2016 Philadelphia Flower Show

The 2016 Philadelphia Flower Show, which ran from March 5 to 13, celebrated the beauty and diversity of America's National Parks.

It had exhibits that celebrated the beauty of local parks such as Independence National Historic Park, Valley Forge, and Hopewell Furnace, as well as parks such as Cape Cod, Acadia and Death Valley, among others.

National Park Service Rangers were at the Flower Show to answer questions about the parks and give talks about the National Parks. The show had it's own National Park Service Passport stamp and children were invited to participate in the Junior Ranger program to learn more about the National Parks represented at the Flower Show.

The Flower Show celebrated the National Park Service's 100th Anniversary. The 2016 Philadelphia Flower Show was the best in recent memory.

2014 Philadelphia Flower Show: Articulture

The 2014 Philadelphia Flower Show opened March 1 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Phialdelphia. The show, whose theme this year is ARTiculture, is open through Sunday, March 9.

Unlike past years, where the theme has been destinations such as England, Hawaii, or Paris, this year's theme has given the designers a much broader canvas to work from and let them stretch their imaginations.

See hours for the show and purchase tickets in advance on the Flower Show's website.

Preview: 2013 Philadelphia Flower Show

From the 2012 Philadelphia Flower Show

The 2013 Philadelphia Flower Show will celebrate the "Brilliant" gardens and landscapes of London.

New this year, the Flower Show will open on Saturday, March 2, adding an extra day to the show and running for two full weekends.

Other new additions to the show include "Sneak Peek" tickets, which will allow show goers to visit during set-up week and see the behind-the-scenes of setting up the construction of the exhibits.

Also, new "Make and Take" workshops will offers Flower Show visitors to create their own "fascinators" and other projects.

Coming back this year is the OHS Kids Zone, Wedding Wednesday, Girls' Night Out on Thursday night, and Family Day on Sunday, March 10.

Fine Wine and Good Spirits will also return this year with tastings, "will highlight exceptional offerings from Great Britain this year," according to the PHS release.

"PHS has developed partnerships with Britain’s Royal Horticultural Society in preparation for “Brilliant!” and will feature British experts and designers, including presentations by Mark Lane, Gardens Manager at Buckingham Palace."

Learn more about the 2013 Philadelphia Flower Show here.

2012 Philadelphia Flower Show

The Philadelphia Flower Show will run Sunday, March 5 through Sunday, March 11 at the Philadelphia Convention Center.

See our full gallery here.

2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show: 'Springtime in Paris'

The 2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show, Springtime in Paris, opened at the new Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City Philadelphia on March 6 and will run through Sunday, March 13.

The show, a beautiful array of floral designs and art pieces is a beautiful way to welcome in the spring, even if it is still a few weeks away.

As you enter the show, you are transported to Paris, with a large model of the Eiffel Tower, that fits as much of the landmark into the Convention Center as possible without shrinking down the size; floral carousel sculptures abound and tea time patios, peeks into backyard gardens, kitchens and floral dreams make the show a springtime success.

We loved the orchid display, found all the way in the back of the show – a larger display which, during peak visiting hours can get a long line for viewing. Not only is the display gorgeous (all orchids of many varieties), but the smell that wafts out to the crowd is so beautiful that it draws you closer for a deeper smell of the beautiful flowers.

At many of the displays, the designers are on hand to talk about their display and answer questions. This is a great time for at-home gardeners to ask burning questions about certain plants, techniques, etc.

“Ask a gardener” booths are also set up around the perimeter of the show for at-home gardeners to ask questions and get professional answers to their questions. There are also local landscapers, florists and gardens on hand (and for hire) for all of your floral needs. You can take home potted, cut, or hydroponic plants to try your own hand at gardening, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a first timer.

The show opens at 10 a.m. throughout the week and is open until 9:30 p.m. However, going later in the day is better, when most people have left for dinner or to explore the rest of the city.

Also, a word of warning, many visitors found delicious foods next door at Reading Terminal Market. While I agree wonderful, local flavors can be found there, the lines can get atrocious because the amount of people trying to get lunch and dinner at the same time. Walk down to Broad Street and check out some of the local fare there, with shorter lines.