Five not-to-miss experiences (and one you can skip) at the 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show From magical mushrooms to botanical booze bags, highlights from this year’s show at FDR Park
The Smelly Tunnel
Misting stations at an outdoor summer event are always a good idea, but “The Smelly Tunnel” at this year’s Flower Show takes the concept to a whole new level by infusing misting waters with essential oils. [yuck! I hate air 'freshners' I thought this was going to be scented plants not perfume water]
DJs and mushrooms [is this one or two?]
“Rhythm in Bloom” by Jennifer Designs of Mullica Hill invites visitors to step onto a colorful dance floor surrounded by flowers and disco balls where a mannequin DJ with a green thumb — and body — plays songs like “Forget Me Nots” (we see what you did there).
At the “Are Mushrooms Flowers?” exhibit by Martha Schwartz Partners of New York City, where a giant mound of mushrooms is topped with flowers and greenery, visitors learn all about how mushrooms are “the flowering of fungus.” [Ok that might be interesting]
Streets art
Lozito’s mural, “Celebrating Growth,” is about who gets access to green spaces in a city, while Nikolich’s piece, “The City Cracks,” features massive crocheted flowers you just want to hug.
Budding artists
The “Bloom Boom” is a heartwarming exhibit featuring paintings and drawings of flowers from area students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Botanical booze bags
This year’s cocktail is “The Botanical Lemonade,” which is Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit and Rose vodka mixed with Minute Maid lemonade and a single slice of lemon (I was able to get a lime and a cherry thrown in too, after I befriended the bartender). Spend $13 to get a tasty cocktail served in a traditional plastic cup.
Upgrading to the “double sipper pouch” will cost you $17, but it comes with more booze — and the security of knowing you can’t accidentally spill your drink on an exhibit, or on yourself.
[Yup. More plastic trash to replace the now banned platic bags - how classy]