The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; PHS, Flower Show is back in town and this year it's bigger and better than ever! Get ready to explore the restorative and healing power of nature and plants at the “In Full Bloom” show from June 11th to the 19th. The show is returning to South Philly's FDR Park where last year it became more than just a show.
This year's theme is all about showcasing the beauty of flowers and plants, so you can expect to see some amazing displays! Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or just looking for something fun to do, be sure to check out the 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show. Here are your must know before you go tips.
Quicker Entrance
The check in process has been greatly improved. There’s better organization, and the lines are shorter than expected as there are more lanes available for check in. Print your tickets or download them to your smartphone for quicker entry. Keep in mind during peak times the lines will be longer so plan your visit accordingly. The 2021 Flower Show required guest to purchase tickets for a certain date and time frame, this year flexible entry times allows the option to purchase a ticket for a specific date or, for additional flexibility, upgrade their ticket for the ability to visit any day. This is a welcome changed for guest.
Transportation and Parking
The parking process has definitely improved with order ahead parking to avoid the rush but keep in mind it is cashless if you prefer to pay at the gate. There are several options for official Flower Show parking close to FDR Park. Parking lots across the street from FDR Park at the NovaCare Center as well as at Citizens Bank Park and the Wells Fargo Center will have plenty of parking spaces for guests.
Increased staffing and volunteers are located within and outside of parking facilities to assist guests with parking and Show-related questions. Additional digital billboards and directional signage have been enhanced to better guide guests to parking lots, courtesy shuttles, and the Flower Show ticket gate inside of FDR Park.
Courtesy shuttles will be provided from all Flower Show parking lots to the Flower Show ticket gate inside of FDR Park.
Public transportation is a great, green, and easy option to get to the Flower Show! A courtesy shuttle stop will be available to pick up guests near SEPTA’s NRG station with drop off at the Flower Show ticket gate inside of FDR Park.
Accessibility
Throughout the Show, visitor paths will have more pronounced and visible accessible entry points and thoroughfares. The grounds of the Show are comprised of varied terrain including paved and gravel paths, and also lawn areas. People who use wheelchairs can navigate on both paved and gravel paths and many of the lawn areas. Additional ramps and accessible entry points to Show designs and features will be implemented throughout. Volunteer Access Ambassadors will again be onsite to assist guests. Flower Show venue maps will delineate ADA ramps and restroom locations.
ADA accessible shuttles will be provided from all official Flower Show parking lots and the SEPTA NRG station with drop off at the FlowerShow ticket gate.
The MOBILITY ON Wheels team will provide a variety of mobility equipment rentals including scooters, single & double strollers as well manual wheelchairs. Reserving these services at the time you purchase your Flower Show tickets is highly recommended to ensure availability.
Pre-ordered equipment rentals may be picked up at two Show locations:
- Inside FDR Park, along Pattison Avenue, just past the Park's Welcome Center building approximately 3 minutes to Flower Show ticket gate.
- Flower Show Customer Service Center near the Show entrance gates
If needed, after equipment is picked up, it can be brought outside the Show gates to meet the guest who will sit in the wheelchair or scooter to enter the Park.
Flower Show Water Policy
Last year, guest were not allowed to bring water bottles or any containers into the show. Complimentary water refill stations are now will be located throughout the Show and will be available dependent upon the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Health restrictions pertaining to COVID-19. Guests are encouraged to bring pre-filled, re-usable water bottles.
What Not to Miss at the Philadelphia Flower Show
1. Artisan Show
Participate in an elevated crafting experience led by talented local horticultural artisans. Choose from a variety of unique craft mementos including fresh floral crowns, personalized candle making, dried floral arranging, and botanical jewelry. This space will also include a bar and lounge so you may enjoy a cocktail while you create in this inviting, bohemian style space. To purchase your Artisan’s Row ticket add-on, please visit showclix.com/event/artisan-row/members-only.
Posh and Bloom a local business based in the Jenkintown section of Philadelphia is located in Artisan Row, where they show you how to create botanical jewelry. It was relaxing and fun. The libations that are close by didn't hurt either.
2. Demos by Stihl
June 11 – 14: Join Sara Bendrick, landscape contractor and TV personality from HGTV’s Lawn & Order, at the STIHL Display (E4)
11:00 am- Garden tips
2: 00 pm – Product demos of STIHL lawn and garden equipment.
5:00 pm – Outdoor living clean up tips.
