Last night, I visited the Philadelphia Flower Show 2012 Media preview to check out Hawaii: Islands of Aloha, this year’s theme.

Once again, I was blown away by the displays that all perfectly embodied Hawaii… Although I haven’t been to the islands for 20 years (true story), I was transported as soon as the orchid lei was placed around my neck.  The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society implemented a setup with incredible scenes, design & an authenticity which will impress all attendees, both old & new.

One of the most impressive changes is spreading out the main displays across the Convention Center Floor (versus in previous years, the displays are typically all on the east side of the room bunched together.)  Also, the marketplace is rearranged from east-west (vs North-South Lanes), which will definitely give Flower Show attendees more space to move around and not bump into the usual crowds.

Philadelphia Flower Show 2012: Hawaii Sneak Peek

The moment you walk into the showroom, digital waves with turtles, surfers, schools of fish & other marine life lead you into the various displays.

The centerpiece of this year’s show is off to the right side, where you’ll see the exotic plants & flowers of Pele’s Garden, complete with a 25-foot-high waterfall (with the height setting a Philadelphia Flower Show record).  The stage in front of the hut design will feature native Hawaiian dancers and performances to capture the Fire Goddess & volcanic flames.

Burke Brother’s Landscape Contractors, Inc reminds even the workaholic businessman must get some R&R to relax in the Executive Surfer’s Retreat:

The Big Island Exhibit celebrates of Hula Dancers…

And even the hula dancers feel at home.  he mentioned to me he liked Philly, and although it’s unseasonably warm this winter, it was freezing for him.  I suggested he put on a shirt.

Michael Petrie’s Handmade Gardens did this Garden of the Gods Display, inspired by the high-desert island on the island of Lanai. Legends say ancient Hawaiian gods created the rock garden by dropping boulders from the sky.

J. Downend Landscaping created this Remembrance as a tribute to the Pearl Harbor Attacks from World War II.

KaKua by Flowers by David represent Hawaiian Tribal Tattoos… I enjoyed the turtles the best.

This gorgeous display is by a coalition of Hawaiian groups, and everything has been imported from the island state.  The trees used as a waterfall? Taken from Hawaii, chopped in half and shipped straight to Philadelphia for your viewing pleasure. (I’ll ignore the Carbon Footprint of this trip on this post…)

These photos are a fraction of the ones I took last evening.  I highly recommend visiting the Flower Show to see it all for yourself!

Wondering where the ticket profits go?  Right back into programs that benefit the Philadelphia region.  Last year, $61 Million Dollars benefited us locally for our economy.  Impressive stats, PHS!  Awesome campaigns like City Harvest, Plant One Million & the PHS’s Pop-Up Gardens couldn’t happen without this “little” Flower Show.  Plus, there’s a variety of packages & discounts to ensure you enjoy yourself for the day!

Readers, what are your impressions? Feel free to leave your comments (before or) after you visit!

The Philadelphia Flower Show 2012 runs March 4-11 at the Philadelphia Convention Center.  Get tickets on the Flower Show’s website.

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher