FDR Park to host Flower Show in 2021

Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

A nearly 200-year tradition is moving to South Philadelphia, at least temporarily.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society announced it is relocating the 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show to Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park in June in hopes that an outdoor venue can keep the long-running show in bloom.

Due to ongoing concerns with the coronavirus pandemic, the event will take place June 5-13 at the spacious 348-acre park on the west side of Broad Street at Pattison Avenue, across from the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Event organizers are calling the 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show a “reimagined event,” allowing for a new, safe experience while keeping the beauty and horticultural inspiration that guests have enjoyed for 192 years while also keeping the distinction of the longest-running horticultural event in the country.

The Philadelphia Flower Show, which hosted 250,000 visitors last year and is normally held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City, will be held outdoors for the first time in its history.

Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the outdoors and offer joy and beauty after a year that has been marked by so many challenges,” said Sam Lemheney, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Chief of Shows & Events. “This experience is a wonderful example of the enduring and combined power of green space, plants and gardeners to create impact and inspiration.”

The show, which is normally held in late winter in February and March, was pushed back three months due to the pandemic. Organizers are hoping the warmer June weather will help create an enjoyable environment at the historic South Philly park. The expanded show will cover 15 acres, allowing for the usual spectacular presentation of the highly anticipated gardening and floral attractions.

The late spring show time will occur at the height of the growing season and will provide opportunities for gardeners to get inspired and get growing after their visit. Visitors will have an entirely new themed experience that will take place within three distinct “Districts” that feature all manner of Plants, Design and Gardening and created for all skill levels.

Due to social distancing guidelines and safety precautions, the show will implement timed and date-specific ticketing that will limit attendance. A variety of ticket packages will go on sale in January at PHSonline.org. Early purchase is recommended, as tickets are limited.

PHS membership will receive discounted tickets and includes a contribution to PHS region-wide greening efforts and year-round benefits of interest to gardeners of all skill levels. Memberships can be purchased at PHSonline.org/support-phs/membership.