Hello!  I am back with yet another post.  I know.  I have been chatty this week, haven’t I?  It must be all of the coffee.  But anyway, I wanted to share some deets with you about what you should be doing this weekend.  These events are geared for the Philly area.  Sorry if you are not local but please scroll on for some seriously inspiring eye candy!

Have you made it to the Philadelphia Flower Show yet?  No?  Well you are in luck because it doesn’t end until Sunday evening.  Annnd I’ve got a big tip for you.  Go on Sunday and stay ’til the end.  That is the best time to shop the retail vendors because they will be practically giving away their remaining inventory of fresh flowers and plants.  Seriously.  If you are ready to inject Spring into your home, get started this weekend.  Catch the wave…

 

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society hosts the Flower Show every March.  It is the largest flower show in the world! I know. Huge.  The theme this year is Hawaii: Islands of Aloha. Let’s see what 2012’s event has in store…

Oops, I think this man forgot his trousers.

 Anyway, you’ll feel like you took a day trip to Hawaii after walking around the convention center. 

And there are tons of ideas for your landscape.  Our yard actually already looks like this oasis…

We are hoping to scale it back this year but can’t decide between this quaint, rustic veranda…

Or this one.  We actually already have a patio set like this that just may get a paint job this year…

And why didn’t I think of a driftwood walkway?  You know I’m obsessed with driftwood.  It popped up more than a few times at the flower show.

And who doesn’t want a wall of lettuce?  It is so lush and green and healthy.  I want this!  It is the  perfect idea for urban gardeners with limited growing space on the ground.

Mmm, reclaimed wood wall!  Note to self, don’t forget the zinnias this year.

Whoa reclaimed wood wall AND galvanized flower bucket lighting.  Yes, please.

I’ll tell ya, my brain hurts from all of the ideas and there was a decent amount of vintage injected in the display.  Check out this fab aqua wagon.  I need this in my life.

Ok enough swooning. While I was at the Flower Show, I had the pleasure of watching one of my friends and renowned floral designers battle in a designers challenge. Renee Tucci is the Floral Design Manager locally at Rhoads Garden.  She threw down like nobody’s business. As much as you can throw down in floral design. I think there was even some trash talking going on. Yup, that’s how floral designers roll.

Oh my, only 10 seconds to go in the 30 minute competition full of surprise elements.

Does she look nervous?  They had to create a tropical arrangement to complement the Hawaiian theme with specific tools and materials that were not previewed before the competition.

There was definitely nothing to be nervous about.  Renee took home first place in the friendly competition!

I think you should call her up at Rhoads today and ask her to whip up an award-winning tropical arrangement for you.  Tell her Dana sent you.

Did I lose you yet?  I am full of pics and info today.  I really shouldn’t have had that second cup of coffee!  But while I’ve still got you, let me tell you about another must see event going on this weekend…

Head out to the ‘burbs for the grand opening of freshvintage on Saturday from 10-5.  I’m pretty thrilled to hear that one of my favorite vintage bloggers and sellers has gone all brick and mortar on us.  Colleen and her husband, Chris, have opened up shop at Highland Orchards in West Chester.  Their grand opening bash sounds like a blast complete with wine, of course.  Here’s a sneak peek of the new shop courtesy of freshvintage.  Check out more on her blog.

Now I’m exhausted just thinking about your weekend plans.  Let me know how it goes, mmm kay?