GUIDED TOURS
give behind-the-scenes experience
PHILADELPHIA » Looking to learn more about the Philadelphia Flower Show? Morning Tours are a unique and fun way to see the 2020 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show before the doors open each day to the public.
Guests can take advantage of day and evening opportunities for a guided tour of the Show, being held Feb. 29 March 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Early morning tours held daily from 8 a.m. -10 a.m. Monday, March 2 to Friday, March 6.
The early morning option offers visitors an exclusive experience to see exhibits up close without the crowds — meaning the best time for photos. “Everybody likes to have those great selfie moments close to the beautiful flowers and exhibits, and this is a wonderful opportunity to do so,” according to Michelle Ullman, PHS Director of Sales.
The Early Morning Tour costs $110 per person and $100 for PHS Members. All-day admission to the Show is included.
“PHS wants to share its knowledge about horticulture and this is one of the ways to do that,” Ullman said. “We’re a pretty diverse community of people, and we all think that horticulture advances society.”
Robert Grenfell, Interim Chair of the Early Morning Tour Guides, agrees. Grenfell, of Wilmington, Del., has served as a tour guide for the Philadelphia Flower Show for the past six years and has attended the event for more than 60 years.
A devoted plant enthusiast, Grenfell says he loves to have guides share their knowledge of horticulture on the tours as much as he enjoys the details of preparation when leading a tour group.
Guides are well informed on the details of the Show including the theme and exhibit areas. Tours begin at the main entrance garden and end at the Horticourt, a competition and exhibit area for individual plants.
Participants of the Early Morning Tour will learn about the history of the Flower Show and how it comes together, and they often get to interact with the exhibitors.
“You can’t see everything in two hours, but you can get a really good overview and then go back and immerse yourself in whatever it is you want to learn more about,” Grenfell said.
New in 2020 is an hour-long Evening Tour, which will take place daily at 6 p.m. from Saturday, Feb. 29 until Saturday, March 7.
The Evening Tour costs $75 per person with all-day admission to the Show included. Tourgoers will receive a headset and follow along with an expert guide.
“We had some requests for additional tours and we also wanted to offer an after-work experience,” Ullman said
Whether participating in a tour or just exploring on their own, visitors should utilize Guest Services volunteers to “map out” the Show layout and make a plan, Ullman said.
“I have described it as maybe five football fields of floral design exhibits, displays, educational, and shopping opportunities, and it’s a very sensory experience,” she said. “So when you map it out , it becomes more manageable.”
Ullman encouraged attendees to take advantage of the seasoned volunteers to get the inside scoop on all things Philadelphia Flower Show.
“They like sharing their experiences with our guests so they’re able to say, ‘Don’t miss this amazing feature,’” Ullman said.
According to Grenfell, the Entrance Garden, which “replicates a plaza in the south of France” is a must-see. He said it features a 12,000-pound, 25-foot olive tree.
“The Entrance Garden is always an eye popper,” he said. “When people walk in the door ... some of them are just transfixed, just drinking it all in.”
Remembering the experience
PHS has several ways for people to commemorate their time at the Flower Show.
Attendees can stop by the PHS Flower Show Shop on the Show floor to purchase official Flower Show memorabilia such as mugs, t-shirts, magnets,
and tote bags. Beyond the Show Shop, anyone interested in building their own floral project can receive help from experts and create hand-made plants and crafts at the Make & Take area.
Renowned floral designer Tu Bloom will give a potting workshop for any would-be gardener at the Subaru exhibit in the main exhibition hall. For more information about the daily Potting Parties, visit theflowershow.com/experiences/pottingparties/.
Philadelphia Flower Show tickets are available now. $42 for adults, $17 for children 5-17 and $26 for Young Friends, (ages 18 to 29).
For more information or to purchase Flower Show tickets and add-on experiences, visit theflowershow.com.