Now in its 195th year 195th Philadelphia Flower Show will be held March 2 – 10, 2024 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show has burst into bloom, captivating visitors with its stunning displays of floral artistry, innovative garden designs, and a celebration of nature’s beauty.
Hosted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), this year’s show is themed “United by Flowers”, emphasizing the power of flowers to connect people, cultures, and communities.
The theme emphasizes the unity that blooms each Spring at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show – a moment when hundreds of thousands from the region, nation, and the world come together to experience the transformative power, stunning beauty, and joyfulness of gardening. This year’s theme honors this flower-filled world and all the unique people at the heart of the Flower Show—from trendsetting professional designers to amateur competitors who have been submitting plants for blue ribbons for decades, from fashionistas in floral attire looking for the ultimate selfie, to generations of families and crowds of friends who make it an annual tradition that ushers in the Spring season.
“In a world where loneliness has become an epidemic, the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show brings people together to connect over their shared love of gardening and floral beauty. It is a place where magic happens, and where people from all walks of life come together as one. This growing community represents the essence of United by Flowers,” said Seth Pearsoll, Vice President and Creative Director of PHS.
The award-winning PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is a world-renowned gardening event and PHS’s main fundraiser, known for its stunning visual displays, world-class plant competitions, family activities, artisanal crafts, educational offerings, and curated shopping.
From the moment you step into the expansive exhibit halls, you’re transported into a world of color, fragrance, and creativity. Here are some highlights:
- Grand Entrance: The show’s entrance welcomes visitors with a breathtaking floral archway adorned with thousands of blooms. It’s a visual feast that sets the tone for what lies ahead.
- Garden Galleries: Wander through themed garden galleries, each representing a different region or concept. From Japanese Zen gardens to wildflower meadows, there’s something for every nature enthusiast.
- Artistic Installations: Renowned floral designers have crafted intricate installations using a variety of plant materials. Look out for the larger-than-life sculptures and whimsical arrangements that defy gravity.
- Educational Workshops: Attendees can participate in workshops on gardening, sustainable practices, and floral design. Learn from experts and take home practical tips for your own green space.
The heart of the Philadelphia Flower Show lies in its ability to bring people together. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious visitor, the show fosters a sense of community. Here’s how:
- Local Florists: Local florists and nurseries showcase their talent, offering unique plants and floral arrangements for sale. Support local businesses while adding a touch of green to your home.
- Interactive Zones: Engage with interactive exhibits that teach about pollinators, native plants, and conservation efforts. Kids can get their hands dirty in the children’s gardening area.
- Meet the Experts: Don’t miss the chance to chat with horticulturists, landscape architects, and environmentalists. Their passion for plants is contagious!
TOP 11 THINGS NOT TO MISS AT THE 2024 FLOWER SHOW
- The PHS Entrance Garden – The PHS Entrance Garden explores the theme of
“Edges and Reflections.” Your Flower Show visit begins with this aquatic floral
spectacle, boasting the Flower Show’s largest body of water ever created and
vibrant floral sculptures. Colossal aerial blooms dance above, reflecting in the
glass-like surface. This modern oasis, a kaleidoscope of colors and bold angles,
invites contemplation amidst its suspended floral clouds. - Celebrate the Region – Experience the neighborhoods interpreted as gardens!
Local schools highlight the unique spirit of the region through gardens dedicated
to neighborhoods like Roxborough, South Philly’s Pennsport and the Italian
Market, Spring Garden, Doylestown’s small-town charm, and more. - Visit Burpee’s Pop-Up Shop – Talk to the seed and plant experts! Burpee’s
team of horticulture pros will be in person with answers to your gardening
questions every day. While you’re there, get a jump on the growing season and
shop from trusted Burpee varieties classic and new, including brilliant ‘United By
Zinnias,’ a 2024 Flower Show exclusive. Plus, take home your free copy of the
information-packed Burpee catalog featuring information on vegetable, flower,
and fruit varieties, plus tips on how to plant and sow, container and pollinator, gardening tips, and more. - Penn Museum – Ancient Food & Flavor – Ever wonder when humans first
started making wine? Or growing potatoes? Discover what plants were important
to communities who lived thousands of years ago at Penn Museum’s preview
display of their newest exhibition, “Ancient Food & Flavor!” Penn Museum
educators will be available onsite to share wondrous stories about some of the
world’s oldest leftovers! - Turn to PHS for the best in garden knowledge – Know to Grow – Develop
your green thumb at Know to Grow! New this year, the Flower Show will host a
free gardening speaker series on various topics up to 4 times a day. Presentation
topics range from garden design, vegetable gardening, native plants, container
gardening, shade gardening, rock gardening, houseplants, and information on
PHS programs. Whether you are “plant-curious” or a professional, learn
something new and walk away with practical takeaways from acclaimed experts! - Unleash your inner plant nerd in the PHS Hamilton Horticourt – Take in the
beauty of incredible and rare plants, all competing in the nation’s largest plant
competition for a blue ribbon! Read the judges’ comments, see the winners, and
pick your favorite out of this rotating lineup of unique plants! - Take in beautiful botanical-inspired artwork and jewelry – Prepare to be
wowed by stunning, intricate artwork and jewelry made of botanical materials!
See what the judges had to say about these incredible works of art and be
inspired by what these talented artists create! - Get your most pressing plant questions answered at The Plant People
Place! – Got a houseplant that isn’t quite thriving? Want to learn how to plant
your bulbs? The Plant People Place connects you with gardening experts to
answer all your gardening questions, suggest a plant, or chat about all things
gardening and horticulture! Stop by and develop your green thumb! - Fun for the Family at Kids Cocoon and Family Frolic – Bring the whole family
and make some memories! Kids Cocoon is a dedicated space for kids to play,
learn, and have fun! The Show’s youngest guests can plant a seedling, read a
story, and enjoy activities from local partners, with hourly programming every
day. Purchase a special Flower Show coloring book designed by local artists, so
kids can enjoy page after page of colorful flowers long after their visit to the
Show!
On Sunday, March 3, enjoy Family Frolic, a special day at the Flower Show
dedicated to those with little ones. With your Flower Show ticket, enjoy lots of
free activities and programming, face painting, giveaways, mascot visits, and
more. - Experience the Flower Show Alongside Your Doggie BFF at Fido Friday! –
Dogs love the Flower Show too! On Friday, March 8 from 5:00-8:00pm, guests
and their doggie pals can experience “United by Flowers” together, featuring furfriendly activations and both dogs and humans sporting their floral best! - Shop Local at Artisan Row and the Makers Market – The Flower Show is a great place to shop local! Visit Artisan Row, the Flower Show’s experiential hub, where you can choose from 7 unique artists and create your own elevated floral or gardening-inspired memento. Choose from fresh floral crowns, candles, floral handbags, floral bouquets, terrarium making, dried flower bud vases, and botanical jewelry. Nearby, visit the Makers Market, featuring a variety of local artisans and their handmade wares. In 2024, the Makers Market will nearly double in size and include handcrafted jewelry, floral relief prints, artwork, gorgeous-smelling essential oils and self-care essentials, and giftable items.
The 2024 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is more than just a floral spectacle; it’s a celebration of our shared love for nature. So, grab your camera, inhale the fragrant air, and immerse yourself in this blooming wonderland.