Philadelphia Flower Show Blooms Outdoors for 2021 Season

The Pennsylvania Convention Center has been home base for PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibits since 1996.

“Who can say that a buttercup shining in the sun like yellow enamel is not as enchanting as a white butterfly tumbling out of a tree trunk in a Brazilian jungle? That the delicate beauty of a white wild anemone excels the orderly perfection of the petals in a white camellia?

“When I took time to look into the heart of a flower, it opened up a whole new world; a world where every walk would be an adventure, where every garden would become an enchanted garden.” – Princess Grace of Monaco

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

Spring, 2020 has clearly sprung and gone. Unforgettably so, as we’re all only too aware. Another springtime looms and will soon bloom. Despite what feels like an interminably unrelenting lockdown, tempus has a way of continuing to fugit, so to speak.

So why am I now writing about and displaying pictures of springtime flowers, circa 2020? Why, when nature’s current color scheme is appropriately seasonal in stark white (or with muted palette save for maybe red cardinal or other vibrant sightings), wax flower power? Has Old Man Winter, during this contemplative season of hibernation and restorative recharging, silenced me?

Actually, gardeners and nature lovers in general can become very excited during times of deep freezes and winter doldrums. Seed catalogs begin to arrive (many gardeners believe the next season immediately follows the previous year’s harvest), so blithering in the thick of winter about blooming tulips and asters doesn’t really seem far-fetched. That said and truth be told, my writing’s seasonal disparity is more a case of pandemic paralysis resulting in creative torpor. Maybe you’ve encountered it in your own profession? The struggle has been only too real. My nearly 94-year old mother tested COVID-19 positive and was hospitalized. I now thrill to have her safe at home in her independent living facility after one serious scare.

Waxing pre-Covid shutdown, care to memory-lane trip with me back to the evening of March 7th, when I covered on assignment Mayor Kenney’s annual Masked Ball and when venetian masks were worn? Little did we know the type of masking that would soon await us. I awoke early on the 8th to honor my appointment at Loews Philadelphia Hotel‘s newly installed Joseph Anthony Spa (also an assignment), then afterward managed to float (in a post treatment-induced state of euphoria) to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where I attended the Philadelphia Flower Show on its media preview day. Within 48 hours, I had captured three-assignments’ worth of photos, fully intent on arranging and captioning said shots, creating content and headlines for each story along with writing at length about my fab experiences.

But Philadelphia’s social scene (and more) became a strange time in mid-March. COVID-19 shuttering occurred soon after my trifecta of events. So much of what I identified with as a photojournalist (Lights! Cameras! Glam-scene action!) came to a sudden, screeching halt. I still haven’t fully wrapped my mind around the notion of experiencing a pandemic in this lifetime. Still, some creative resilience and expression have recently begun to return, thankfully with fervor! But I digress. Moving forward, I speak floral and all things flower show.

Johnny-jump-up. Buttercup. Forsythia. This threesome evokes my earliest recollection of flowers. The first, those butterfly-attracting violas which bountifully populated a neighbor’s yard, created in me an irresistible urge to pick ’em. I’d then arrange handfuls of the delicate beauties in shot glasses to present to my mother, hoping to win her approval. We kids also placed golden-yellow buttercups beneath our chins to determine who among us favored butter. The view cast by the flowers’ shiny petals was actually a lesson in light reflection; however and with scientific ignorance, we deduced only that the secret was out (based on the presence or absence of any yellow hue) who slathered their corn cobs with the creamy topping. Forsythia bushes are synonymous with my initial stab at entrepreneurship. Even before the de rigueur kiddie lemonade stand, three of us girls would cut and gather stalks from said bushes in Mrs. Pembridge’s yard, then ring neighbors’ doorbells (including Mrs. Pembridge’s!), selling stalk cuttings for two cents a piece.

It was actually on March 8th at the ‘Riviera Holiday’-themed annual Philadelphia Flower Show, where Princess Grace of Monaco (formerly Grace Kelly) was honored with the Princess Grace Rose Garden, that I discovered I had something in common with Philly’s beloved East Falls-raised hometown gal. Somewhere in my reading, I happened on a reference to the very same floral-thieving activities I had practiced as a child. Describing her behavior, the patrician beauty wrote, “As a small child, I used to help my sister sell flowers to passersby to raise money for my mother’s pet charity, Women’s Medical College and Hospital of Pennsylvania. Most of our customers were the neighbors. Little did they know that some of the flowers came from their own gardens. Quite unashamedly, we sold these same flowers back to their owners the next morning.”

