The Flower sellers try to get rid of the flowers at the end of the market day.
London is an old city that, despite its age, has grown into the 21st century quite well. Think about it. The train processes 1 billion journeys a year. The banking system is center of the world. There are more than 15 million people in the metro area. London is modern but it’s the traditional things like street markets that help you truly appreciate the city.
For vintage fashion, there’s the Portobello Road Market.
For ethnic food in an ethnic neighborhood, there’s the Brixton market.
For flowers, there’s the Columbia Road flower market.
I know what you are thinking. Why would I go to a Flower Market while visiting LONDON?
Because you love flowers.
Because you want to be around real Londoners.
Because you want to enjoy a Sunday afternoon like a real Londoner.
I did that just that last Sunday.
I hopped on bus #55 from Oxford Circus and made my way toward the East End, a a working class but quickly gentrifying area of London that the creative class has discovered. As the bus traveled east, I noticed that there were less frou frou cafes, tons of wholesale bag stores and and more regular looking people.
I was in Regular London.
Once I got off the bus, I knew I was in the right place. I could see people carrying larges bunches of flowers.
But Before seeing the flowers, I could hear it.
Two FORRA FYVAH!
Seven FORRA FYVAH!
Each of the flower sellers clamored for the attention of the attendees, yelling as loud as they can. I struggled while trying to choose what type of plants I would buy. Did I want a nice bunch of roses? Did I want some cute little perennials? Did I want a large plant?
The appeal of the market isn’t just the flowers and plants. It’s also the independent shops and restaurants provide sustenance and respite from the market. I enjoyed looking at the London maps at a tiny map shop. The Earl Grey coffee that I bought helped me to overcome a night of too much drinking from the night before. I enjoyed listening to the band while sitting on the a curb in the market.
Fortunately, you won’t have to travel to London to experience an international Flower market and show.
You can just go to the Philadelphia International Flower Show from March 4-11, 2012.
The Philadelphia Flower Show isn’t any flower show, it’s the nation’s flower show. The theme of this year’s show is “Hawaii: Islands of Aloha.” With that you can see lush tropical gardens. Gardeners can come to the show to learn the best horticulture techniques and non-Gardeners can just enjoy the entertainment: Hula, music and fire dance performances, a Family Lounge for Children, a Man Cave and even free wine and spirits tastings!!
Just like the Columbia Road Flower Market, the Philadelphia International Flower Show has a long and distinguished history. A Philadelphia tradition since 1829, the Philadelphia International Flower Show is the oldest indoor flower show in the nation and started as a gathering of professional growers showcasing their prized plants.
It still attracts professional growers and horticulturalists, but now it’s evolved into a family event with activities for everyone.
Do me a favor and put the Philadelphia flower show on your calendar, now!
Imagine this... but made out of flowers!
Disclosure: This post is brought to you with support of the Philadelphia International Flower show. Find them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
