Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Start a family tradition at the Flower Show
Like her mother before her, Sophie McCaffrey grew up going to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Now the Elkins Park mom brings her children – ages 2, 4 and 5 – to the show each year.
“What better way to engage their passion for nature than to introduce them to the Flower Show?” says McCaffrey, whose grandmother is a longtime member of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
The Flower Show is a multigenerational tradition for thousands of families, who connect with horticulture through the beautiful exhibits and with each other in the shared experience.
This year’s theme, “Flower Power,” offers discoveries and activities for guests of all ages and what McCaffrey calls “a magical atmosphere” for children.
Play time
An imaginative outdoor paradise for kids will be designed by prize-winning exhibitor Stoney Bank Nurseries in the main exhibition hall.
“We’re creating a garden that helps children observe, explore, understand and reconnect with nature,” explains landscape architect Joe Blandy.
The exhibit, titled “Unplug & Play!”, will inspire families to create activity areas in their backyards – such as a rustic rope swing, naturalistic balance beam, wooden boat sandbox, raised planter boxes and a large grass space to run around.
“These days, kids are glued to their iPhones and iPads. But nature and playing outside are critical parts of childhood development,” Blandy says. “We need to put down our devices and go out and play.”
Hands-on activities
Special attractions provide interactive experiences for young visitors at the Show. “Butterflies Live” is a space transinto a pollinator habitat where can feed 1,000 butterflies of 20 and domestic species. This year, experience will include a chrysahouse where young butterflies will each day and an exhibit that on monarch migration, nectar and other flora that attract and butterflies. To celebrate the 1960s “Flower Powculture, John Dailey, of SkyRiver said his exhibit will include macramé plants and 6-foot-high va lamps. “It should be very cool,” he says. An additional ticket is required for Live,” which takes place ong the show’s main concourse. uests may purchase tickets onsite or in dvance at theflowershow.com/experinces/butterflies-live. Nissa Eisenberg, of Philadelphia’s neighborhood, brings her children, ages 5 and 8, to the Flower Show so they can learn about sustainability, renewable energy and what they would like to grow in their garden each year. But her daughter’s favorite stop is the Make & Take craft area.
“She loved her flower crown last year,” Eisenberg says.
Located on the concourse, the Make & Take will offer the chance to create flower crowns, as well as tie-dye plant containers or crystal necklaces.
Guests may buy tickets on site or in advance at theflowershow.com/experiences/make-take-room.
Quiet time
The Flower Show Teddy Bear Tea will delight children and their families on Sunday, March 10, at 11:30 a.m. in the Garden Tea Room on the concourse.
Children are encouraged to bring their favorite Teddy or plush toys and enjoy entertainment and a menu of petite, kidfriendly sandwiches and pastries.
Tickets must be reserved in advance at theflowershow.com/experiences/gardentea.