19th Annual Rhode Island Spring Flower & Garden Show Partners with the American Heart Association to Offer "Gardening with Heart"

 

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Jan. 25, 2011 - Launching the start of Spring, Providence is hosting the 19th Annual Rhode Island Spring Flower & Garden Show from February 24 through February 27, 2011 at the Rhode Island Convention Center.  As New England's longest standing and largest flower show, this year's theme is "Gardening With Heart" and includes a special partnership with the American Heart Association (AHA).  In addition to 28 romance-themed gardens, guests can take advantage of various tours, lectures, demonstrations, marketplace vendors and AHA's "de-stressing" center to kick off the new season.

Each garden will highlight a romantic, classic love story such as Casablanca, Gone with the Wind and Sleepless in Seattle.  The Rhode Island Hort Society gardens will showcase a "red" motif featuring red flowers and special red dresses designed by students at the legendary Rhode Island School of Design.  Corresponding with the overall theme, this year's distinctive flower is the bleeding heart perennial flower.  

Guest lecturers will include lifestyle expert, television personality and best-selling author Gordon Hayward and Donna Ranucci, a participant on the Rachael Ray Show's "Hey, Can You Cook?!" reality competition, among various others. A special American Heart Association component will include lessons on how to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle.  Additionally, the top floor of the RICC will consist of a "de-stressing" center with yoga instructors, massage therapists and educational stations.

Visitors can take advantage of a variety of special hotel rates for the weekend with participating hotels including Marriott Providence Downtown, complete with free parking and shuttle service; Hotel Providence; Radisson Hotel Providence Harbor; Hampton Inn & Suites; and Johnson & Wales Inn.  Additionally, select local restaurants are offering discounted menus in honor of the event, including Geppetto's Pizzeria and Walter's Ristorante d' Italia.

            Participants can take in the local history with dedicated Floral Tours of the John Brown House, one of America's grandest mansions, for only $5 per person on February 25 and 26. Group tours are available by appointment.  To reserve a tour, call 401-273-7507.

 Tickets to the Rhode Island Flower Show are available for $16 in advance for adults or $18 at the door.  Admission is free for children five and under and tickets are $7 for children ages 6-12.  Additional event and ticket information for the Rhode Island Spring Flower & Garden Show is available at http://www.flowershow.com/ or http://www.goprovidence.com/.

~ The Creative Capital ~

Providence is a vibrant and energetic destination boasting some of the country's finest educational institutions paired with a pulsating artistic landscape.  The city's history of innovation, dating back to its founding father Roger Williams, drives a strong sense of place and encourages residents and visitors alike to view Providence as a leading arts and cultural destination.  Providence seamlessly blends the urban sophistication of a big city with the graceful charm of a small town replete with internationally-acclaimed restaurants and a thriving arts scene.  Media can also visit www.louhammond.com for latest press releases and images. Follow on Twitter at LouHammondPR.

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