The Super Bowl of Flower Shows—the Philadelphia Flower Show

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The Philadelphia Flower Show is the world’s largest indoor flower show. Here is what you must see at the show and when you visit Philadelphia.

Spring bursts into multicolored layers of petals, blooms, and high-end floral designs each year at the Philadelphia Flower Show . The world’s largest indoor flower show has attracted garden lovers and horticulturalists since 1829. The exhibition, which spans 10 to 12 acres, ignites the senses and provides educational opportunities.
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Hosts the Philadelphia Flower Show
The non-profit Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) organizes the flower show, which sees over 250,000 visitors per event. PHS focuses on the power of horticulture to make positive social and environmental changes. The organization uses its energy to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia Area. The Philadelphia Flower Show connects to the PHS mission and is a major fundraising event. However, this is more than just a local activity. The production brings horticulture to everyone. Visitors from all 50 states and across the world attend this annual event.
The Garden Electric theme brought together energy, whimsy and floral inspiration. Photo courtesy of The Philadelphia Horticultural Society
Creating Memorable Events
I spoke with the Flower Show’s Creative Director, Seth Pearsoll, before the big event. Seth describes the Philadelphia Flower Show as a retail-facing event with an opportunity to learn and connect with people. In that way, the show is more than a horticultural event. Seth happily noted, “This is the Super Bowl of events of this type.” Each Philadelphia Flower Show focuses on a fun, lighthearted theme. Seth’s strategy also reflects a need to be responsive to world events. In light of the ending pandemic, well-being is at the forefront of the show’s programming.
The Garden Electric
The 2023 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show highlighted the joyful nature gardens and flowers via the theme of The Garden Electric. I was mesmerized as I gazed at 360 degrees of color, light, and texture in the entrance garden.
The Entrance Garden sets the stage for a magnificent event. Photo courtesy of The Philadelphia Horticultural Society
Abundant blooms of striking orchids and tropical bromeliads dangled from the ceiling. Layers of fuchsia-colored roses, true blue delphinium, and apricot hue protea glowed amongst the verdant foliage. The landscape and floral displays created a park-style setting and encouraged groups to gather. I smiled, wandering through butterfly gardens and past flowing water features. The glowing lights and towering blossoms piqued my imagination. The feeling that spring is in the air is why I return to this event year after year.
Expanding Your Horizons Via Horticulture
Tu Bloom demonstrates preparing the plant’s roots for a container garden. Photo courtesy of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
The educational components of the show feature academic institutions and plant societies. For example, the University of Delaware highlights sustainability, landscape architecture, plant science, and engineering at its exhibit. I enjoyed discovering the ‘best in show’ categories at the Hamilton Horticort. Imagine the patience and expertise required to have an award-winning amaryllis, cactus, or bonsai tree. You can also learn directly from experts such as the Philadelphia Cactus and Succulent Society or the Pennsylvania Bonsai Society .
Award-winning cacti in the Horticourt. Photo courtesy of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
The Potting Party ($10) hosted at the Subaru of America display allowed me to get my hands dirty. Tu Bloom , a renowned floral designer, taught me new gardening tricks while I created my biodegradable container garden. I’m happy to report that my pansies and violet Pericallis arrangement is still alive today.
Celebrating Floral Niches at Philadelphia Flower Show
After admiring larger-than-life floral designs, the show’s emphasis on other niches in the Design Gallery always fascinates me. Here flowers take on new art forms through pressed plants, photography, miniature gardens, garden rooms, and more. The Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators showcased lifelike representations of plants and flowers. The artist’s work is both technical as well as educational, and the illustrations should be an accurate depiction of the subject.
Diversity of Activities
The assortment of activities at the flower show is another reason it’s such a fun experience. The Bloom City Stage featured live music and DJs. I considered trying a floral sipper cocktail at the botanical garden bar sponsored by Hendrick’s Gin. And, of course, there was shopping for PHS merchandise, fresh flowers and plants, home and garden supplies, and much more. I enjoyed seeing the young and the young at heart walking around with do-it-yourself floral crowns. Artisan Row allowed guests to make a succulent terrarium, botanical jewelry, and flower show candles.
Floral crowns are meant for everyone. Photo courtesy of The Philadelphia Horticultural Society
Philadelphia Flower Show Offers Family Fun for All Ages
The PHS Flower Show attendees represent a diverse audience. According to Seth, more families are attending the event. Happily, there are activities for the little ones too. The Kids Cocoon area had opportunities to play and learn from discovery tables and via education sessions. You could also get up close with exotic butterflies at The Butterflies Live experience , which has an additional fee.
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Explore Philadelphia When Attending the Philadelphia Flower Show
The Flower Show is held at the Philadelphia Convention Center , easily accessible by car and regional rail at the Jefferson Station. Check the show’s website in advance to pre-book parking if you choose to drive. Due to the event’s popularity, I can attest that booking parking in advance will save time and money. There are several hotels near the venue to meet everyone’s needs, from the Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City to boutique properties like The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection . My favorite destination next to the Convention Center is Reading Terminal Market . This historic public market has every possible cuisine you could imagine. I had my hand stamped for re-entry into the flower show and came over for a lunchtime gyro. Beyond the City Center, Philadelphia is the birthplace of America, and one should take time to explore the historical attractions. There are also wonderful museums to explore. My personal favorite is the Rodin Museum . Whether you come for the day or make it a long weekend, the Philadelphia Flower Show is a must-see event for flower lovers of all ages. During your visit, utilize Wander With Wonder to discover other exciting sites in Pennsylvania and to plan future trips to other garden destinations.
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The Super Bowl of Flower Shows—the Philadelphia Flower Show
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