Philadelphia Flower Show
 

I have heard some people rave about this, and others not so impressed. Is the Philadelphia Flower Show worth making a trip for? I have been to the oldBoston Show, which was nice. How does the Philadelphia show compare? Is it mostly walk through gardens, or smaller displays? This year's theme is Hawaii - how much do the exhibitors stick to the theme?

I have not been to the Boston show but have been to the Philadelphia show at least 6 times. There are beautiful staged garden scenes that are extremely well done along with specialized interest exhibits like bonsai exhibits and things like that. The years that I have been there, the exhibitors have stuck pretty much to the theme but there is something of interest to everyone.

There is also a large area where you can purchase a wide variety of flower and garden products.

Be aware that it is crowded especially on the weekends.

Bobette

Also keep in mind with the recent expansion of the convention center, there will be double the exhibition space this year, so I imagine it will be pretty amazing.
Definitely try for a week day visit if you can, to avoid the crowds.

If you were at the Boston Flower Show in its glory days - the early/mid '80's - you will be disappointed by the Philadelphia show. It's smaller, fewer categories, less information on the displays, fewer vendors of things gardeners actually want (more schlock). Frankly, I think the show is overpriced for what it is.

However, if you had never been to the real Boston show, Philadelphia's is definitely several cuts above the local garden club.

But if you want a fabulous flower event, and don't mind a TATL mileage run :D the very best shows of all are the Keukenhof and Floriade. 2012 is the year for Floriade, the decennial garden party of western Europe.