Visiting the Philadelphia Flower Show every March at the Pennsylvania Convention Center was an anticipated annual event for my mom & I for nearly 14 years. Our last show, on March 1, 2020, would turn out to be our final social event for a very long time. So when the show was moved to FDR Park in South Philly, & now in June, I was concerned it would be too hot for my mom, driving down & parking in $22 lots instead of taking the train, ect. But as we walked along the tree-lined pathways & blooming floral displays my mom turned to me & said, "this is my favorite show yet!"
Now until June 19, "In Full Bloom" offers visitors a new show layout, food & beverage offerings, special events, & recreational spaces including the Kids Cocoon & Play Space & several dining options. A variety of ticket options are available for guests, along with several returning and new events that will appeal to both seasoned fans of the Show and new audiences. Regular and select special event tickets are available for purchase now.
For the second time in its almost 200-year history, the Philadelphia Flower Show is outdoors, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the beautiful vistas and rolling landscape of FDR Park, a registered historical district. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers – sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of New York City’s famed Central Park – the park was the host location for the 1926 Sesquicentennial Expo of the United States.
The Flower Show spans 15 acres of the Park’s footprint with breathtaking exhibits, family-friendly activities & gorgeous greenspace. The decision to produce the 2022 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show outdoors was made to accommodate the continuing uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. FDR Park’s spacious 15-acre footprint allows for social distancing and the associated health benefits of being outside.
Walking along the lake to the exhibits, we spotted guests relaxing in Adirondack chairs as they sipped cocktails. Avoiding the mid-day sun, we decided to wait until 5 p.m. to visit, which was perfect. My husband Kevin dropped off us at the entrance (parking is $23 & then shuttle trolleys transport visitors to the entrance) & watched a game at nearby Chickie's & Pete's while we smelled the flowers.
Each visitor who purchases a Flower Show ticket, attends a Flower Show special event, or becomes a PHS member contributes to PHS furthering its community-driven work by planting trees, supporting neighborhood greening, establishing community gardens, providing job training, managing public gardens & connecting people with horticulture and one another.
“We are thrilled to be returning to FDR Park for the 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show. This year, we have interpreted what it means to be ‘In Full Bloom’ both figuratively and literally. Guests will experience floral and garden exhibits at the peak of seasonal perfection crafted by award-winning designers while also learning how gardening can contribute to their lives. With new activities, family-friendly spaces, and superb dining experiences, this year’s Show will have something for everyone to enjoy,” said Sam Lemheney, PHS Chief of Shows and Events.
While I always enjoyed the shows at the Convention Center, the outside summer setting this year felt more like a laid-back festival. I didn't have to crane my neck to see exhibits as guests crammed around taking countless photos. Everyone was spaced out, walking in the park & discussing exhibits or casually eating at picnic tables & listening to a band play 90s music. A perfect way to start the summer!
If you go: PHS Philadelphia Flower Show tickets - Adult: $50 (any day), $45 (date specific); Young Friends (18-29) with ID: $35 (any day), $30 (date specific); Child (5-17): $25 (any day), $20 (date specific); Group (25 people or more): $36 each; 4 years old or younger: FREE; Family Fun Pack (2 adults, 1 child): $120 (any day) $105 (date specific); Family Fun Pack (2 adults, 2 children): $135 (any day) $120 (date specific).
Tickets are available for sale online or at the following locations:
· AAA Mid-Atlantic branches
· AAA South Jersey branches
· Select ACME markets throughout the tri-state region
· SEPTA Ticket Sales Counters
· Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia
Member Packages
Becoming a PHS Member allows guests to receive discounted or free Flower Show tickets. Members at the Activist level or higher have access to the showgrounds before it opens each day to the public and can also attend our special Members’ Preview Day on June 10th to get an exclusive preview of this year’s Flower Show. A variety of member levels are available with benefits like invitations to special Member-only programs, a subscription to PHS’s award-winning GROW magazine, travel opportunities, and more. There are also levels for any size family and extended benefits for Activist levels and higher. Learn more about membership at: PHSonline.org/support-phs/memb
Exhibits
This year, visitors can anticipate seeing the works of extraordinary landscape architects, garden designers, and florists, with an emphasis on diversity both in the demographics of exhibitors and in their highly unique designs. “In Full Bloom” will feature more female exhibitors than ever before, shedding light on the incredible achievements of women in the field of landscape and garden design and their unique contributions and points of view.
