Macy’s Spring Flower Show a Hit

For two weeks as spring was in the air, Macy’s department store was transformed into a stunning garden for its Annual Spring Flower Show. Macy’s is known for its fashion, accessories and home products by an array of different designers. These products were being promoted at the Spring Flower Show at the Macy’s at 111 N. State St.

Five of Chicago’s master floral designers brought their floral flair to the show. Each one’s designs were featured for three days on the main aisle of the first floor near the make-up and accessories sections. Evergreens, perennials, roses, shrubs, trees and tropical flowers are just a few of the different flowers that were on display, according to the Macy’s Spring Flower Show brochure.

The first floor was packed with a variety of assorted flowers, gigantic butterflies hanging from the ceiling, water fountains and trees. There were 20 displays of over 100 exotic trees, such as green cascade full moon maple trees and weeping willows and colorful flowers. There was a long blue carpet with birds and flowers on it that stretched across the first floor.

The most extraordinary display was the “Flight of Fancy Garden” that featured a massive hot air balloon that was being hung from the ceiling. It was surrounded by countless flowers with diverse colors such as pink, yellow, orange and purple along with shrubs and small butterflies hanging all around the display.

Meghan Curry, 20, a Chicago college student, was wandering around with a camera capturing the hot air balloon. “I heard about the show and thought ‘Ooh, I should check it out’ and I have enjoyed it,” Curry said.

In addition to the gardens, there were culinary demonstrations and food tasting in the kitchen department, wedding events in which brides could talk to designers about what florals to have at their weddings, entertainment, and many sales going on promoting old and new designers. The events included a magician, family activities, musical performances, a new fragrance by Chloé, a Martha Stewart expert offering several home tips and advice, and many other special events scheduled for different days.

After enjoying a stroll around the gardens and taking advantage of the fashion sales, visiting The Walnut Room restaurant on the seventh floor was a must. It was a fun way to unwind and munch on some special cuisine prepared by the chef specifically for the flower show. Some of the special items on the menu were a farmer’s market salad, asparagus frites and a crab cake BLT. A large golden-yellow birdcage with imitation birds in it surrounded by elegant flowers was located in the middle of the restaurant.

Pam Zerega, 65, a homemaker, said, “I have an appointment across the street but I have time before it so I came here.” Zerega said she was shocked by the “strong smell of flowers on the first floor.”

The first floor was packed with people viewing the flowers and shopping. Many families were there enjoying the gardens and scrumptious food available and many girlfriends were out together taking advantage of the sales of clothes and purses while enjoying the scent of the many flowers in the air.

Alora Leonard, 22, a Chicago college student, walked around the first floor with a camera in her hand. “I heard there were many flowers here so I am here for the displays,” she said.

The 2010 Macy’s Spring Flower show ended April 11, but visit macys.com and be sure to keep an eye out for the 2011 show.