THE 2009 PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW GALA PHOTOS
The 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show will bring a taste of “la dolce vita” to this year’s show “Bella Italia” March 1-8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. In a thematic expression, the entrance will be transformed into Roman arches from roses, delphinium, geraniums and petunias coming out of urns and columns.
Saturday night was the “black tie” gala, the Preview Dinner is one of Philadelphia’s premier social events. Guests from all over the world enjoyed the delightful celebration of the Philadelphia Flower Show the night before it opens to the public.
President of PA Horticultural Society, Jane Pepper, On. Amato Berardi VI Commissione Finanze, PNC Presidento of S. NJ & Phila – J William Mills, Luigi Scotto Consul Gen of Italy, Pa Flower Show Executive Chair Melinda Moritz, Preview Reception Chair Barbara Meyers, and John K Ball, PHS Chair
Making the scene is Carol Tamburino with friends Suzanne and Norman Cohen, Carol, Dr Pierantonio Russo, On Amato Berardi, Joanne Russo and Madeline Berardi
Also enjoying the night and getting into the festive flower mood is Jackie Henisee (wearing Cloe) and Suzett Strayer (Wearing Jessica McClintock). Jackie decided to add the big yellow flower to one of her favorite purses. (These two are going to be hard to beat as the most stylish of the night)
Ellen and Phillip Baer enjoy one of the displays
Mike came as my plus one and Twittered the event to his friends on the Internet with photos. We were both blown away by the beauty of the show, the displays and the sweet smell of flowers.
One of our favorite exhibits are the student flower exhibits and the competition with arrangements. The competition is fierce and the work is magnificent.
Brent and Deann Doane and Jennifer Weaver
Peter Dobezynski and wife, food/garden writer Beth D’Addono (Styling those pants)
2009 GARDENER’S STUDIO Schedule FooBooz has a good write up on the:
Food & Drink At The Flower Show
Mandy Abend-Newton and Rumana Ahmad love the flower fashions, but think they’re impractical to wear. And I always thought people suffer for their fashion?
First time exhibitor, Beautiful Blooms Donna O’Brien, Monina Birch and Margot Berger. Look for Donna’s brick & mortar store to open in Northern Liberties April 1, 2009.
Bailey and Jennifer enjoy their night decked to the nines
Live Entertainment
Kristine Kratt and Bill Schaffer with their Fantasy Atlantis. Bill said he wanted to do something for the kids, something fantastical. When you see this exhibit you will know that they both achieved the end result. Just fantastic. My favorite.
A little bit of Ireland in the middle of Italy
This is one of the most spectacular exhibits. So many ideas for my future.
David Cohen mingles
City Surburban Society Editor Rose Marie Riley, Mainline Realtor Michelle Leonard and photographer of the groundbreaking www.NakedFolkCalendar.com Jayne Toohey.
Charlley Moore and Bernard Anderson
David Nugiel and Lisa Simon of Simon Public Relations Group. Lisa was in the audience last Tuesday at the PPRA tapped me as an influential blogger, and mentioned how she enjoyed the talk.
Armas Koehler and Bailey Hale (their company Moda Botanica, won Best of Show)
Annie and Gene Steger believes that this is one of most beautiful shows and they would know as this was their 11th year of shows.
Another favorite spot is the shopping area, unfortunately for me it was closed. I might go back just to hit the stores, they really get me in the Spring mood and help me plan my garden.
So put down your mouse, remote or book, call a friend, get in your car, take SEPTA and head to the 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show.
Show proceeds, including tickets and sponsorship contributions, support The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, including its acclaimed urban greening program, Philadelphia Green. Thank you for your support! http://www.theflowershow.com/tickets/individualtix.html 
Although the above photo is one of my favorites, I did hold back in posting the multitude of other spectacular sights so you can enjoy them for the first time. You won’t regret it.
So nice!! Thanks, as usual, for your great comments.
Nice job as usual. I\’d wear those pumps and stand in place.
Looks like it is not only the flowers that are well fed in Phili!