Among the many exceptional exhibitors on the roster is renowned landscape architect Martha Schwartz, a Forbes 2021 “50 Under 50” recipient, whose practice is committed to the design of urban landscapes and the public realm as the foundation for sustainable cities. Her 1,800-square foot display will depict the beauty of the mushroom in a way that both challenges our understanding of beauty norms, and artfully portrays the allure of fungi.
Guests will also be able to view the incredible works of Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show award-winning garden designer Ann Marie Powell, whose innovative firm combines the best of contemporary design with highly innovative materials in a naturalistic style, with sustainability at the heart of their approach.
Wambui Ippolito, the noted landscape designer and one of Veranda magazine’s 2021 “Eleven Revolutionary Female Landscape Designers and Architects You Should Know” will return to this year’s Show to defend her 2021 Flower Show trophy for “Best in Show” with another showstopping display.
Additionally, Philadelphia-based David Rubin Land Collective, a landscape architecture and urban design studio committed to emphasizing socially purposeful design strategies, will celebrate authenticity and Pride Month in their exhibit. Reminiscent of an embrace, the display will encircle a central space with a full spectrum of colorful, hand-dyed ribbons and highly unique xGordlinia grandiflora trees.
Throughout the exhibitor lineup, guests will encounter forward-thinking, innovative, and progressive designers from a diverse array of backgrounds, each contributing stunning and thought-provoking displays that explore the restorative power of nature and plants, as well as the importance of mental and emotional health.
The Garden for the Greater Good
The Garden for the Greater Good is PHS’s showcase of beautiful horticulture, set inside the 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show. Annually, PHS creates gardenscapes that celebrate the belief that horticulture has the power to make positive social and environmental change -- and that each one of us can harness that power.
This year’s exhibit will transport guests through a dazzling outdoor oasis with plant life found in our region’s woodlands and meadows, including native trees and plants from PHS’s distinguished Gold Medal Plant program.<https://phsonline.org
Marketplace
The Marketplace features more than 100 vendors offering unique gardening wares, plants, supplies, branded merchandise, and other shopping treasures to guests. Whether looking for something unique to bring home to remember your visit, you’re inspired to plant something you saw at the Show, you want to surprise the gardener in your life, or just want something new and green, the Flower Show Marketplace has it all! Marketplace items include a wide variety of horticultural items, books, tools, and plants, as well as handcrafted items like artwork, jewelry, botanical prints, soft goods, and pet- and kid-friendly choices. 2022 Flower Show mementos will be available at the PHS Shop, with all things “In Full Bloom!” including T-shirts, mugs, aprons, kitchen wares, stickers, and keepsakes.
Events and Activities
Kids Cocoon & Play Space
The all-new Kids Cocoon & Play Space is an interactive outdoor experience for families and children to play and explore together. Featuring daily curated programming for children such as story times and gardening-inspired crafts in addition to play structures, kids will have a blast learning about nature! Families can lounge on nearby benches, or make a pit stop at the concession stands to refuel with snacks before enjoying the rest of the Show.
Artisan Row
New this year, Flower Show visitors can experience an elevated crafting experience curated led by talented local artisans. Guests can partake in a variety of arts including fresh floral crowns, personalized candle making, dried floral arranging, and botanical jewelry. This space will include a bar and lounge to enjoy a cocktail while you create in this inviting, bohemian-style space.
· Fresh Flower Crowns – Create a gorgeous, fresh flower crown in an assortment of vibrant colors. Guests will learn how to work with fresh florals while they design and create their own flower crown from scratch. Enjoy the Show while wearing your newly created piece of art!
· Flower Show Candles – Experience the latest trend in DIY by creating a candle as unique as you are! Discover your own custom, inspired scent-blend that will fill your home with the aroma and great memories of a day at the Flower Show.
· Lavander and Wildflower Bud Vase – Guests can embrace their inner floral designer by selecting their own color and style of dried flowers to arrange in a milk glass. Blossoms will be locally grown and dried to showcase the amazing talents of Philadelphia local flower farmers.
· Botanical Jewelry - Artfully crafted jewelry that includes and highlights nature’s beauty. These botanical jewelry pieces are practical in origin and organic in design using ingredients ranging from intricate florals to hearty succulents. These bold statement pieces are sure to spark an exciting conversation at your next outing!
Dates: June 10-19
Hours:
Saturday, June 18: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 19: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
*Final entrance to the Artisan Row experience will be 30 minutes prior to closing*
Cost: $20-25 per craft
Butterflies Live!
