Merriam Webster describes splendor as having great brightness or luster. The 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show exhibited magnificence and pomp. It was the exact elixir to inspire us to go outside and embrace the beauty that was created for us at FDR Park.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is known for what it does to create a strong horticultural conversation in Philadelphia and beyond. After an unexpected period of pausing, The Philadelphia Flower Show was exactly what we needed. Thank you Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for making certain we could experience this annual ritual for another year. I cannot believe I had the opportunity to experience this history-making event. This was the first time in the Philadelphia Flower show’s history, where it was held outside. The timing of this long-anticipated event happened in June when the garden is gently awakening.
Not sure what to expect, I arrived with high hopes of seeing garden inspiration in a natural setting at the beautiful FDR Park. Arriving early in the day to beat the heat and the crowd was my objective. I was not the only one who had this bright idea. Pennsylvania Horticultural Society partnered with some of the surrounding parking lots to make certain parking was accessible. There were buses and trolleys to aid in transporting attendees conveniently. This was a wise idea as there were many seniors in attendance.
The setting was amazing. The lake, as well as the cool breeze of the morning, invoked a sense of calm. As many know, I often speak about how the garden is a healer. FDR Park was quite the setting for a day of wandering through exhibits for botanical inspiration. I knew this event was not only going to be amazing but a healing experience as well.
SPLENDOR IN THE PARK
No matter where you looked, there were flowers everywhere. Each pot was planted to show off the diversity found in the garden. Defining the different areas where one could wander, the plants led the way. One display that caught my attention, invited the onlooker to take a seat and enjoy the day in the park.
There were displays that invoked a sense of calm as well…
There were cool cars in the shade which drew a crowd…
There were even displays that popped in the sunshine…
BEST IN SHOW
There was also the display by Wambui Ippolito, voted as Best In Show.
Wambui definitely put her heart and soul into her display. She explained to me how it took a village to make this display happen in a timely manner.
The Burpee Cottage Garden display was absolutely delightful. A perfect way to show what a Cottage Garden could look like. I fell in love with the horticultural toile that lined the booth.
Inside the booth there were seed packet combinations for sale. Sharing what it would look like after planting was quite helpful.
RITUAL RESTORED
The ritual of attending The Philadelphia Flower Show in late winter did not happen this year. PHS had to pivot, plan, and produce the Flower Show in the midst of the pandemic. They also had to find a way to pull this off outdoors. The splendor of the space, the exhibitors, and the creative layout were all spot on. I want to say KUDO’s to the team for a job well done. I had a terrific time, my head is filled with ideas and some I can execute in my garden this year.
Splendor was truly defined at FDR Park as PHS encouraged us to get outside as they brought us the 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show.
Now to find my Burpee seeds to incorporate in my cottage garden. I think they might have dropped out of my bag as my arms were full when I took advantage of the Trolley. You know I had to shop! There were a few Heuchera that wanted to go home with me. What a great memento of a sizzling hot day.
Digging through my bags…
Teri, Cottage In The Court
PS – I have more photos, however I do not want to spoil it for those who have not seen The Philadelphia Flower Show. Get outside and see what you have been missing.
by 
