Washington Gardener Bus Tour to Philadelphia Flower Show

Wow! Yes, that's what it was like! If you missed it (Let's face it. I think there are some of you out there who wished you had gone...), you missed a great time!

The weather looked like it might not cooperate, but far be it from an impending snow storm to keep us trusty garden travelers from our destination! Meeting at the Silver Spring Maryland Metro Station, we boarded a comfy coach bound for Philadelphia. Kathy Jentz, editor of Washington Gardener Magazine, handed out goodie bags to all of us (who knew? they were fun to get!). Inside, we found all the information we could possibly want on the flower show, the new issue of Washington Gardener Magazine, several seed packets, hand lotion, notepad, pencil, pen, candy, word games/crossword puzzles and various flyers, catalogs, etc. from garden affiliated vendors, etc.

Bottles of water came next while a video on roses entertained us. Some 'bus' prizes were handed out, among them who was earliest to the pick up point. (Here, I must interject that my neighbor and I were undoubtedly the earliest (haha), having arrived two hours early...but chose to spend our time across the street in the warmth of McDonalds vs standing out in the freezing snowstorm with inadequate coats and so were probably 'mistakenly' passed over for this prize! All in good fun!)

Before we knew it, yummy box lunches from Whole Foods were passed out. I think there may have even been a prize for whoever ate all of theirs (which would have been a task). Both Kathy and tour organizer extraordindaire Chevel Opp, made themselves available the entire time for any questions (How could there possibly be any after Kathy gave us a most informative brief?)

Before we knew it, we were at the Convention Center. With reminders of what time to meet and where to go if you wanted to also gather for dinner (optional), we headed off to our day of adventure.

In my next post, I'll tell you all about the show.

As the time drew near, my friend and I were lugging our purchases to the designated area remarking to each other that it was a shame most of the food vendors were closing at the show. We hadn't been hungry after that big lunch...until now...and we had obviously waited too late. Not to fear! Not only was our bus there ready for us to get right on....we were handed snack packs and another bottle of water! We looked at each other in amazement. Truly, our minds had been read. As we happily munched on cheese crackers, an apple, a protein bar and a piece of chocolate, we shook our heads in amazement. Truly, every detail had been thought of...even a glass of wine, if you desired one.

Riding out of town, we watched the official dvd of the 2007 Philadelphia Flower Show. It was wonderful to review what we had seen (without crowds blocking your view), learn the stories behind some of the exhibits, and even see a few things you might have missed. More prizes were handed out including "best sleeper" for our ongoing amusement.

We arrived back in Silver Spring safe and secure. Did I also mention that there was plenty of room on the bus for purchases? And, that we had the nicest driver who thanked each of us as we got off?

Too bad, those of you that missed out! Maybe you can go next year!