2018 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show To Explore “Wonders of Water”

 From rainforests to rain gardens, exhibits to showcase beauty and environmental issues

The 2018 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, “Wonders of Water,” will celebrate the beauty and life-sustaining interplay of horticulture and water, on March 3 to 11, 2018, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

 America’s leading floral and garden designers will create tropical jungles, temperate forests, native woodlands and arid landscapes, showcasing the astounding plants that thrive in each environment, from exquisite orchids and flowering vines to luminescent desert blooms.

Guests will enter the show under a canopy of exotic flowers, and marvel at a modernistic, multi-level bamboo waterfall. An ever-shifting rain curtain will guide guests over a “suspended” rope bridge, and through a brilliant green rainforest. “We want to capture all the sensory elements of the rainforest – it's fantastic colors, scents and sounds -- and demonstrate its unique and vital role in purifying water and sustaining our environment,” explained Sam Lemheney, PHS Chief of Shows & Events.

 Special features of the 2018 Flower Show will explore innovative ways green infrastructure is used to protect and conserve our water sources. The William Penn Foundation has awarded a major grant to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to build an exhibit that illuminates how plant systems cleanse and sustain the Delaware River Watershed through mountains, fields, marshes and streams, and to convene a “Water Summit” at the Flower Show that engages leading environmental and industry experts from throughout the U.S. on freshwater issues and real-world solutions.

Gardeners of all skill levels will find water-wise concepts, including rain gardens and xeriscaping, plant-your-own experiences, and ideas they can use in their own home environment, from small urban spaces to expansive landscapes.

A new attraction, “America’s Backyard,” will offer smart ideas for outdoor living and conservation tips for the home garden. Guests can create their own mini-water garden in the “Make & Take” workshop, and interact with the delicate inhabitants of “Butterflies Live.” Special evening events will include the black-tie Preview Party and Flowers After Hours, a lively opening night dance party amid the exhibits.

The Flower Show brings together thousands of plant lovers who compete for blue ribbons in the Hamilton Horticourt. Their contributions to the Show, together with thousands of volunteers who help create this beauty in the middle of winter, are what make the Philadelphia Flower Show an attraction without peer. These efforts and ticket proceeds support the PHS mission to connect people with horticulture and create beautiful, healthy and sustainable communities.

Immerse yourself in the “Wonders of Water” in March 2018.

 Hours of the 2018 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show: o Saturday, March 3, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. o Sunday, March 4, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. o Monday-Friday, March 5-9: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. o Saturday, March 10, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. o Sunday, March 11, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ABOUT THE FLOWER SHOW The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation's largest and longest-running horticultural event, and features stunning displays by the world’s premier floral and
 landscape designers. Started in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the show introduces diverse and sustainable plant varieties and garden and design concepts. In addition to the major garden displays, the Flower Show hosts worldrenowned competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging, gardening presentations and demonstrations, special events, and the citywide Bloom Philly celebration. The Philadelphia Flower Show has been honored as the best event in the world by the International Festivals & Events Association, competing with events such as the Kentucky Derby Festival, Tournament of Roses Parade, Indianapolis 500 Festival, and other international celebrations. For more information about the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show and to purchase tickets, visit www.theflowershow.com, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT PHS The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is a not-for-profit organization, founded in 1827, whose programs connect people to horticulture and collaboratively creates beautiful, healthy and sustainable communities. PHS’s best known activities include the Philadelphia Flower Show, street tree planting and maintenance, community gardening, public beautification, and the PHS Pop Up Gardens. PHS is supported by individual members and supporters, foundations, partners and government grants. PHS programs bring together people from diverse backgrounds to engage in horticultural projects that advance social equity, environmental sustainability, and urban livability. For information and to support our work, visit PHSonline.org.

The Top 10 Things To Look Forward To In Philadelphia In 2016

Posted by Kristina Jenkins

Filed in: ATTRACTIONS NEWS

 

The arrival of 2016 brings along plenty of reasons to be psyched about what’s on the horizon right here in Philadelphia. (Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia)

Recently named the first World Heritage City in the United States, Philadelphia looks forward to an action-packed 2016 filled with attraction openings and expansions, only-in-Philly events and not-to-miss exhibitions — all happenings that will complement the immensely walkable city’s buzzed-about dining scene, vibrant art offerings, plentiful parks and public spaces and history galore.

2016 is a year that will see Broad Street turned into a sprawling street festival for the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA), the A.M.E. Church celebrate its 200th year in the city where it was founded and the groundbreaking of a long-time-coming renovation to iconic LOVE Park.