Despite our mutual petals’ purloining penchant during girlhood, any commonality between us ends there. Our paths clearly and on many levels drastically diverged (understatement!). While I adore flowers, Princess Grace from an early age revered them. Her passion and admiration for all flowers (roses and orchids especially), blossomed during youth, when she would enter her own blooms in show competitions. She also served as a judge for the 1976 Philadelphia Flower Show and originated the still-existing Monaco Garden Club. She designed a garden in Monaco that featured abundant varieties and hybrids of roses. But that’s only a sampling. Princess Grace became quite adept and expert at the practice of arranging pressed flowers and even wrote a book, entitled My Book of Flowers. What else she might have accomplished, what floral treasures she may have continued to contribute was, alas, arrested by her tragic and early death at 52 years of age.

Soon after her passing, Prince Rainier III commissioned a tributary rose garden honoring his wife’s memory, where a bronze bust of the princess is surrounded by rosebushes spanning a seemingly endless expanse. Visitors to the site can pay their respects and meander in its spaciousness while admiring, reminiscing and soaking in the floral beauty that paralleled Grace’s own cool and always elegant visage.

It’s no wonder that, with its ties to the tiny and tony principality of Monaco, the PHS decided its ‘Riviera Holiday’-themed show would ensure that its grandest display showcased the coast of southern France’s cherished Princess Grace’s environs. The exposition dazzles with a magnificent centerpiece … a replica off the Princess’s fabled wedding gown, on gracious loan from Nicholas and Elizabeth Barranca. Extending from the beau ideal and crowd-drawing dress is a design created by Renee Tucci that stuns with an amazing array and quantity of (over 3,000!) rose buds, almost as if they are Grace’s “ladies” in waiting. Additionally, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation sponsored a symposium since one of the prince’s passions happens to be horticultural biodiversity. Monaco was exceedingly well represented.

As beautiful as was The Princess Grace Rose Garden, there were plenty more displays to fawn over. Always a key and noteworthy moment is experiencing the grand entrance. In keeping with the Cote d’Azur Mediterranean Sea (primarily Greece, France and Italy) motif, the designers created a version of a coastal village replete with citrus, cypress, mimosa, palm and olive trees and the brightly colored homes that allowed seafarers to identify their properties from afar. Vines and plants hung and dangled throughout.

According to the Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s informative signage, “The French Riviera is the beautiful coastline in the south of France along the Mediterranean Sea. It covers about 550 miles and acquired the nickname Cote d’Azur or Azure (Blue) Coast in 1887. Along with its beaches, picture-perfect views, and nautical lifestyle, it is a region of magnificent landscapes-terraced hillsides, lush vineyards, olive groves, and citrus orchards. Its many gardens provide an exciting plant palette with endless horticultural diversity.”

The Flower Show, notably and for the first time, brought the marijuana dispensary branding company Chronic to its line-up with the intent of educating visitors about cannabis, medical marijuana uses, products and growth history. Having already photographed and written about two dispensary openings, I am aware that medical marijuana was legalized in Pennsylvania in 2016. Conservative about the cannabis association, no live cannabis plants were present. Rather, a timeline chart diagramming historical specifics along with some makeshift version of greens amid renderings of oddly yet prettily colored faux marijuana plant leaves represented to the best of its ability.

Enjoy the bounty of snaps and additional details (just below) to flesh out what you’ve read thus far. Per usual and as always, the PHS outdid themselves with 2020’s show!

The Society has already been hard at work to ensure 2021’s event is nothing short of spectacular. With the current pandemic forcing the re-imagining of so many happenings, you’d best believe a 193-year old show will be on the scene in ways that follow all necessary and mandated CDC guidelines and protocols. Already named, “HABITAT: Nature’s Masterpiece” the 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show will be held outdoors for the first time in its history and will run from June 5th through June 13th, another about-face variation.

South Philadelphia’s lush and verdant FDR Park is the slated show locale with its theme being described, according to the PHS website as, an exploration of the “beauty of life through nature’s kaleidoscopic lens. Visitors should be ready to see exceptional beauty, learn from a diverse line-up of designers and leading horticulturalists and enter a new gardener-centric experience that invites everyone at all skill levels to nurture a lifelong connection to plants and gardening.”

