Do you remember in Downton Abbey when they had the flower show and it was beautiful and elegant but it was also a sign of the changing times because Lady Grantham had to let the servant's dad win because he had the most stunning roses somehow, even though he didn't have a title or a staff of gardeners?

Florescence: Illusions
April 28-29, 10-5
Free with MFAH admission
Beck Building
5601 Main St.
flohouston.org 

Edwardian class system aside, it turns out that the times, they haven't changed that much. Competitive flower shows are still major events and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is currently hosting one of the best of them.

Florescence is one of the largest competitive flower shows in the country. Held under the auspices of the Garden Club of America, it's presented biennially in conjunction with the Garden Club of Houston and the MFAH. This year's theme is "Illusions," and many of the incredible floral arrangements will be inspired by the works of art hanging in the museum. Entries fall into six categories for competition: Floral Design, Horticulture, Horticultural Design, Photography, Botanical Arts and Needle Arts. Trust: you have never seen flowers like this before. 

In addition to the exhibit, which runs Tuesday and Wednesday, there is also a series of special events, too.