Philadelphia Flower Show Review

If you love all things flowers and plants, the Philadelphia Flower Show put on by the Philadelphia Horticulture Society is your vibe. This was my first year going out of the 10 years I’ve lived in Philly. I don’t have a year to compare but here is my review. The theme is the show was Habitat: Nature’s Masterpiece!

The Philadelphia Flower Show sponsored my time at the show but the views expressed are all of my own!

Elephant in the Room

Let me address how the show was ran. I had not one and I mean not one issue while there. I picked my tickets for check in at the media location. The crowds were plentiful but not overwhelmingly crowded. That says a lot because this was my first event of this size since Covid. I was skeptical of how it would be handled. Masks weren’t being enforced because when I went the mask mandate was lifted.

I will say that although I had my mask and so did quite a large groups of people, no one gave anyone an issue to do what was best for them. I saw so many people being respectful in every way. People naturally backed up and gave space. People using their words. I’ve seen smaller events where that wasn’t happening. So although I listened to what people were saying, as in life I like to find out more for myself. I’m glad I did. It was the peace I needed for the day!

Whimsical Creations

I loved how out of the box a lot of the displays were. It took you to another place. There were a lot of places to walk up to the displays without destroying them. I was able to get a lot of 3D looking shots because of it. Taking the arrangements from ordinary to extraordinary is definitely a plus. Also I loved how although the show was outside the flowers were well maintained!!

A lot of Walking

It took me at least 2 hours to slowly get through the displays. The reason is I took so much film and photos. I didn’t rush at all. I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss anything that I probably overtook shots. Although is there a thing of over takes? Maybe not. I was happy about all of the walking because it meant I was getting my exercise. For those who have trouble walking I could see issues presenting. If you love getting those perfect shots, you would have done the same!

Pro tip: bring multiple charges. I had 3 of them only used 1 but I was ready!

Wheel Chair Rentals

The lines when I walked past the wheelchair rental had about 5 people in it. I was grateful that there was the option. It’s been said that it’s recommended to rent your wheel chairs prior to attending.

Food and Drinks

The only reason I didn’t eat at the show was because I had just eaten before I left my house. It was hot so I am grateful I was hydrated. There were plenty of places to eat. I think many people tried to go to the more open places to eat. I was schooled by a few who had been there before me. Always look for the smaller out of eye places. It was total success. I maybe had one or two people in from of me. I had zero issues. The prices were typical of attending events in the city or going to a bar. I got the strawberry lemonade basil in a pouch! It was good and refreshing and most importantly the alcohol wasn’t watered down. The only thing I would have wanted was a bigger selection of beer!

My friend, Elle enjoyed a beer

There were however a few food courts type of set up. From salads in a cup, pizza, Philly favorites like pretzels, and cheesesteaks and smothered fries, it had everyone in mind. I can’t comment on vegan options because I didn’t eat. Had I eaten I would have been able to say what vegan options were available. There also was plenty of places to sit and enjoy the food. Also good to know, food and drinks can be enjoyed while walking around. I enjoyed drinking my alcoholic drink while I looked at the flowers.

Well Maintained Grounds

Beyond the upkeep of the flowers the actual entire premise was clean. I was impressed. I didn’t see a lot of trash laying around or tables that weren’t wiped. So I want to shoot out the grounds people who I’m sure worked hours on end to keep it that way! It didn’t go unnoticed.

Flow of the Event

People make the flow of the event good or bad. I know from going to many events that no matter how you want to set something up, once people aren’t as receptive it makes it hard to get the flow right. The scanning of tickets was better than going to an amusement park. They didn’t allow a lot of congestion at all. The staff processed everyone. There was more than enough staff to handle it all!

Jeff Leatham’s Habitat simply breathtaking

Vendors

All vendors that I stopped at were pleasant and had amazing things for sale. Also I want to commend them for having options for payment. The only vendor that I saw that didn’t take debit/credit cards was Rita’s Water Ice. Also the vendor prices weren’t elevated. I know this because I’ve shopped or ordered many of the vendors prior to The Philadelphia Flower Show.

All in all the Philadelphia Flower Show was relaxing experience. I took my friend Elle who hadn’t gone before and it was great for both of us. It also was a lot of fun! I enjoyed the walking, fresh air, I felt safe, the drink that I had was good, the staff knowledgeable, and flowers spectacular! It made my Sunday Fun Day a whole treat.

I interviewed a few people who went to the show when it was held at the Convention Center said they hoped it will stay outside. I’m not sure if that will happen since you can’t control the weather. However for this year, I finally went to The Philadelphia Flower Show and it was all that I could have imagined if not more.

You can watch my YouTube Vlog too!

PA Horticulture Society is a community of likeminded members who do more than host the Flower Show. Their membership gives year long benefits. For more information on membership click the link!