The 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show: Five Reasons You Won’t Want to Miss It!

By Marion McParland

As you look through the blank pages of your 2021 calendar, there’s one event that you will want to add in now – the 2021 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show! “Habitat: Nature’s Masterpiece,” takes place Saturday, June 5 through Sunday, June 13 at FDR Park in South Philadelphia. What makes this year so special, you ask? Here, we’ve gathered five reasons why you need to bookmark a day for this once-in-a-lifetime experience: 

1. The First Flower Show in the Outdoors 

For the first time in its storied history, the Philadelphia Flower Show will take place outdoors! In a year like no other, PHS has chosen to present the nation’s largest and longest-running (almost 200 years!) horticultural event outdoors. This move to the great outdoors will enable guests to enjoy the Show safely and socially distanced, on 15 acres of open space. Visitors must reserve a date and time of visit when purchasing tickets to stay within safety guidelines. The sky is literally the limit -- without a ceiling or walls, this year’s Show can, and will, go all out!  

2. Something for Everyone...From Beginners through Master Gardeners 

Divided into three Districts – Design, Garden, and Plant – this year’s Show will spotlight world-class landscape and floral designers for inspiration and ideas. The Design District will present internationally renowned landscape and floral designers. In the Garden District, you'll find hands-on instructions for starting your own garden, no matter what your experience level is. In the Plant District, visualize your own designs with a showcase of beautiful plants. 

3.  Get Your Hands Dirty

Visit the PHS-hosted education area within the Garden District for hands-on learning. Pot up a plant, talk with experts, network with other gardeners, and get all your questions answered in this area dedicated to all things garden-related. 

4. Experience A Photographer’s Paradise 

Take the perfect selfie with your phone or bring your 35mm camera to capture the beauty of this stunning, open-air setting. Choose from a shot taken from the architectural gazebo overlooking Meadow Lake, to the expanse of open lawn and vistas. Sightlines will be generally clear, offering unlimited possibilities for getting the perfect shot. Get close-ups of exquisite floral and landscape designs and share your favorites on social media. 

5. Learn the History of FDR Park 

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, a registered historical district, was designed by the Olmsted Brothers in the early 20th century. Created with the park’s natural features as the canvas, paths were carved out of tidal marshes, through gentle hills and around huge shade trees, with Meadow Lake as the centerpiece. Encompassing 348 acres, this iconic park hosts a playground, four baseball diamonds, a renowned skate park, a network of lakes, the Swedish American Museum, and 126 acres of woodland. After you’ve seen the Show, enjoy a picnic, go for a walk, take in some birdwatching, or capture the beauty surrounding you with your smartphone or camera.

We invite you to come up with even more reasons to visit! We can't wait for you to join us.