Bargain Beauties

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the abundance of plump, vibrant and inexpensive (!!) peonies. There is no flower more romantic, more lush and decadent. Their fragile blooms may only last for a few days, but as long as they remain they bring a certain joyousness to their surroundings. I mean, how can you look at this enormous cluster of peonies and not feel happy!

Peonies are at the very cheapest right now and are found most everywhere. At Floral Expressions on S. 18th Street (btw Sansom and Chestnut and shown above), a bunch can be had for $10. I stopped by today and picked up a couple stems ($2.95 each) to make this little arrangement for my entry table...

So sweet, right? Think about treating yourself to some of these beauties - they are the perfect mood lifter! 

And I hope you all have a happy weekend!

My Flower Show Finds

Here are some pics of my recent purchases from the 2009 Philly Flower Show.

Philly's Finest Flowers

Today, I had the honor of clerking at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Philly is known for a few distinctive things; cheese steaks, hoagies, soft pretzels, water ice, the Liberty Bell, the Constitution Center, the house of Betsey Ross, and the Philly Flower Show. Philadelphia gave birth to America's first horticultural society, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, in 1827 and the nation's first flower show, the Philadelphia Flower Show, in 1829. That makes it a very old tradition – and a very important part of Philly history.

According to the chatter on the floor today, the show wouldn’t be possible without the support of Dodo Hamilton. Dodo Hamilton gives millions to the city of Philadelphia annually, and I mean millions! A few society ladies sipping coffee near the judges booth wondered who will look after our city when Dodo is gone. Where is the next great Philly philanthropist and how will this recent dip in the economy effect that emergence?

This years theme was Bella Italia and I managed to catch a stroll around the convention center before the crowds hit the floor. A lovely tradition, this year’s vignettes didn’t disappoint. My favorite display was a set of the Venice canals, decorated with Italian flower boxes and featuring a full-size, lush mahogany gondola. This site, combined with the scents and popping colors transported me temporarily to my last trip to Italy. It was Spring, I was open for anything, I was free of all obligations and I was drunk with exploration.

The experience was just what I needed. To cement my memories, I bought two dozen roses, fresh and fragrant heather, a dozen Gerber Daisy's and several flowering Dogwood branches. On through this Sunday, with the best deals for flowers happening Saturday afternoon, I may have to go back. Thank you Philly Flower Show.