June 16 –18: Join Jeff Cartwright, professional landscaper, at the STIHL Display (E4)
11:00 am – Yard tips
2:00pm and 5:00 pm – Demos of STIHL lawn and garden equipment
3. Kids Cocoon
This play space offers and exciting area for kids to explore, engage with nature and enjoy kid-friendly programming. Kids can experience the joy that comes from being outside playing with wooden balance beams, climbing structures, stumps and more. Parents will enjoy the added seating that will allow them to recharge. Beware that this area is close to the Butterflies Live, which is an indoor activation for an additional $5.00. Get up close with hundreds of spectacular, native butterflies in an outdoor garden exhibit. Witness butterflies interacting with an array of plant life and flowers. This is an all-ages activity — be amazed at the variety of these gorgeous creatures
4. Mushroom and the DJ
The creativity and beauty at this year’s garden-and floral displays is endless. From a life size DJ made of plants who's spinning tunes in “Bloom Room,” to a mound mushrooms that can smell 20 feet away–you will quickly appreciate all that flowers can do.
“Rhythm in Bloom” invited you to step inside and let the DJ transform you. It was funny to see so many step inside not realizing that the DJ truly has special powers.
I am no fan of mushrooms but this definitely caught my eye and nose. The “Are Mushrooms Flowers” exhibit was a great lesson about this fundus that was adorned in flowers.
5. Subaru 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! This event is an additional fee but well worth it.
6. Arrangement Elements
I probably enjoy this area more than others as it is where fashion and flowers meet. Not only is it extremely creative it smells heavenly.
7. Bloom Boom
Trying to encourage your children to take their art serious? This might help. Budding artist in grades K through 12 have their paintings and drawings represented. Guest are encouraged to scan the QR code next to the picture and send positive comments. It's such a cute and bucket filling activity.
8. Smelly Tunnel
Cool down your body and awaken your senses with a trip through the Smelly Tunnel. Built by a collection of makers associated with the Bok Building offers a nod to the playful, curious, inquisitive essence of the childlike spirit. Walk through three consecutive misting archways, each of which emits its own unique fragrance — lavender, citrus, or eucalyptus.
What to Eat and Drink at the Philadelphia Flower Show
With an emphasis on local culinary talent alongside various dining options including relaxed boathouse dining and a Happy Hour with tastings provided by Fine Wine and Spirits, the 2022 Show is sure to offer food and beverage options that cater to everyone's palate and preferences.
“We wanted to reimagine every aspect of the 2022 Flower Show, including the culinary experience,” says Sam Lemheney, Chief of Shows and Events, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. “We partnered with OVG360 and Brûlée Catering because they have a proven track record of skillfully enhancing the holistic guest experience through the use of unique food and beverage offerings. This carefully curated set of food experiences is another great reason to visit the Flower Show.”
Brûlée Catering’s James Beard Award-winning Chef Jean-Marie Lacroix added: “The Flower Show has always tantalized the human senses, and this is an inimitable opportunity for us to create additional experiences for our friends at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and our guests. From intimate sit-down dining to a diverse Food Bazaar, guests will discover food and beverage options that appeal to a variety of desires.”
This year, guests will be able to unwind at a Happy Hour with Fine Wine & Good Spirits, grab a bite and listen to some music at the Food Bazaar, share a casual drink and bite to eat at the Boathouse, explore a collection of dozens of notable food vendors, or enjoy an expertly prepared meal while seated in The Lakes restaurant.
The Lakes
As a new offering for 2022, guests can enjoy an elevated, seated experience at a 300-seat pop-up restaurant, The Lakes. This dining location features classic bistro fare from Brûlée Catering’s Chef Jean Marie Lacroix, famed within 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” award. Guests can enjoy tableside service with fresh salads, artisanal sandwiches, heirloom tomato and burrata salad, French onion burgers, or a traditional four-course prix-fixe meal.
The Boathouse
The Boathouse, an iconic location inside of FDR Park 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 Food Bazaar
The Food Bazaar will offer a picturesque place for visitors to take a break, grab a bite or cold drink, enjoy some shade cover, and enjoy three daily live music performances from a variety of local bands and DJs curated by famed local musicians, SNACKTIME. Musical styles will feature jazz, soul, hip hop, funk, and more — offering a festival-style, live music experience for everyone! The Food Bazaar will also offer plenty of dining options for foodies, festival diners, families, and those with dietary restrictions, with an eclectic collection of vendors consisting of American, Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean fare and a quarter of vendors catering specifically to vegetarian and vegan tastes.
