Paradise is the Destination, March 7 - 14, 2004 at the Philadelphia Flower Show; Presenting Sponsor: PNC Bank.

Lifestyle Editors/Gardening Editors

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 10, 2004

The largest and most stunning collection of specimen orchids ever exhibited in North America heralds the exciting 175th anniversary of the Philadelphia Flower Show, March 7 - 14, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Destination Paradise...walk under huge ficus trees laden with vines and blue vandas, where a giant "tiki" structure is engulfed by a waterfall, and a multitude of phalaenopsis, cattleyas, dendrobiums, oncidiums, heliconia, palms, philodendrons, birds-of-paradise, robelius, and tropical ferns engulf a mystical island.

Presented by Waldor Orchids, Linwood, NJ, an exhibitor who first began with the Show in the 1920's, this is the orchid exhibit of the decade. Exploding sunrise hues of yellow, orange and red change to the subtle evening tints of lavender, maroon and deep greens as 100,000 individual orchid flowers form alliances of color in this land of mist and lush jungles. An ancient pavilion from a lost civilization cantilevers over an exotic lagoon and a bubbling hot spring complement this paradise with undulating hula dancers who appear daily to complete this South Sea entrance exhibit.

Then cool off with a scuba-dive through a show-stopping design that bends ideas in part two of this blooming birthday bash. Underwater Paradise, by Solana Succulents, Solana Beach, CA, presents a submerged world of cacti and related succulents. This one-of-a-kind exhibit tricks the eye with mesmerizing plants grown into shapes that coil, wave, twirl and fool perception. A boat trolls overhead, and an aqueous lighting system mimics the motion of an underwater seabed.

Finally, smile and enjoy This Place Called Paradise, a hilarious, horticultural spoof of heaven. Flowers by David, Langhorn, PA, presents a lighthearted look at the hereafter with a wing factory of alabaster lilies, amaryllis, hydrangea and creamy roses. Soft sculpted angels cavort and playfully operate the floral machinery where halo fittings are part of the efflorescent workload in this whimsical land behind the Pearly Gates.

Festivities surrounding the Show's 175th Anniversary have begun with a party on the web at www.theflowershow.com. Click on "175th Birthday Party" to learn about all the scheduled activities leading up to the Show, and submit your favorite Flower Show photos of yourself and your friends, and win prizes.

From the captivating beauty of a garden designed with native plants to extravagant settings, acres of exhibits in this year's Show present thousands of landscaping ideas for the home gardener. Plus, there are two special exhibits that will introduce new plants to the public.

Raymond Evison, from Guernsey, England, world-class collector and breeder of Clematis, will celebrate the 200th anniversary of The Royal Horticultural Society with never before seen varieties of this elegant flowering vine. More than 1,500 plants will be presented, and four of these new varieties will be available in Delaware Valley nurseries this April.

Dr. Gerald and Beatrice Barad will showcase their private collection of rare and often unseen cactus and succulents. In his "storefront" design, the plants are the gems in a jewelry store of precious plants.

Other major exhibitors include Passage by the American Institute of Floral Designers, where dramatic columns and arches are draped with willow and wisteria to set the backdrop for a dozen floral sculptures. Burke Brothers Landscapers, with hundreds of pink roses and the fragrance of heliotrope show that paradise is "About the Journey" in a walk through a formal garden. Stoney Bank Nurseries takes "Paths to Paradise" through roses, hawthorns and a tropical paradise of Australian tree ferns.

Amateurs and professionals alike enter prized specimens and artistic creations in the Show's Competitive Class divisions. Designs resonate with themes that include mountains, islands, and other signatures of nature and show endless ways to make a paradise in your own garden. Information about entering competitive categories can be found at www.theflowershow.com, or by calling PHS at 215-988-8800.

Outstanding events and learning opportunities are offered exclusively for visitors throughout Show Week. Free hourly Lectures and Demonstrations, sponsored by Fiskars Garden Tools, feature expert gardeners and authors who present the newest trends in garden design and flower arranging.

