The Philadelphia Flower Show signals the imminent arrival of spring in Pennsylvania since 1829 and this year’s theme – “French Holiday” – celebrates the Mediterranean region with its roses, citrus, lavender and rosemary. One of the central exhibits will honour Philadelphia native Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco featuring thousands of roses centred around a replica of Princess Grace’s wedding dress.
Honouring the late Princess Grace of Monaco
From 29 February to 8 March, the Philadelphia Flower Show will evoke the warm and sunny summers of the Riviera. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has partnered with the Principality and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to honour the legacy of the former Princess Grace. The Princess was a gardening enthusiast and a Flower Show fan. She even joined the jury at the Flower Show back in 1976 while a hometown visit.
Princess Grace Rose Garden
The exhibit paying homage to Princess Grace will be created with Grimaldi family rose plants, fresh-cut garden rose arrangements, and will feature a replica of Princess Grace Kelly’s wedding dress. Designed by American designer Renée Tucci, the exhibit will be predominantly made with roses, both potted and garden varieties, and fresh-cut roses in a multitude of varieties and in all shades of pink.
Largest and longest-running flower show in the U.S.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s flower show was founded in 1829 and its wintertime exhibit is the largest and longest-running flower show in the United States. Today the show covers an area of four hectares and attracts more than 250,000 visitors. The Principality has already participated in the show before. In 1990, Monaco joined the show under the theme “Gardens for the Senses”, a topic close to the Princess’s heart.
Symposium on gardens and biodiversity
In parallel to the show, the American branch of the Prince Albert II Foundation is organising a symposium on gardens and biodiversity to be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on 4 March. Experts, including the world renowned botanist Dr Peter Raven and Dr Dennis Whigham, an expert on plants and ecology, will discuss the issue of eco-friendly gardening which protects the environment and biodiversity.