Right around the time those of us on the East Coast are bemoaning the long, cold winter, the Philadelphia Flower Show launches with its colorful blooms promising good things to come. As the world’s biggest and oldest indoor flower show, the Philadelphia Flower Show draws gardeners from all over the country.
Cathrin Baumbach, one of our program directors, volunteers there every year. As this year’s theme was Holland, we feel compelled to share her photos. They are not as good as our Dutch Untour, but they are pretty and well timed.
Canals and bridges are a hallmark of the Dutch city streetscape. Here a canal bridge was recreated inside the Philadelphia Convention Center.
Bikes are another omnipresent part of daily Dutch life. In Holland it is not uncommon to see people pedalling through the streets holding bundles of flowers, always pointing down.
Delft pottery is another Dutch tradition, hand painted with its crisp blue and white glaze. The examples here are likely not true Delftware but give you the idea.
Outdoor cafes are a fun part of life in Holland. We love to grab a table along the canal, sip a hot chocolate and gaze onto the canal houses. (Or fantasize about it in the cold of March.)
Here is Cathrin (left) and her friend volunteering for the event. It has become a favorite part of her spring, a figurative and literal breath of fresh air. UnTours promotes volunteerism and gives employees 2 paid days a year to volunteer for causes, community groups and events that matter to them.
If you missed the Philadelphia Flower Show, consider seeing the real thing. Book a Holland Untour! We still have openings for summer, and we are in the process of adding new apartments for fall, so check back.