cover image THE PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW: Celebrating 175 years

THE PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW: Celebrating 175 years

Adam Levine, Raymond Rogers, Edward Lindemann, , foreword by Ken Druse, photos by Adam Laipson. . HarperCollins, $44.95 (272pp) ISBN 978-0-06-057513-7

For nine days in early March, spring, summer and fall burst into simultaneous bloom at the Philadelphia Flower Show—the world's largest. Professionals and amateur enthusiasts, garden clubs, nurseries, landscapers and institutions contribute to this 10-acre horticultural celebration, many returning year after year. Now Levine (contributing editor to Garden Design ) and Rogers (American Horticultural Society A–Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants ) guide readers through the pages of this beautifully designed, insightfully written and stunningly photographed backstage tour. In sections organized along the lines of the show itself readers discover what it's like to participate, learn how exhibitors achieve their magic and see the results of their efforts. A winning entry in one of the Horticulture Classes might have been pampered in a greenhouse by an estate manager and his staff; grown in a kitchen window by an orchid hobbyist who says "I just play around"; or named "Joe" and driven to Maine on family vacations. Readers learn how clubs collaborate and individual artists create and see examples of their striking flower arrangements, detailed miniature scenes and fine pressed plant artwork. Major Exhibits feature thousands of plants forced into synchronized bloom and set out in elaborate fantasy gardens complete with trees, ponds and buildings. Those who have been to the show will find their experience enriched and enhanced; those who have not will delight in having it brought so accurately to life. (Dec.)