With vendors that include Philly favorites – like Algorithm, a food truck known for its distinctive vegan eats, Sang Kee Noodle House’s Asian small plates and platters and Byz Empire, with its Mediterranean and Latin fusion menu – the Food Bazaar will allow guests to taste dishes from various cultures. In addition to the 18 vendors at the Food Bazaar, another 12 delicious and notable food merchants will be scattered throughout the Show.
For those looking to cool off with a refreshing drink, the Food Bazaar will also feature a variety of botanical inspired cocktails, including the Botanical Lemonade, the official cocktail of the 2022 Flower Show. This delicious drink will feature Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit, Rosé, lemonade, and fresh lemon.
Happy Hour hosted by Fine Wine & Good Spirits
From 4-8 p.m. on June 13-17, guests can unwind after a day exploring or experience the beauty of the Flower Show after work at a Happy Hour event, hosted by Fine Wine & Good Spirits. These events will feature complimentary alcohol tastings, live music, and are free to attend with a general admission Flower Show ticket.
Dates to Remember
Flower Show Opens to General Public
June 11, 2022
Butterflies Live!
June 10 – 19, 2022, from Show opening to closing
Cost: $5 per person
Get up close with hundreds of spectacular, native butterflies in an outdoor garden exhibit. This is an all-ages activity — be amazed at the variety of these gorgeous creatures with some unforgettable photo opportunities during your visit!
Artisan Row
June 10 – 19, 2022, from Show opening to closing
Cost: $20 – $25 per craft
Participate in an elevated crafting experience led by talented local horticultural artisans. Choose from 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 so you may enjoy a cocktail while you create in this inviting, bohemian style space.
Potting Parties with Tu Bloom and Subaru
June 11 – 19, 2022, 9am – 6pm
Cost: $10
Learn the tricks of the trade at these energetic container gardening workshops hosted by designer Tu Bloom (@tubloom) and sponsored by Subaru (@subaru_usa). Take home your very own creation for lasting floral beauty!
Early Morning Tours
June 12 – 19, 2022, 8 – 10am
Cost: $110 per person
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the many intricacies of the Flower Show. Small group tours will be offered every morning by an experienced guide who will lead guests through the Show grounds, stopping along the way to get a closer view of the different gardens to learn how each exhibitor brought their ideas to life.
Happy Hour with Fine Wine & Good Spirits
June 13 – 17, 2022, 4 – 8pm
Cost: FREE with admission
To unwind after a day of exploring, guests can pay a visit to our Happy Hour events, hosted by Fine Wine & Good Spirits. These free events will feature unique alcoholic tastings, live music, and celebrity bottle signing events.
Flowers After Hours
June 18, 2022, 8:30 – 11:30pm
Cost: $75 per person
Light up the night at this after-hours event while you drink, eat, and dance among the beautiful exhibits and embody this year's theme of “Let's Glow!” Enjoy this special evening with great tastings, incredible music, and a surprise to end the night!
Family Frolic
June 19, 2022, 10am – 3pm
Cost: FREE with admission
Celebrate Father's Day with this great day of fun activities for both young and old! Enjoy a day tailored to young families where people of all ages can participate in a variety of floral, gardening, and craft activities, sights, and sounds brought to you by local Philadelphia partners and institutions.
Flower Show Closes
June 19, 2022
Why Back at FDR Park?
“The decision to host the 2022 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show outdoors was based on the continuing evolution and uncertainty of COVID-19. During this second year of hosting the Show outdoors, we focused on the plentiful public feedback we received and plan to incorporate many of those suggestions into next year’s Show. We thank the public and our partners in helping us further develop the outdoor Flower Show into a joyous and beautiful event that continues to celebrate the wonder of flowers and gardening for its 194th year,” said Sam Lemheney, PHS Chief of Shows & Events.
The decision to produce the 2022 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show outdoors was made to accommodate the continuing challenges and 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. Public safety is a critical component for the upcoming Show, and adherence to recommendations from City/State health officials is paramount to Show planning. PHS will continue to work closely with health officials leading up to the Show with updated guidance available online.
Get your tickets and experience one of my favorite events. Don't forget to check my instagram page for details on what I bought in the marketplace. I suggest you set aside time to shop. Let me know your thoughts if you attend. You actually might see me there as I have plans to return.
