadelphia Flower Show, Inc (PHS) took over the management of the Flower Show.

In 1966, the Show was moved to the new location at the lower level of the Civic Center and, in 1968, PHS became the official producer. However, the Flower Show moved again to its current location at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, The new venue encompasses 33 indoor acres, with exhibit space taking up 10 acres of the main exhibit hall. The Show’s larger size and scope makes it the largest indoor Flower Show in the world, entertaining crowds over 250,000 people annually.

In the state-of-the-art Convention Center, the Show includes a variety of amenities including a larger lecture and demonstration series, culinary presentations, Garden Teas, and 140 Marketplace vendors. The Philadelphia Flower Show has blossomed into the leading show of its kind in the nation.

In 2009, the Philadelphia Flower Show will go under the theme “BELLA ITALIA”. The landscapes and culture of Italy will serve as inspiration for the 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show.

A staircase stage will feature operatic performances and other musical presentations, while strolling musicians wander the Show floor. The Central Feature of the 2009 show will capture the majesty of Rome and its formal style and gardens. Show exhibitors also will pay tribute to the other distinctive regions and cities of Italy:

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, Philadelphia.

Further details about 2009’s Philadelphia Flower Show can be found at http://www.theflowershow.com/home/index.html