Get up close with hundreds of spectacular, native butterflies in this outdoor garden exhibit, and witness butterflies interacting with an array of plant life and flowers. This year, Butterflies Live! will be transformed into a butterfly paradise in a brand-new way, with an updated structure and beautiful pollinator garden component. This is an all-ages activity -- be amazed by these stunning creatures with some unforgettable photo opportunities during your Flower Show visit!
Date: June 10-19
Saturday, June 18: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 19: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
*Final entrance to Butterflies Live! exhibit will be 30 minutes prior to closing*
Cost: $5 per person
Potting Parties
Learn the tricks of the trade at these energetic container gardening workshops, hosted by designer Tu Bloom and sponsored by Subaru. Take home your very own creation for lasting floral beauty!
Date: June 11-19
Time: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person
Early Morning Tours – Get a behind-the-scenes look and learn the intricacies behind the Flower Show by participating in an Early Morning Tour. Groups of 10-12 people will have an experienced guide lead them through the Show grounds, stopping along the way to get a closer view of the varied exhibits and discuss how they came together. These tours are perfect for the budding photographer or early riser, and all tour ticket holders are welcome to stay as long as they like after their tour to soak in the remainder of the Show.
Date: June 12-19
Time: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Cost: $110 per person
Flowers After Hours
Light up the night with this year’s Flowers After Hours theme of “Lets Glow!” and revel in the stunning beauty of the floral and garden exhibits under the stars. This year’s party will feature SNACKTIME Philly Flower Show All-Stars, whose members have performed with Beyoncé, Ivy Sole, BrassTracks, and others. DJ Aktive will spin tracks guaranteed to keep you dancing. Guests can also expect special drag performances and fun hands-on activations. Come enjoy this special evening with great tastings, incredible music, and a surprise to end the night!
Date: June 18
Time: 8:30pm - 11:30pm
Cost: $75 per person + 1 Flower Show specialty cocktail drink voucher per person
Family Frolic
Celebrate Father’s Day with this day of fun activities for visitors young and old! Family Frolic is a day tailored to young families where people of all ages can participate in a variety of floral, gardening, and craft activities, watch live music performances, and take in the sights of the Flower Show.
Date: June 19
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: free with ticket purchase
Food and Beverage
Happy Hour With PLCB
To unwind after a day exploring, guests can pay a visit to our Happy Hour events, hosted by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). These events will feature unique alcoholic tastings, live music, and celebrity bottle signing events.
Date: June 13 - 17
Hours: 4-8 p.m.
Cost: free with admission
Food Bazaar
The Food Bazaar will offer a picturesque place for visitors to take a break, grab a bite and cold drink, enjoy some shade cover, and enjoy live music performances from SNACKTIME Philly and DJ Aktive. The Food Bazaar will offer plenty of dining options for foodies, festival diners, families, and those with dietary restrictions. Featuring over a dozen unique vendors including American, vegan, Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean fare with almost a quarter of the vendors catering specifically to vegetarian and vegan tastes. This year’s Food Bazaar will include a variety of botanical-inspired cocktails and 3 live music performances per day, giving guests a lively and fun respite on the Show grounds.
The Boathouse
The crown jewel of the Flower Show’s dining options will be The Boathouse, which will feature a full-service bar, casual seating, and delicious fast-casual fare, all while soaking in the absolute best views of the Show. Menu highlights include the goddess turkey BLT, Tuscan garden salad, and Bavarian pretzels with a trio of dips.
The Lakes
For an elevated, seated experience, guests can visit our 300-seat pop-up restaurant, The Lakes, featuring classic bistro fare from Chef Jean Marie Lacroix, famed amongst Philadelphia’s well-established and renowned culinary scene, creator of his namesake restaurant “Lacroix” in the Rittenhouse Hotel, and recipient of James Beard’s lauded “Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic" award in 2001. Here, guests can enjoy tableside service with fresh salads, artisanal sandwiches, braised greens and asiago dip, heirloom tomato and burrata salad, French onion burgers, or a traditional four-course prix-fixe meal.
Flower Show Sponsors
The 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show Exclusive Sponsors are Bank of America, Independence Blue Cross, and Subaru of America. Official Sponsors are AARP, ACME Markets, Bartlett Tree Experts, Belgard, Green Mountain Energy, STIHL, Fine Wine & Good Spirits, and Ketel One Botanical.
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