My mom loved gardening. My dad continued, year after year, to create new and extended spaces for her to plant her flowers. She had gardens in the front yard, along the lakeshore in the backyard, in window boxes and container gardens on the porch, the deck and the stairs. She loved flowers of all kinds. And she was good at it. (I did not inherit this green thumb.) Rarely did she have trouble getting something to grow, even in the unforgiving weather that Minnesota can throw at us.
When the annual Flower Show came around each spring at Dayton’s (which became Marshall Field’s and now Macy’s) in downtown Minneapolis, we would get dressed up in our Sunday best and go tour the beauty. I have to admit, as a child, I didn’t quite get the allure, but she loved every second of it—putting me in front of her favorite displays and taking my photo.
Photo courtesy of Macy’s
So, it’s no wonder I’m thinking of her this week; she would’ve loved to go to this year’s show, Brasil: Gardens by Bachman’s (March 25- April 7). Set up in the department store’s eighth-floor auditorium space, the free show (open during store hours) features ten gardens of 120 species of several thousand plants reflecting the culture of the South American country. Flower enthusiasts can see amaryllis, daffodils, hyacinths, cocoa trees, juniper, roses, lilies, and many more. The centerpiece is a ten-foot-tall toucan covered in more than 70 square feet of plant materials. Four of Bachman’s professional floral designers will also be featured throughout the run with The Bouquet of the Day, each designer creating large bouquets focusing on the year’s theme.
In addition to the flower show, several events take place around the store, like cupcake decorating (March 26), Brazilian cooking demonstrations (March 27, April 2, 3 & 5), a performance by local Brazilian percussion ensemble Batucada do Norte (March 30), brunch with the Easter bunny (April 1 & 7) in the Oak Grill Restaurant, a floral arranging demonstration (March 30), and more. If you make it a family affair, Macy’s skyroom on the 12th floor is a perfect place to eat before or after, with its upscale cafeteria-style offerings (and city views) pleasing even the pickiest palates.
We’re having an extra warm spring already, but the Macy’s Flower Show is just another way to get a taste of the tropics. I plan to meander through next week, with a new appreciation in my heart and the spirit of my favorite gardener by my side.
