Since its aromatic inauguration in 1829, the Philadelphia Flower Show has been encouraging local gardeners to stop and smell the flowers -- or the floral arrangements, as the case may be. One of the largest horticultural happenings in America, the show features exhibits, demonstrations, competitions, culinary displays and garden teas (note: Garden Tea admission separate from admission) -- all oriented around a yearly theme.

In keeping with this Edenic subtext, a posse of professional gardeners, florists and horticultural designers have created full-scale gardens infused with an aura of fantasy, competing for the coveted Best in Show Major Exhibitors Award. One of the reason why this show is so popular is because of the sheer magnitude of varieties displayed. To do this, exhibitors actually force trees, shrubs and perennials into bloom for the Show, using temperature and lighting controls to "fool" plants into full bloom in time for the March event. In addition to daily lectures on everything from the sublime (i.e., growing orchids and floral arrangement) to the mundane (pest control), the show also features live culinary presentations. -- Julia Clinger