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Our guide to the Philadelphia Flower Show

Since 1829, the Philadelphia Flower Show has been wowing crowds with displays of horticultural goodness. Once more, the show returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center (1101 Arch St.) from Saturday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, March 8. With over a week of acres of gardens, floral exhibits and displays attractions and events honoring the movies — especially Disney ones — don’t get lost in a pollen-fueled daze.

Since 1829, the Philadelphia Flower Show has been wowing crowds with displays of horticultural goodness. Once more, the show returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center (1101 Arch St.) from Saturday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, March 8. With over a week of acres of gardens, floral exhibits and displays attractions and events honoring the movies — especially Disney ones — don't get lost in a pollen-fueled daze.

Exhibits

Entrance Garden: Channeling the movies of the '20s, visitors will walk through an Art Deco theater adorned with flowers. The garden will also see palm trees, chandeliers, blossoms, moss, jewels, hostas, lilies and roses. More info.

PHS Hamilton Horticourt: Both professional and newbie gardeners can enter their own plants for judging. More info.

Artistic Arrangements: Bite-sized displays of intricate creations. More info.

New Plant Showcase: See and purchase new annuals and perennials, on display for the first time. More info.

Other exhibitions: Florists offer their best blooms for "Frozen," "Aladdin," "Maleficent" and other Disney-themed displays.

Attractions

Designer's Studio: Live, in-person demonstrations of floral arrangements from top designers. Vote for your favorites, game show style. Schedule here.

Gardener's Studio: Tips, talks and tidbits on all things gardening from those who've mastered the skill held almost hourly. Also interactive workshops. Schedule here.

Garden to Table Studio: Both local and international chefs give you the lowdown on meal preparation in the form of free half-hour lessons. Schedule here.

Make and Take Room: Make floral headpieces and terrariums in this craft spot where all materials and instruction will be provided. Tickets here.

Wine and Spirit Tastings: Fine Wine and Good Spirits bring a stock of libations and lead tastings. Celebs will stop by to sign bottles and make appearances. Look out for Ethan Wayne (Saturday, Feb. 28), Dan Aykroyd (Friday, March 6), and Christina Milian (Saturday, March 7). Hours.

PHS Members' Lounge: A clubhouse for members only. More info.

The Butterfly Experience: Be one with the butterfly. Walk amongst 30 species of them. More info.

Gene London's Hollywood Collection: Curated by film fashion historian Gene London, over 50 costumes worn by Marilyn Monroe, Vivien Leigh, Greta Garbo, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Rita Hayworth and other iconic stars will be on display. Tickets here.

Garden Tea: Take a break from the show with tea, sandwiches and — of course — flowers. Seatings at 12:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. daily. Tickets here.

PHS Store: Pick up plants from Meadowbrook Farm and other Flower Show goodies. More info.

Events

Black Tie Preview Party: See the show before anyone else at a ritzy evening on Friday, Feb. 27. Starting at 7 p.m., enjoy cocktails, food and music. More info and tickets.

Preview Party After Party: The fun continues at 10 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27 when the Di Bruno Bros. movie-inspired snacks, cash bar and DJ roll out. More info and tickets.

Run Into Spring 5k: For the first time, the Flower Show will hold a run on Sunday, March 1. Hitting the roads at 7:15 a.m., finishers will have the opportunity to also purchase show tickets and attend and after party in the pop up garden. More info and registration.

LGBT Party: With an appearance by Pam Grier, this party, held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 1 also features cocktails, food and performances from the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus. Come dressed as your favorite Hollywood hero or villain for a chance to win prizes and cozy up to special guests "Bette Midler," "Lady Gaga" and "James Bond and his (drag) girls." More info and tickets.

Wedding Wednesday: Try, taste and talk to the top wedding industry vendors offering everything from wedding dress inspiration to hair and makeup demos. Food and cocktails will also be available. The event, running from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4 will culminate with an actual wedding. More info and tickets.

Open Arts College Night: College students can get down at the pop up garden from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 5. More info and tickets.

Girls Night Out: Grab your girls and shop, mingle and see exclusive exhibits on Thursday, March 5 — all over cocktails and through the paparazzi. The party runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. More info and tickets.

Fido Friday: During show hours on Friday, March 6, PAWS will have adoptable dogs on-site and dog owners will be able to tout their furry pals throughout the show, especially at "Yappy Hour," from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. More info.

Cinderella Sunday: Get those Sleeping Beauty and Aladdin costumes out from storage. The kids can come dressed up in their best Disney attire on Sunday, March 8 to take photos with Cinderella from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Miss Philadelphia and Miss Teen Philadelphia will also make appearances. More info.

Flower Show Cruises: Take it to the Delaware for a series of Spirit of Philadelphia cruises, complete with a buffet and DJ. Available for brunch and dinner, cruises are held at 11 a.m. (10:30 a.m. boarding) on Sunday, March 1 and Sunday, March 8 and 3:30 p.m. (3 p.m. boarding) on Saturday, March 7. Cruises depart from 401 S. Columbus Blvd. Book here. 

Pop-up beer garden

Follow the red carpet to the Backlot-themed pop-up garden to kick your feet up and watch some flicks, chow down on burgers, brisket or popcorn chicken and other snacks while sipping on a cold beer — including the exclusive PHS Hard Cider (drink selections include Yards, Blue Moon, Sam Adams, Amstel Light and others). More info.

Show hours

Noon to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27 (PHS Member Preview); 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. (PHS Member Preview), 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, March 1 and Saturday, March 7; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, March 2 through Friday, March 6 and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 8.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.