Tickets are on sale now, so get your green, black, blue (or whatever color your gardening thumb from novice to expert) to phsonline.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

See y’all come summertime, Maker-willing!

Show attendees navigate their way inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Talk about evoking a sense of place. While the lighting and building encasement atop this snap remind me I’m not actually meandering along the south of France’s coastline, I was nevertheless transported.

Knowledge is (flower) power, n’est-ce pas?

Schaffer Designs stages its Best in Show for Highest Scoring Floral Major Exhibit with “The Streets of the Five Lands.” Homes painted in eye-catching hues allowed Italian fishermen to more quickly espy their homes during seafaring returns.

I have a room in my home, which serves as both guest room and office. A friend calls it the “colorful room.” Trust me: this scene makes my creative space look positively black and white.

The ancient mariner in Coleridge’s well known poem would have no trouble spotting his home post-voyage this bold and brightly hued.

Here’s the bakery. Fling open those shutters and let waft smells of fresh-based croissants.

Quite the inviting street scene, mais oui? In my imagination, a cafe au lait and a pastry treat beckon.

Show volunteers display the exhibits mood, spirit and tone in floral-fashioned lids.

Flowers galore, mainly tulips, are a sight to behold in a plethora of brilliant colors and varieties.

Everything about these beauties … colors, textures, shapes and more makes my heart “leap up.”

I didn’t catch the name of this piece; however, “Bathing Cap Gone Wildflower” sounds good to me.

It’s not a hot air balloon, nor is it the Blob from the 1958 film. What’s your call on this thing?

Show attendees check out one of the more curious of countless displays.

Some of the mysterious innards contained within one fantastical horticultural rendering peek out.

The warmth of this pumpkin color serves as backdrop to window scenes accentuated by hanging plant arrangements.

I’m partial to tablescaping, and this is one of the more inviting and welcoming scenes exhibited.

From an interior room section staged with topiary and settee, peering through the opening of French doors onto a garden scene is magical.

Whatever is on the menu, call me to dinner! Extraordinary tablescape beckons with its rustic charm and warm color-combo.

Lighted up skies off in the distance are mirrored in this tranquil pool of water in a spa-like setting.

Is there any creature more frail and delicate in its beauty than the butterfly? “Mariposa” en espanol. Don’t even get me started on the color palettes. Ma Nature has outdone herself with such wonderfully wild and free kaleidoscopic insects. Faux though these may be, they certainly fooled me.

None are harmed. Good. Seeing them pinned in boxes somehow always bothered me.

Power to the flower! Don’t you love it when folks rep their fashion to suit an event? I love this snap … their smiles, headbands and overall vibe. Hope to see and photograph them, Maker-willing, at 2021’s event.

The vibrant pink shredded edges make for a stunning textural sight.

If I step foot into this scene, will I be transported to Amsterdam? Tulips galore-geous!

Massive red tomato orbs situated atop urn-like vase are the focal point and calling card to this enticing display se llama “La Tomatina.”

A sail like none other draws crowds with its unique design. Maritime as you’ve not seen it before. Just don’t “anchors aweigh” this trellis mast.

This lovely glacial-like evocation of the French Riviera’s coastline and waters is juxtaposed with les fleurs.

This is truly a maritime design stunner that so vividly captures both floral and Mediterranean waters.

The French Riviera also is known as Cote d’Azur. And I have it on good authority that the blue (azure) really favors the pictured hue.

Fronds and ivy surround a decorative fountain, trickling azure-alighted water.

Naturistic tones in this water pool-based sculpture create warmth in wetness.

Much can be created in small spaces. Terra cotta, flowers and leafy greens on a beachy umbrella-topped tier capture many of the Riviera’s elements.

At Right, Sharon Kozden sports a vintage purple velvet floral-shaped fascinator while intersecting with her flowerful match.

“Hooman” blooms were as curious and unique as the show’s official entries.

Trumpeting flowers in deep purple.

This vibrant red poinsettia plant boasts perfect bountiful blooms.

Soil. Earth. Dirt. Call it what you will, it’s what most seeds call home.

Runway ready!

Haute couture!

Clearly a Chanel-inspired piece. Didn’t I see this stunner at Paris Fashion Week?

