Photograph by Betsy Riley
For 25 years, Atlantans looked forward to a lavish indoor flower show that brightened up the dreary doldrums of February. The Southeastern Flower Show (which evolved from the Atlanta Flower Show, dating to the 1930s) was organized by the Southeastern Horticultural Society and included juried competitions that grew into a Disney-esque extravaganza. The landscape division especially became ever more elaborate with enough waterfalls, walled gardens, statuary, and beds of forced blooms to fill the Georgia World Congress Center. Though the event drew tens of thousands of visitors, it proved financially unviable and wilted in 2013.
After much demand, the Atlanta Botanical Garden has launched its own show, a smaller incarnation without the opulence of the past. This year’s show, dubbed “Ingenue: A Toast to Georgia’s Film Industry,” includes four major divisions: floral design, horticulture, photography, and landscape. Come to see that perfect specimen of succulent or gesneriad—or to learn what those are. Check out four small but charming professional landscapes. Or pick out your favorite floral design. The Hollywood theme definitely sparked lots of creativity—from ball gowns in the “Leading Lady” division to quirky arrangements inspired by horror or sci-fi movies.
Photograph by Betsy Riley
Photograph by Betsy Riley
Photograph by Betsy Riley
The show will be on view this weekend, February 23 to 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. For non-members, tickets are $21.95 adults, $15.95 ages 3-12, and under 3 free.
Photograph by Betsy Riley
Photograph by Betsy Riley
Additional reporting by Mary Logan Bikoff
