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7/3 hackin it together

See more at:  http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/03/01/best.spring.flower.destinations/index.ht…

The New York Botanical Garden
When: March 5 to April 25
Where: Bronx, New York
Cost: $6 to $20

The New York Botanical Garden’s “The Orchid Show: On Broadway” utilizes a Tony award-winning set designer to bring the charm of the theater outdoors. The show stars 5,000 orchids.

“They’re spectacular in the spring,” Stark said. “They’re going to be focused on making sure everything is popping at the right time.”

There will be more than 300 types of orchids on display, showcased with high drama in curtains, arcades and chandeliers.

Philadelphia International Flower Show
When: March 6 to March 13
Where: Philadelphia
Cost: $15 to $30

With more than 2,000 entries, Philadelphia’s is the largest indoor flower show in the world.

“It’s just amazing beyond belief,” Hancock said. “The theme this year is springtime in Paris, so you know it’s going to have a very sophisticated feel.”

The show has progressed from its humble beginnings in 1829 to what it is today: 10 acres of beautiful blooms and diverse designs. Some of the major exhibitor presentations will be put together by the American Orchid Society, the Pennsylvania Bonsai Society and Tourism Ireland, to name a few.

“The atmosphere inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center is a celebration of early spring,” said Alan Jaffe, public relations manager for The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. “It’s not quite there on the calendar, but amid the spectacular displays and wonderful scents of fresh blooms, there is a sense of hope, renewal and excitement.”

National Cherry Blossom Festival
When: March 26 to April 10
Where: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free for most events

Commemorating the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to Washington, D.C., the National Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of the “lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries,” according to the website.

More than 1 million people visit each year to take in the blossoming cherry trees and attend events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and the Lantern Walks.

The website estimates April 4 as the peak bloom date, though an accurate prediction won’t be available until 10 days before peak bloom. The blooming period can be as long as 14 days.

“The particular arrangement of the cherry blossom trees around the Tidal Basin and monuments is truly spectacular,” said Danielle Piacente, communications manager for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. “When the cherry blossoms are in bloom, you know it’s springtime.”

Longwood Gardens
When: April 2 to May 27
Where: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Cost: $8 to $18

Longwood Gardens is one of the best-known gardens in the United States for a good reason: There are 1,050 acres of gardens and meadows, covered in 11,000 types of plants and more fountains than any other garden in the country.

“They draw audiences from long distances to see their spring blooms,” Stark said. Those blooms include azaleas, dogwoods, hyacinth, irises and tulips.

The 20 outdoor gardens are teeming with lively flowers and beautiful fountains, and cover about one mile in distance.

“There is a renewed energy and vibrancy at Longwood in early spring,” said Patricia Evans, a spokeswoman for Longwood Gardens. “Our visitors delight in seeing spring blossom throughout the outdoor gardens and to see the Longwood’s famed fountains once again jet to life.”

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I am officially an Auntie!  Ashley Teresa was born four weeks premature, but we are happy to announce that she is spending time at home now with mom and dad!

Denver Public Art

Denver City Hall Holiday Lights

Buckhorn Exchange / Rocky Mountain Oysters

Casa Bonita

- Sig