Philly Flower Show 2019: What to expect

March is less than two weeks away and that means one thing: The Philadelphia Flower Show is right around the corner.

It’s one of the city’s most anticipated yearly events, drawing in more than 250,000 people for the weeklong experience. Hosted by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society, the show brings colorful, lush floral displays to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, all guided by a specific theme.

And this is an especially exciting installment of the nearly 200-year-old show. This year the Flower Show is playing host to the world’s biggest floral design competition, in which designers from 23 different countries are participating.

So, with just 12 days until the big opening, here’s everything you need to know before you go:

When and where is the show?

The show will be held every day from March 2 through March 10 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. These are the specific times:

Saturday, March 2: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 3: 8:00 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Friday, March 4-8: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 9: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 10: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

You have to buy tickets to get in, and you can find them on the show’s website for $34 a pop.

What’s the theme about?

This year’s theme is “Flower Power.” Seemingly a nod to the 60s/70s-era movement, it aims to explore the impact that flowers on our lives. How do they enrich us? How do we use them in traditions? How do they foster a sense of community and peace?

“Designers will explore how flowers convey a wide range of emotions and messages in a universal language that transcends cultures and borders,” the website says.

What to watch for

There’s a ton going on at the show this year, but easily one of the most exciting events is the FTD Floral Cup, an international floral design competition, which hasn’t been held in the United States since 1985.

Over the course of three days, floral designers from countries around the world will participate in challenges, making floral creations from surprise materials or preplanned themes.

What’s the entrance garden going to look like?

The entrance garden is easily one of the most anticipated parts of the show every year, and 2019 is no different. PHS is calling the entrance a “show-stopping demonstration” of “Flower Power” with towering vine sculptures made from 1,000 feet of aluminum and 8,000 different flowers in the entryway alone. Various “pods” will show some of the creations from the FTD Floral Cup, and a meadow of wildflowers will float 25 feet overhead.