Gadina Africana, an exotic African flower garden and celebration of the art, music and life in Africa, continues through Saturday at Macy’s on State Street in downtown Chicago.

Flowers used include African Iris, Birds of Paradise, Amaryllis Butterfly, Cape Rush, Gerbera Daisy, Madagascar Palm and Protea.

Highlights of the show:

• Five-foot-tall animals crafted from succulent plants and overhead bridges planted with flowers decorate the first floor.

• A 20-foot chandelier fashioned from shields and spears, and an airplane made from found objects pay tribute to the modern African “found art” tradition.

• A rug inspired by mud cloth blankets the length of the store.

• An oversized map of Africa details the origins of the featured flowers.

The African theme was inspired by Macy’s “Path to Peace” project. This involves Macy’s commitment to sell peace baskets made by 2,000 women who survived genocide in Rwanda. They are available online and at State Street.

The flower show is on the first floor, including one corner window of the store at 111 N. State St.

Keith Kirsten, a South African who has been involved in the gardening industry and on radio and television, is a consultant for the show.

Photos by Michael Clinton and Willa Shalit are in the store windows.

African art, music and gifts are for sale, including objects benefiting groups helping children affected by AIDS in Tanzania and disadvantaged women in Capetown.

source :www.dailyherald.com