Of course, all eyes will be on Philadelphia in July when Democrats nominate their candidate for president during the Democratic National Convention.

Here are the top 10 reasons to visit Philadelphia in ’16.

1. Democratic National Convention

Next summer, Philadelphia will host the Democratic National Convention for the first time since 1948. Delegates, elected officials and citizens from around the nation will in the City of Brotherly love, where the Democratic Party will selects its nominee for president of the United States. No matter the nominee, the birthplace of American democracy will be abuzz with special events and activities throughout the city leading up to and during the four-day event.

When: July 25-28, 2016
Where: Citywide
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2. PIFA 2016

A large-scale fire-and-sand performance, a circus built on a foundation of yarn, a traveling symphony performed in water fountains and a sprawling street fair on Broad Street can only mean one thing: the return of PIFA (Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts). With 60 performances embodying the curatorial vision We Are What We Make, PIFA weaves together a variety of art forms and genres by local and international artists in an arts extravaganza.

When: April 8-23, 2016
Where: The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and citywide
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A photo posted by Visit Philly (@visitphilly) on Apr 27, 2013 at 11:14am PDT

3. Bartram’s Trail Expansion

This new, 1.1-mile stretch will expand the pedestrian-friendly Schuylkill River Trail, which will now stretch from Grays Ferry Avenue to 56th Street. The $6-million section of path will connect Southwest Philly residents with the Schuylkill River Trail, increase access to parks and green spaces, and make it easy to explore Bartram’s Garden, the nation’s oldest botanical garden. Whether you’re interested in running or cycling, days with the family or romantic evening strolls, wait for the Bartram’s Trail experience starting in the fall.

When: Fall 2016
Where: Schuylkill River Trail in Southwest Philly
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Greater Philadelphia’s multi-use trail network, the Circuit, meanders along the Schuylkill River bearing more than 20,000 runners, walkers, bikers and commuters every year. Soon, that trail will extend even further to connect the region. (Image courtesy Andropogon)

4. PHS Pop Up Garden: An Exploration of the Philadelphia Rail Park

The Philadelphia Rail Park at the Reading Viaduct, Philadelphia’s answer to the High Line, saw a great deal of significant investment in 2015 towards the completion of the Phase 1 portion of the Center City District-run project. The Rail Park spur will green a quarter-mile section of the unused rail line from Broad Street southeast across 13th and 12th Streets to Callowhill Street, and this summer, public installations will draw new visitors to the area around the Rail Park to continue to garner support. To give visitors a destination around the still-developing site, thePennsylvania Horticultural Society will install its ever-popular Pop-Up Garden in the area in summer 2016. With all of this investment, we can’t help but expect news of an official groundbreaking on phase 1 of the Rail Park itself to come any day.

When: Summer 2016
Where: Callowhill neighborhood
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This design rendering depicts what the Rail Park could look like once complete, with seating, landscaping and more. (Image by Studio Bryan Hanes/courtesy PHS)

More things to look forward to in 2016, below.

5. Taller Puertorriqueño’s El Corazόn Cultural Center

When the doors to Taller Puertorriqueño’s El Corazόn Cultural Center swing open, visitors will discover the largest Puerto Rican/Latino-based arts and cultural facility in the state of Pennsylvania. Ten years in the making, the 25,000-square-foot centerpiece of El Centro de Oro neighborhood will house a multipurpose 200-seat theater, exhibition and gallery spaces, education facilities, an enclosed playground, gift shop and cafe.

When: Fall 2016
Where: 2600 N. 5th Street
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After a 10-year planning and development period, the El Corazón Cultural Center will soon open. (Image courtesy Taller Puertorriqueño)

6. 200th Anniversary of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church

The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2016, andthe core festivities will take place in Philadelphia, the city where the church was founded. Bicentennial events include a major gospel concert; a social justice forum; a tribute to Sarah Allen, the church’s founding mother; and an ecumenical worship service. In July, congregants head to Philadelphia for the AME’s general conference — complete with an unveiling of the Bishop Richard Allen Memorial Courtyard and a new mural dedication.

