At the risk of being annually redundant, just thought I'd remind folks that

the Philadelphia International Flower Show is fast approaching on March 4th.

My usual enthusiasm is a tad reserved this year, due to the overall theme -

"Hawaii: Islands of Aloha" - and while I expect the show will be every bit as

beautiful as ever, I fear there won't be as much practical take-away

information as in the past, specifically because of the stark difference in

hardiness zones: Hawaii, z. 10-11 vs. NJ/NE z. 4, 5, and 6. Also, the

ever-growing trend in recent years at this show of having florists and floral

decorators as major exhibitors plays right into this theme. . .I expect to see

over-the-top tropical floral displays, fields of bird's-of-paradise and orchids

up the ying-yang! Ah, well, we can't hope to have Penelope Hobhouse designing the central exhibit EVERY year, now, can we?

Carl

Here is a link that might be useful: Philadelphia International Flower Show