PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is making history this year by moving the Philadelphia Flower Show outdoors and pushing the date back, to June 5-13.
"We are happy to announce that the 2021 Flower Show will be held here, at the spacious and centrally located FDR Park," announced Mayor Jim Kenney. "This event is one of the first key public events taking place in 2021, and signals the safe reopening of Philadelphia."
The PHS' Matt Rader said the purpose of the organization is to deliver health and well-being through the natural world.
"A determination to bring that purpose to light at all times is what led us to the decision to produce the 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show outdoors here at the spectacular FDR Park," he said.
The 2021 show's theme is "Habitat: Nature's Masterpiece." According to PHS, it will span "three distinct 'Districts,' that feature all manner of plants, design and gardening."
Kathryn Ott Lovell, commissioner of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, said the "reimagining" of the annual show will refocus attention on what she called a hidden gem in FDR Park, and the communities around it.
"The diversity is what makes this park so special," she said. "The biodiversity of the species and the landscape, the diversity of the South Philadelphia communities that call FDR Park home, all add to the amazing 'amazingness' of this park."
Kenney praised the selection of FDR Park, which was designed by the Olmsted brothers, who also designed Central Park in New York City.
"This is our park, and it was designed by the same folks who designed Central Park," he said.
So many people have taken advantage of public parks during the pandemic, and Ott Lovell said FDR Park will remain open through the event.
"This show will be an incredible opportunity for this one of a kind public space," she enthused. "Regular park users? Rest assured, we're going to keep this park open. There's going to be a show here, but the park will be open."
The Flower Show will be staged on 15 acres. FDR Park covers more than 300 acres. Timed and dated tickets will be required for the event, according to PHS.