Some of the lecturers include Jeff Lowenfels from Alaska, with his quirky humor; Raymond Evison from the Royal Horticultural Society; and Mike McGrath, with his unique Philadelphia take on organic gardening. Plus, a host of respected lecturers offer up-close-and-personal gardening information throughout the day on the Show Floor at The Gardener's Studio, presented by Subaru of America, Inc.

Dutch Master Florist Aad van Uffelen will also be offering a special floral demonstration, Wednesday, March 10, 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. Aad van Uffelen, of the Netherlands School of Art, is also a 3rd Master in Japanese Floral Art of the Ohara School. For more information, and seating options, check www.theflowershow.com.

Adding to everyone's excitement is a new wedding feature sponsored by The Shops at Spread Eagle Village, Strafford, PA. Devoted to floral design, products and services, The Wedding Room, will be located on the bridge floor, room 204 C, and will showcase contemporary and classic design with a series of gorgeous vignettes in fabulous themed settings. Each vignette combines fresh designs with related gifts and accessories and will depict a specific wedding event from the engagement through the honeymoon.

For the cooking gardener, the culinary artistry of celebrity chefs is presented three times daily at the Show. This free event, sponsored by Viking Appliances and the Viking Culinary Arts Center, is hosted by Chef Joseph E. Shilling, Dean of Education at the Art Institute of New York City. A complete schedule can be accessed online at www.theflowershow.com.

An elegant respite from Flower Show excitement can be found in the delightful atmosphere of the Garden Teas. Guests unwind to classical melodies while enjoying traditional sandwiches, scones, fruit and exotic teas. Sponsored by Bigelow Tea, Garden Teas are still being offered twice daily March 8 through the 12, 12:30 - 2 p.m. and 3:45 - 5:15 p.m. Ticket prices are $26 each. This is always a popular event and reservations are suggested. Call 215-988-8879 for reservations (Tea price does not include Flower Show ticket).

Gardeners and shoppers alike will be inspired. From the manor to the birdhouse, the Flower Show Marketplace features more than 140 national and international vendors, offering top-of-the-line garden tools, accessories, furniture, supplies and gifts at this garden supply extravaganza. Another favorite stop is the "Flower Show Shoppe" where exquisite floral items and Show keepsakes can be found, and this year, "Landreth Seeds", who were at the first Show in 1829, return to show their wares in the marketplace.

The popular Borders Book Fair, is located on the bridge concourse near the Show's main entrance will feature new gardening titles such as the beautifully illustrated, Philadelphia Flower Show Celebrating 175 Years. Daily book signings will take place in a cafe setting.

Revenues generated by the Philadelphia Flower Show, including contributions from the Show's presenting sponsor, PNC Bank, will support the Society's community outreach programs, which include Philadelphia Green. These revenues provide technical support and encouragement to thousands of residents, community groups, and public and private agencies who work together to transform Philadelphia's communities and public landscapes into vibrant green spaces. Current efforts have included thousands of citywide greening projects and revitalization of signature open spaces such as the Azalea Garden, the landscape of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and gateway plantings along city thoroughfares.

Tickets for adults are $26 on Opening Sunday (March 7), $24 weekends and $22 weekdays. Children ages 2 - 12 are $12.00 (good any day). Group tickets (20 or more) are $19.50 and are good any day. Advance tickets, good any day may be purchased for $20 online at www.theflowershow.com, and at participating outlets: select PNC Bank branches, AAA Mid-Atlantic, Acme Markets, Philadelphia and New Jersey area Borders Books & Music (plus four new Manhattan locations), Clemens Family Markets, Eckerd, SEPTA ticket sales outlets, local garden centers, nurseries and florists. (In some cases, service charges may apply).

PNC Bank, N.A., is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. PNC, the Presenting Sponsor of the Flower Show, is headquartered in Pittsburgh. PNC is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services organizations, providing regional community banking; wholesale banking, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management; asset management and global fund services.

Other Official Show sponsors include Premier Sponsor, Subaru of America, Inc., and official sponsors F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company, People, Places and Plants magazine, E. P. Henry (Official Hardscaping Supplier), WPVI-TV 6 ABC, and ARAMARK.