Over the past year, the outdoors have become a safe haven.

For the first time in almost 200 years, the Philadelphia Flower Show has moved outdoors.

This week, the 15-acre FDR Park is flooded with dozens of gigantic garden exhibits with live canvases exploring the theme of “Habitat: A Masterpiece of Nature.”

Past flower show plans may have failed due to snow. This year, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Association’s big show has to deal with heat and rain.

Whether it’s rainy or sunny, the show will continue until Sunday, June 13.

I checked out the show on the first day of June 4th.

Here is my takeaway 5 exhibits not to be missed For tips on parking and preparing for the weather.

Raised in Lancaster

Dozens of planters in the park were made in Lancaster.

BloomBox, a Lancaster company, was given a simple theme. It’s about making it colorful, says founder and co-owner David Zablocki.

The BloomBox team assembled the planter a few weeks ago. Many arrangements have tall taro, or elephant ears.

“They are huge, majestic tropical leaves that get your attention,” says Zabroki.



Bloombox planter



There are two types of planters arranged for BloomBox. Some are tall and black, and the signs include a QR code that you can scan. Each of these planters will be delivered to the winners. The other BloomBox planters come in two light-colored tall metal drums. Many of these are in the design district.

The company is a sponsor and has exhibits full of plants and stolen goods near the entrance to the flower show.


COVID-19 (New Coronavirus Infection)

The show follows Philadelphia’s latest mask rules. Fully vaccinated people are recommended, but they do not need to wear a mask outdoors and should wear a mask indoors. Those who have not been vaccinated are requested to wear a mask except when eating or drinking.



rain




weather

The show takes place outdoors and is hot and rainy this week.

Get ready this week, just as you were ready for the winter flower show.

Umbrellas play a dual role, whether in the hot sun or in the rain.

Wearing a raincoat allows you to explore the park while your body is dry. On the first day of opening, several vendors were selling ponchos.

If there is lightning in the area, it is advisable to evacuate to the boathouse (especially) The thunder scene of “Elephant’s Who Me Dead”.Another great spot to hide from the rain is a garden full of award-winning plants, botanical illustrations and fun miniatures.

Keep flashy shoes at home. You are roaming a 15-acre park. And you’ll be roaming the rain-soaked ground with thousands of people. Within hours of the opening day, things were already messed up and muddy.


food

For decades, the Flower Show was next to Reading Terminal Market. If it was a staple food spot, things would be different this year.

There is no re-entry. If you plan to dine at the show, there are food and drink stalls throughout the park. There is a beer garden in the shade of a tree. The boathouse has seated meals and you can also order picnic meals.

Drinks can bring their own water, but there is no place to refill a bottle of water. If you don’t want to mess with bulky bottles in your bag for hours, leave them at home.



Philadelphia Flower Show Transportation




transportation

Even though I’ve been to flower shows for years and have my favorite parking lot, this year the flower show has changed. Located in South Philadelphia’s FDR Park, near Wells Faro Center and Citizens Bank Park.

If you are driving 3 official parking options::

  • 1561-1999 Pattison Avenue Navy Hospital Division (1,500 people)
  • Lot T (capacity 1,001) and Lot U (capacity 1,086) in Citizens Bank Park
  • Wells Fargo Center Lots A (capacity 359) and B (capacity 359)
  • Visitors are urged not to use street parking in the nearby neighborhood.

Prior to the coronavirus infection, the show mobilized 250,000 people in a week. Also, this year’s Flower Show features Phillies baseball games almost every day. After seeing the capacity of those plots, I decided to park at the SEPTA Regional Rail stop and take the Broad Street Line. It was convenient, uncrowded and about the same price as the $ 20 parking fee.

You can see SEPTA station and parking lot from the park entrance. There is a pick-up service.

If you’re taking an Uber, Lyft, or taxi, head to the show entrance on Broad Street and Pattison Street.


More gardens (and art)

Receive a free garden passport at the show and continue exploring the plants in the area.

Greater Philadelphia Gardens 37 public gardensEach garden has a different passport stamp. You will have the chance to fill out your passport and win prizes. The flower show will be stamped with a special stamp at the Garden District group booth. You can also pick up your passport in the public garden or download it at the following URL: americasgardencapital.org..

Until the end of June, the Burns Foundation “Burns in Bloom” Still lifes and landscapes of Matisse, Renoir, Cezanne, Soutine, Monet, Manet and Rousseau flowers are on display. 2025 Visit the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Museum. There is also a virtual tour ($ 15) on June 19th and June 23rd. lanc.news/BarnesFlower..