Just to summarize: Philadelphia Flower Show - absolutely world class, been going on for years, but definitely not an "orchid show" per se. Other than Waldor, I didn't know there were orchid vendors at all, but it doesn't sound like there many. Waldor's prices sound about the same as at the NY show. "Other outlets" are probably florists or garden centers who usually charge ludicrous prices for orchids "just because they can." Very conveniently located not far from 30th St Station (Amtrak & SEPTA), easy enough to get to without a car. The show at Longwood Gardens is "really" the SEPOS show. The one that historically was at the King of Prussia mall. Longwood Gardens should, obviously, be a much nicer venue. Only orchids, should be a bunch of vendors. Unfortunately, not easy to attend by public transportation. The NY International Show is NOT happening this year for a confluence of several unfortunate factors. They're working on it, who knows what will happen. They were saying maybe something in the Fall, or failing that, hopefully next year. There's a message from the Show Chairman, also GNYOS's president, on GNYOS's website. Historically, waiting for the last day and discounts can get you some decent bargains if you're just looking for "pretty flowers" but the good stuff always sells out first and fast. Vendors don't stay in business by being fools. ;)

I have been to the show several times and it is very crowded during the week as well. However, the crowds at the big displays tend to wax and wane depending on the time of day. The crowds decline during the period of about 3PM to 6PM. So if you arrive there and you can't get near the big displays, save yourself the aggravation and go look at the stuff for sale and the smaller exhibits - which are excellent, by the way. Then wait until the crowds thin out and you can better enjoy the big exhibits.

Pattianne, better than my pictures - check out youtube. I was there and I missed a lot of these shows. There were so many people to get through. Here is the orchid wave at the entrance. You entered beneath this wave like structure that was lit up with water patterns. It was brighter in real life. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSgfpfoMCG8&feature=relmfu Light show on grass hut - part of the large anchor diplay.-missed this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGzS2ErvbXc&feature=relmfu Dance performance - totally missed this too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22HtOu0A2YE&feature=related Pans of the area http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RypxUltIyLw&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plPt0hVKIMU&feature=related You can click around and see more.

Thanks Sue. The muslin trees were amazing and I loved the harp. I lived in Philly in the 70's and the show was as big and memorable 30 odd years ago as it seems to be today. At the Franklin Institute I remember taking a class on creating holograms...the laser, number and size of mirrors, size of the room, are all likely laughable today. vtskiers, thought you might appreciate the following lyrics. King Tut (King Tut) Now when he was a young man, He never thought heÂd see People stand in line to see the boy king. (King Tut) HowÂd you get so funky? (funky Tut) Did you do the monkey? Born in Arizona, Moved to Babylonia (king Tut). (king Tut) Now, if IÂd known theyÂd line up just to see you, IÂd trade in all my money And bought me a museum. (king Tut) Buried with a donkey (funky Tut) HeÂs my favorite honkey! Born in Arizona, Moved to Babylonia (king Tut) Dancin by the Nile, (Disco Tut) The ladies love his style, (waltzing Tut) Rockin for a mile (rockin Tut) He ate a crocodile. He gave his life for tourism. Golden idol! HeÂs an Egyptian TheyÂre sellin you. Now, when I die, donÂt think IÂm a nut, donÂt want no fancy funeral, Just one like ole king Tut. (king Tut) He coulda won a Grammy, Buried in his Jammies, Born in Arizona, moved to Babylonia, He was born in Arizona, lived in a condo made of stone-a, King Tut