The Philadelphia Flower Show is returning to South Philly’s FDR Park.
For the second straight year, the nearly 200-year tradition will be held outdoors at FDR Park on Pattison Avenue in South Philadelphia.
Organizers and elected officials welcomed the spring season by announcing the show’s schedule of events, exhibit details and new design plans last week in anticipation of the 2022 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, “In Full Bloom,” which will take place June 11-19.
“We are thrilled to be returning to FDR Park for the 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show,” said Sam Lemheney, PHS Chief of Shows and Events. “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.”
The Philadelphia Flower Show, known as the nation’s largest, and the world’s longest-running horticultural event, will once again span 15 acres of the park with breathtaking exhibits and family-friendly activities.
Tickets are $50 for adults, $35 for ages 18-29 with photo ID and $25 for children 5-17. There is a $5 discount for date-specific tickets, and groups of 25 people or more can capture a group rate of $35 per ticket. Children 4 and under are free and there are family discounts available. Tickets are available for sale online at PHSonline.org.
Guests will have an enormous variety of entertainment options as the show settles into the second year outside after more than a century and a half of indoor confinement since 1829. The show was moved outside last year due to COVID-19 restrictions and event organizers had to make constant adjustments to the changing climate of the pandemic.
“Last year, our team did an amazing job, a Herculean job of getting the doors open and getting guests here.” Lemheney said. “This year, we’ve been able to put our creative hats on and really think through things.”
New this year will be an Artisan Row, where visitors can experience an elevated crafting experience curated 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.
Also new will be a Kids Cocoon & Play Space, which 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.
The 2022 show will bring all new food and beverage options including a food bazaar with live music, and happy hour with fine wine and good spirits with unique alcoholic tastings, live music and celebrity bottle-signing events, and upscale dining at The Lakes for an elevated, seated experience featuring classic bistro fare from Chef Jean Marie Lacroix, famed among Philadelphia’s well-established and renowned culinary scene.
Once again, 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.
The event will also bring back classics like the Garden For Greater Good, the Marketplace, Butterflies Live, Potting Parties, Early Morning Tours, Family Frolic and Flowers after Hours.
“The Philadelphia Flower Show is a beloved annual event that many people look for and adore,” Mayor Jim Kenney said. “This year’s flower show will bloom bigger and brighter than ever, offering guests a vibrant celebration of nature, plants and flowers that is sure to excite and inspire everyone.”
Along with a long list of talented exhibitors to visit, there will be plenty to do at FDR Park, which has been the perfect place to receive thousands of visitors for one of the nation’s biggest events.
“I practically grew up in this park as a South Philadelphia resident,” Kenney said. “I spent many, many hours all year long in this park. And one of the things that make me feel so good about the position I’m in now and my age, is that I’ve watched the park evolve as the city has evolved.”
Hours of exhibits at the Philadelphia Flower Show vary across the week and a full schedule of events can be found at PHSonline.org. Some exhibits are at an additional cost.
