Complimentary 20-minute guided tours are the best way to experience the Macy’s Flower Show in New York City. Tours begin every half hour between 11 am and 4 pm at Macy’s 35th and Broadway entrance. During the tour, your guide will explain how the show is set up and explain the details on the current year’s flowers and plants.

In 2012, the featured gardens on the main floor will be the Antebellum Garden, inspired by the flora of the American Southeast; the Japanese Garden, located along the 35th street aisle, presented by Carnegie Hall’s Japan NYC Festival; the Tropical Garden, a celebration of the earth's bounty to humanity; the Hydrangea Garden, one of the most loved flowers of the spring in the 34th street aisle; and the Desert Garden, a celebration of the unusual beauties of the hot, dry and arid regions.

The Macy’s Flower Show first debuted in San Francisco in 1946 and still continues as an annual event. However, not until 1953 did Macy’s Flower Show make its first appearance at Herald Square in New York City with fresh floral bouquets throughout the store. Due to rising costs of fresh cut flowers, Macy's Flower Show ceased after the 1966 annual event.  

In 1974, the annual event was revived in Herald Square, with a more cost-effective live garden setting with potted flowers and plants, and that design is still in use today. Staged on the Main Floor, Macy’s Flower Show has seen changes throughout the years, from mainly spring flowers to specialty gardens, such as the Orchid Garden and East Asian Garden, to seven specialty gardens, gazebos and beautiful fountains greeting visitors at the Broadway Entrance of the show.

In 2002, the Broadway entrance now corresponds to the theme of the Macy’s Flower Show. That year the entrance was a topiary globe representing the “World of Flowers.” Since then, a topiary fish with koi pond, beehive and a replica of Macy’s Herald Square building greet visitors at the Broadway entrance.

The fragrant and beautiful Macy's Flower Show has hosted many special events, including the live announcements of the 1989 and 1990 Daytime Emmy nominations and the 1991-1994 live broadcast of the “Today Show.”

What: Macy’s Flower Show, New York
Where: Macy's 35th and Broadway entrance
When: March 27-April 10, 2012
URL: Macy's Flower Show Website

Recommended Hotel: Crowne Plaza Time Square