The 2007 Philadelphia Flower Show saw nearly an 8 percent increase in attendance over shows for the last three years, according to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, which produces the annual flower fest in Center City.

Despite a half-day of snow showers midweek, 258,000 visitors came during the show’s eight-day run, which ended Sunday. That compares with about 240,000 in 2006, 2005 and 2004; 250,000 in 2003; and 265,000 in 2002.

Horticultural society officials say they won’t know exactly why 18,000 more people attended this year’s show until next month, when they see the results of some consumer research. But they believe the show’s theme, “Legends of Ireland,” was a big draw.- Virginia A. Smith

source : www.philly.com