Michael Bruce Gears Up for Philadelphia International Flower Show

"Who knew flowers could do so much?"

The words of Michael Bruce—owner of Haddon Avenue floral shop Michael Bruce Florist. Bruce has been a major exhibitor in the Philadelphia Flower Show for the past seven years, and has taken first place twice.

"I'm blown away that we've gotten to this point," said Bruce of the two wins. "Being in the flower show alone is such a great honor."

And as Bruce prepares for the 2011 show—his eighth year as an exhibitor—he recalls shows of the past.

His Philadelphia Flower Show involvement began years before he was an exhibitor. And, while telling the story of how he came to be a major exhibitor, Bruce doubled over in laughter.

"I tried to get their (show officials') attention for years, as does everyone. So how do you set yourself apart?" said Bruce. "So I went to a flower show meeting, and they were already aware of who I was. I brought a portfolio of my work, which was well-received."

But gaining acceptance as an exhibitor didn't come from his portfolio. Bruce used his Scottish heritage to stand out.

"The one thing they couldn't ignore was the fact that I came dressed in my kilt, my Prince Charles jacket, knee-high socks and a sporn (like a purse)," said Bruce, wiping laughter from his eyes. "So, obviously, when I walked into the room, it was like everybody just stopped and stared."

And, still wearing his Scottish skirt and purse, Bruce was approached by a flower show official soon after his bold entrance. It was that same day when Bruce received his first invitation to exhibit. 

In his third year as an exhibitor, Bruce took home first place.

"My third year, I'd been in enough shows to feel comfortable," said Bruce. "And that year I had a little plan—that when people turned the corner, they'd have to put sunglasses on to look at my exhibit. That was my goal. Sunglasses. And we met that goal."

That goal was met with Bruce's Fire & Ice exhibit. 

"Oh, it was bright. There was the fire—just red, red flowers—tulips, ranunculus, peonies," said Bruce. "And there was ice, there was snow."

And the vibrant exhibit caught the eyes of judges, who awarded Bruce Best In Show for the first time. It was an announcement that elicited high emotion in Bruce, and in Marilyn Ford, who works at Michael Bruce Florist.

"And (as they announced our name) Marilyn and I came around the corner, and we just cried," said Bruce. "Because we didn't expect it. You don't go into that show thinking you're actually going to win. I go into the Philadelphia Flower Show thinking, 'I'm going to do the best I can.'"

Bruce's second win came during the 2008 Philadelphia Flower Show. 

This year—the first time the show will be called the Philadelphia International Flower Show—Bruce plans to take his exhibit to a new level.

"This year, we're throwing shadows. We're taking common household items, trash-picked items, and we're arranging them in front of a spotlight to create a shadow on the wall that's cohesive," said Bruce, who will work flowers into the exhibit. "And the shadows look nothing like the way the items are actually arranged."

Bruce said that while the shadow-casting idea is not his own, and it's been done before, it will be the first time the concept is featured in the flower show.

"I enjoy it when people are enjoying themselves," said Bruce of his motivation for this year's exhibit. "So my displays are really about that. And (in this year's display) when you look at a shadow, and realize that the 'bird in a tree' is actually a plastic bag that's been shaped into a bird's form, there's a disconnect at first. And then you see this fun energy come up when people make the connection. I really enjoy watching that enjoyment in others."

Some of the exhibit is already assembled, said Bruce, hinting that one object will appear as a woman in a bathtub, and another as a poodle. To perfect—and maintain—the exhibit through the duration of the show, Bruce said he'll likely enlist six to eight employees.

"We will load everything into the Convention Center this Monday (Feb. 28)," said Bruce. "From Monday until opening day, we'll be in and out to work on it."

After unloading this Monday, Bruce will have exactly six days to get his display picture perfect shape—the flower show opens Sunday, March 6.

"It's just a blast, and I'm just appreciative and very thankful we've had the opportunity to be part of it all these years," said Bruce. "In the end, it all boils down to us doing what we do, and people coming to see what we produce. Because, Best In Show or not, we never do the same thing twice."

What: 2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show "Springtime in Paris"

When: Sunday, March 6 through Sunday, March 13

Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch streets, Philadelphia

Tickets: Purchase online ($25 adults, $20 students, $15 children, plus 75¢ service fee). Purchase at the show's box office ($30 adults opening day, $26 adults Monday through Friday, $28 adults closing weekend, $20 students, $15 children)

For more information about the Philadelphia International Flower Show, and hours for each day's events, visit the flower show website.