First Friday Interview: The Flower Show’s Sam Lemheney

Sam Lemheney

After an especially crazy week of winter weather, we’re thrilled about this month’s First Friday interview series with Sam Lemheney, Chief of Shows and Events at the Philadelphia Horticultural Society. Sam’s role with the PHS is largely weighted by oversight and involvement in the decision-making processes for the Fall Garden Festival and the internationally renown annual Philadelphia Flower Show, coming up this March 1-9. His responsibilities include selecting the Flower Show theme and coordinating the exhibits with the floral and garden designers. All this talk is getting us prematurely excited for warmer weather, green grass and flower buds in bloom!

Philly PR Girl: This year’s theme of ARTiculture: Where Art Meets Horticulture is certainly an evergreen topic. What makes 2014 the optimal year to tackle this motif? Do you have any favorite artists whose work will be featured in the show?

Sam Lemheney: We have created great destination themes in recent years. But for 2014 it seemed that a natural fit for the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show would be this mash-up of museums, many of which have beautiful landscapes in addition to their fantastic art collections, with our garden and floral designers, who are artists in their own right.

One of my favorite artists is Alexander Calder. His bold, bright colors and organic shapes in his paintings and sculptures were the perfect inspiration for our entrance garden.

Philly PR Girl: What is your favorite theme so far of any Flower Show you were involved in or attended?

Sam Lemheney: Each theme I’ve worked on has had a special meaning for me. The Hawaii presentation was a wonderful experience and a gorgeous show. The Paris and “Brilliant!” shows were so much fun and had very exciting elements. This year’s show is one of the most creative and inspiring themes we’ve ever chosen.

Philly PR Girl:  We love innovative technology, so tell us a little bit about the Flower Show app! How will it enhance the user experience in both planning and attending the 2014 Flower Show?

Sam Lemheney: The Flower Show App is a great tool for planning your personal experience of the show. It provides descriptions of the exhibits and new attractions, maps, schedules of presentations, and a lot more. You can also use it interactively to vote for your favorite exhibits.

Philly PR Girl: Can you give us a sneak peek as to any especially exotic flora visitors can anticipate this year?

Sam Lemheney:  We’ll be unveiling the first PHS Hot List at the show this year, which will spotlight amazing new plants and products for your home and garden. Stay tuned for some very exciting announcements about the hottest flowers and lifestyle ideas, including drinkable products from the garden.

Philly PR Girl:  There’s so much going on this year, between the different studios and rooms, PHS member lounge, and wine and spirits tastings. Which attraction are you most looking forward to?

Sam Lemheney:  I’m really looking forward to the Butterfly Experience, a new attraction at the show. We’ll have more than 1,000 butterflies in one room, including 10 varieties of exotic species and 10 domestic species. Guests will be able to feed them, and learn about how important pollinators are to the garden.

Philly PR Girl:  The Pennsylvania Convention Center recently turned over its management to entertainment and venue management company SMG, based out of Conshohocken. How has this transformation impacted operations and planning on your end?

Sam Lemheney:  We anticipate a very smooth move into the Convention Center and set up of the exhibits. I think SMG will be a great manager of events at the Convention Center.

Philly PR Girl:  Can we get a hint as to what 2015 might bring for both the Flower Show and PHS? Can we expect more Pop-Up Gardens and Stores in the Philadelphia area? Do you have any ideas floating around for next year’s theme or celebrity guests?

Sam Lemheney: I can’t tell you details yet, but I can promise that beginning Spring 2014 and into 2015 that PHS will be bringing some wonderful projects to the Philadelphia region. We’ll be doing a lot to bring beauty to landscapes and neighborhoods throughout the city. And of course, we’ll be back with some very cool PHS Pop-Up Gardens.

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