When: Bicentennial events, April 7-10, July 3-5, 2016; conference, July 6-13, 2016
Where: Various locations throughout the city
MORE INFO

Founded by the Reverend Richard Allen in 1787, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church is the mother church of the nation’s first black denomination. The current church building was constructed in 1889 and stands on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African-Americans. (Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia)

7. Multiple Targets Open

This summer, Center City Philadelphians will finally have access to the joys of Target shopping. The retailer has announced three stores will open in Center City in summer/fall 2016. The first store will open at 19th and Chestnut Streets in Center City’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, and the second will open at 12th and Chestnut in the Center City’s Midtown Village neighborhood, just a block from Market East. Both stores will be much smaller than a typical suburban-style Target, with a pedestrian-focused vibe that caters to both residents and visitors. The just-announced third store will go in at 22nd Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and Hamilton Street.

When: Summer/Fall 2016
Where: 19th and Chestnut streets; 12th and Chestnut streets
MORE INFO

Target is finally coming to downtown Philadelphia next year with two boutique-sized stores meant to serve Philly’s continuing surge in residents and visitors. (Image via Target)

8. King of Prussia Mall Expansion

King of Prussia Mall is expanding and connecting The Court and Plaza, solidifying the sprawling retail mecca’s place as the largest mall on the East Coast and the second largest shopping center in the United States. The estimated $150 million expansion and renovation will bring the mall’s current 2.65 million-square-foot layout to a whopping 2.8 million square feet.

When: Fall 2016
Where: King of Prussia
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A huge expansion of King of Prussia mall will ultimately connect the Court and the Plaza, the campus’ two sections. (Image courtesy Simon Property Group)

9. Copa America Centenario

Score one for Philadelphia. On June 11, the United States Men’s National Team will play at Lincoln Financial Field, making the City of Brotherly Love one of the country’s 10 host cities to welcome the Copa America soccer tournament, which will be played outside of South America for the first time in its 100-year history in 2016.

When: Saturday, June 11, 2016
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
MORE INFO

For the first time ever, the , the Copa America soccer tournament will be played outside of South America and one game will hit Philadelphia. (Photo courtesy Lincoln Financial Field)

10. Picasso at the Barnes and Other Blockbuster Art

Philadelphia museums and attractions overflow with amazing art and culture to see in 2016. Huge art exhibitions and cultural events not to miss include an important show of Pablo Picasso’s work at the Barnes Foundation; the year-long examination of race, class and community inHistoric Germantown Elephants on the Avenue; the electoral show Headed to the White House at the National Constitution Center; The Science Behind Pixar at The Franklin Institute; the multisensory Dinosaurs Unearthed at The Academy of Natural Sciences; and, next fall, the groundbreaking Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism 1910-1950 at thePhiladelphia Museum of Art.

When: Throughout 2016
Where: Citywide
MORE INFO

In the coming year, the Barnes Foundation hosts a huge exhibition of the works of Picasso, and that’s just one of the awesome art shows in store for 2016. (Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia)

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For even more reasons to look ahead to 2016, check out

VISITPHILLY.COM’S TOP HAPPENINGS
COMING TO PHILLY IN 2016.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, American Airlines, And Philadelphia International Airport Plan Special Welcome For ‘World Meeting’ Guests

            PHILADELPHIA (September 2015) – Visitors coming through Philadelphia International Airport on Monday, September 21, will receive a special welcome courtesy of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, American Airlines, and Philadelphia’s Division of Aviation.

            As they pass through the Terminal B-C Baggage Claim area from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., visitors will be presented with carnations and walking-tour maps of the city’s public gardens. The distribution will be near the PHS/PHL Welcome Garden in Baggage Claim.

            The floral giveaway is intended as a warm welcome to visitors arriving in the city for the World Meeting of Families and the visit of Pope Francis. An estimated 1.5 million visitors are expected to come to Philadelphia for the Pope’s appearances on September 26 and 27. More than 14,000 travelers are expected to arrive at the airport each day during the week leading up to the Pope’s visit.

            “We look forward to welcoming the many visitors from all over the world who will be coming through our Airport for the World Meeting of Families and the visit by Pope Francis. Providing our guests with flowers creates a positive impression and adds a thoughtful touch to their arrival in our city,” said Airport CEO Mark Gale. “I want to thank the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for participating in our hospitality efforts during this special time.”

ABOUT PHS

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1827, dedicated to creating beauty and building community through gardening, greening and learning. PHS offers programs and events for gardeners of all levels, and works with volunteers, organizations, agencies and businesses to create and maintain vibrant green spaces. Proceeds from the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show -- which was named the top event in the world by the International Festivals & Events Association -- and donations from foundations, corporations, government and individuals support PHS programs, including PHS City Harvest. For information, visit PHSonline.org.