The Philadelphia Flower Show opens this weekend with its 2023 theme, ‘Garden Electric.’ The annual showcase, set to run from March 4 to 12, will return to bloom at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This marks the return of an indoor showcase, versus the past few years of hosting the event at FDR Park following COVID-19, and leading up to opening day, the city is preparing to welcome the annual tradition.
This year, new design concepts will be a part of the 2023 Flower Show’s major exhibitions, showcasing large-scale gardens of over 900 square feet. And in total, several designers have been invited to create gardens that range from 2,200 – 2,900 square feet—the largest blossoming showcases ever seen at the event.
This creative direction continues the immersive experience of the previous two outdoor Flower Shows, enveloping guests in a 360-degree floral world that can be experienced from multiple viewpoints. With opening day set for this Saturday, March 4, those who want to celebrate the floral-filled activation can start a little early however, with some local spots offering deals for this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show.
For one, Bank & Bourbon located inside of the Loews Philadelphia Hotel in Center City will be offering two specialty cocktails. The first, dubbed The Daisy is made with Rusted Revolver gin, lemon and simple syrup, then topped with a splash of Luxardo maraschino liqueur, club soda and a fresh mint leaf. As a release states, cocktail lovers will appreciate “the earthy botanicals from the gin, paired with notes of lavender and bright sweetness from the Luxardo.”
The second, The Carnation, on the other hand, is made with Blanco Tequila, St-Germain Elderflower liqueur, and a watermelon puree of fresh watermelon, lemon and simple syrup. It’s then topped with Rose Prosecco and garnished with a brandied cherry.
Bank & Bourbon isn’t the only aspect of the hotel that is celebrating the floral event—The Loews has also decked out its lobby with flower activations to celebrate the show, and the Joseph Anthony Spa & Salon, located on the venue’s 5th floor, will be offering its own commemoration in the form of different spa treatments as well.
And for the total package, Loews Philadelphia is actually offering one—aka the Flower Show Package, which includes all themed elements: Two adult tickets to the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, two themed cocktails per stay and 20% off at the spa. This particular offer ends March 13 and varies in price depending on what room you choose.
Over in Rittenhouse Square, The Rittenhouse Hotel is also offering its own early celebration of the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show. Blossom fans can head to the venue’s Mary Cassatt Tea Room for a specialty lineup of floral teas and desserts from March 2 to 12 in celebration of the event.
The menu spans “aromatic” choices such as the fan-favorite butterfly pea flower infusion, along with a new blooming tea, brewed with a Chinese green tea and a hand-sewn jasmine flower. With the menu, guests will be able to watch the beverage bloom before their eyes through the glass teapot in which the drink is served, a release states. Flower-infused desserts will also be offered, paying special homage to the event’s theme of The Garden Electric.
The menu at the Rittenhouse Hotel for this specific activation was hand-picked by Tea Manager Angelo Memmo, and includes seasonal ingredients and pairings. Other treats from the tea room span lime and honey marshmallow tarts, chai white chocolate scones, smoked salmon bagels, chocolate flourless cake and more. Reservations are available via Tock.
To find out more about the Loews Philadelphia Hotel’s (1200 Market St.,) offerings, visit loewshotels.com, and to find out more about the Rittenhouse Hotel’s Mary Cassatt Tea Room’s ( 210 W Rittenhouse Square) offerings, visit rittenhousehotel.com
More information for the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show is available at phsonline.org/the-flower-show. Tickets are available for purchase at tickets.phsonline.org.
