My pick

It's been 15 years of flower power for Marshall Field's, and now Macy's on State Street.

I'm referring to the legendary department store's famed flower show that sprouts every spring offering a free and spectacular display of live plants and fresh flowers folded in amid the grand displays and merchandise treasures on the first floor.

When guests walk though the massive doors of the historic State Street Macy's, they are greeted by palms looming overhead and framing the men's clothing department of neckties and dress shirts and elegant orchids nestled in lush foliage, all of which seem to be guarding the glass jewelry cases; near the women's scarves and purse displays, large bird cages stand in the aisles with bamboo in the background.

Yep, hard as I might try, the odd and delightful juxtaposition almost defies description.

All the more reason to visit Macy's State Street store between now and March 30 to see it for yourselves.

In past years, I witnessed their flower-show themes like English gardens sprinkled with waterfalls and fairies, as well as one year that boasted a recreation of Africa, complete with unforgettable focal points like papier-mache giraffes, elephants and a menacing ostrich.

But this year, it's something fresh and new.

The art, music and botanical gardens of the Latino world create the theme that's transformed Macy's flagship store in Chicago with this week's debut of Floranova, the 2008 annual spring flower show.

This artistic, cultural and horticultural extravaganza draws inspiration from Mexico, Cuba, Brazilian modernism, colonial Brazil, the Amazon and Miami's South Beach to create an amazing visual experience and energy throughout the store. While the show occupies mainly the first floor on the State Street side of the store, customers will notice dazzling visual elements in other locations as well, including the middle fountain atrium and the Walnut Room.

I love the way the Macy's folks have captured this year's flower power experience, which they describe "a true samba for the senses."

Of course, I was especially sold on this year's theme after Macy's publicist Marissa Reeves pointed out the 16-foot-tall rooster holding court in Macy's Marketplace area, since this is my favorite fowl, always featured prominently in my cookbooks and my Wednesday "From the Farm" food column.

"Our 2008 flower show will bring the beauty of the Latin world to our customers through an extraordinary floral spectacular," said Michelle Mesenburg, divisional vice president of marketing events and communication for Macy's North.

"We are creating a floral fiesta at State Street and are thrilled to present the glorious flowers, music and art of these Latin cultures to Chicagoans this spring."

Thousands of flowers and plants have been flown in from greenhouses and growers across the country to create this year's Latin-themed show. The plant life showcased includes numerous varieties of palms; banana plants in red and green shades; nearly 30 types of ferns; hundreds of vermiliads; 20 varieties of orchids, gerberas, azaleas; 20 varieties of succulents; white, yellow, red and purple gardenias; and hanging lipstick plants along with jade plants.

As in past years, Macy's has scoured the globe to find talented and unique partners to help bring the show to life and provide a spectacular visual experience for customers. Artist David LeBatard, known as "Lebo," designed this year's flower show in his signature, colorful South Beach style. A gallery dedicated to Lebo's artwork is on display and for sale near the Archives on the seventh floor.

In addition to my farmyard friend, there's also a bug collection in the fountain atrium area, including oversized, colorful fiberglass 24-inch beetles anchored on the walls and 8-foot dragonflies floating overhead.

On Friday, March 28, Macy's will host a Latin-themed marketplace from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with foods and wares representing various Latin countries. The marketplace will feature samples from local restaurants, including Adobo Grill and Fogo de Chao; crafts from local artisans, including handmade jewelry from Diverso by Diana Samper; and entertainment by local musicians and dancers, including Alma de Tango, a local Tango quartet that will both sing and dance for Macy's customers during the celebration. Customers also will enjoy the music of Spanish guitar duo Hector Fernandez and Tom Kimball who have performed together since 1994 along with a performance by Chicago's Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theatre.

Visit www.macys.com/events for a full listing of all the events scheduled during Floranova. And when at the store, pick up a colorful Floranova guide book available at the Macy's Express Information Desk near the fountain atrium, which includes a list of events taking place throughout the run of the show; a list of the plants featured; special offers to local Latin restaurants including Zapatista and Nacional 27; a savings pass good for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more; recipes from Chef Rick Bayless; and trend information highlighting the hottest styles and fashions for this spring.

And this year, University of Illinois Extension's Master Gardeners are offering guided tours of the show.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

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