Designed with Lady Gaga in mind? She already rocked that infamous meat-slabs number. Let’s get the greens on, Gaga!

Beachy keen scene!

Cote d’Azur in minature. Azure blue–check. Beachy-rocky coastline. Got it covered. Brightly painted homes to steer home the seafarers. Yep: it’s all there in this charming and tiny rendering.

Rosie has a bright future ahead of her. Tres imaginative goings on in this first-place winning planter.

So simple, and yet I was captivated by the brushstrokes, colors, textures and overall pretty delicacy of this exhibit. Such onion-skin frail rose-like “petals.”

Accordion to me, this strolling musician has a smile that could light up and make major any minor note.

Angel’s Trumpets trumpet in pale lemon yellow and blush with a hint of pink.

Ruffled petals’ edges and brilliant colors make for a playful and coquettish combination.

A stunning Cattleya Hybrid orchid garners a first-prize ribbon.

Between the daintily coiffed updo hairstyles and the elegant drop earrings, I barely noticed this trio of statuettes were gloriously naked.

A cannabis display (sans the actual real deal) makes its Flower Show’s inaugural appearance.

I would not be surprised, based on this design arrangement’s evocation of place, if my favorite classical guitarist Andres Segovia were to nip into the setting and bewitch us all with his mastery. Considering he died in 1987, that would be quite a feat.

Even the fish are in on the Cote d’Azur blue action. Beautiful ornamental glass fish appear to be swimming through this floral scene.

An easel set on a spattered drop cloth and surrounded by floral treasure illustrates the beauty of art that is dance and painting.

This bright pink tulle foundation is as delicate as the bountiful display which tops it. Together, quelle charmante!

A monochromatic cascade of poufy marshmallow-like chunks and feathery leaves amid branches dangles.

My kingdom for a spacious seat such as this couple located. Touring the Flower Show is exhilarating but can be exhausting.

Purple Aster paradise!

These two are having a blast, smiling and laughing with or at us.

Merch! The color palette and design of this tote bag nicely capture the show’s theme.

Who needs yet another mug? But if you do, this one’s a lovely memento.

If you’re all mugged out, this delicate hanging ornament also makes a terrific gift or show souvenir.

Buttercream-filled treasures are topped with realistic-looking flowers and sprinkled with jimmies.

Whoever inhabits this encampment display is certainly a fan of both shoes and greenery.

Naturistic stalks blend with lighting for an intriguing color pairing.

Since my own tomatoes and more are grown in containers, I wasn’t about to miss this informative presentation.

Sharon Kozden poses with “L’Histoire de Citron” designed by Philly’s Maura Rose Floral Design & Events.

Tiny houses with Hydrangea rooftops dot the rocky landscape along the coastline much like the Riviera’s real deal.

Indeed, I did do nose plant this and can attest to its spot-on scent. In fact, it smelled more like the real thing, if that’s possible.

Check out the variety in this gorgeous array of succulents.

Turtle-shaped succulent display … right down to the tail.

My sister-in-law is a long-time student of Ikebana, hence I photographed hella plenty of these extraordinary arrangements. Enjoy the series just below this “director’s chair.”

I was enchanted by this compelling arrangement’s sapphire-blue encasement offsetting a densely populated floral base and climbing sculptural mast.

Vendors were out in floral (and more!) force.

Masses of my favorite flower for sale, all looking fit of bloom and with nary a wilted petal among them.

As a runner, I know the importance of hydration. These arrangements are wet and wonderful.

Terrariums always remind me of the 70’s, as they were so popular during my time. Are they making a comeback, or were they never not a thing? I adore the notion of their little private eco-world.

Another top-award winner! My two cats would love this new feathery “toy.”

Two happy vendors flank their product. Bumbleberry Farms offers something for everyone, including–as the sign notes–slather on waffles and pancakes!

I have always wanted one of these, and this gentleman’s freshie demo only increased my interest.

Vegetable pasta? Why not? I’d skip the marinara, pesto or alfredo sauces, but imagine the amazing variety of recipes and offerings a spiralizer can produce.

The Princess Grace Rose Garden exhibit designed by Renee Tucci (representing the Principality of Monaco) was an absolute wonder to behold. I made it my last stop, delaying gratification for what I anticipated would be my favorite part of the Philadelphia Flower Show. Spectacular spectacle!