“Maybe you love annuals, or love perennials, or you might just love fresh-cut flowers, but there’s a place for you here at the Philadelphia Flower Show,” says Seth Pearsoll. The vice president and creative director of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will be presiding over the 195th annual event at the Philadelphia Convention Center on March 2 through 10.
It’s the longest running, largest indoor horticulture show in the nation, and this year’s theme is United by Flowers. “There’s a massive community of people who share a passion for plants and flowers, and they all come together for nine glorious days in March,” says Pearsoll.
An estimated 250,000 guests annually come to admire the displays created by some of the world’s top florists and landscape architects. A new floor plan improves crowd flow, and attendees can visit at different times with weekday, weekend, and evening hours. Those traveling from the DMV can take Amtrak to Philadelphia for a day trip (in less than 3 hours one-way), book a hotel package, or join a field trip with groups like Greenstreet Gardens Alexandria or Smithsonian Associates.
This year’s flower show is a multicategory competition with more than 360 exhibits and highlights including an immersive floral world created by Black Girl Florists. Learn the Japanese art of flower arranging from Ikebana International. Discover landscape scenes that incorporate pathways, arches, and tablescapes by Robertson’s Flowers & Events. Author Kelly Norris has created a secret garden showcasing plants that enhance ecological and human connections. There are demonstrations that teach the art of flower arranging and plant potting, photography tours, and even a space filled with friendly butterflies.
It’s not just learning and stunning displays. The Marketplace is a shopping heaven for anyone who loves plants and flowers. Pearsoll says the top selling items are the garden broom and innovative planting tools, along with jewelry inspired by the natural world. There are presentations and activities for every age and interest, plus plenty of food vendors to provide sustenance throughout the day.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society uses funds from the flower show to fulfill its mission of supporting the health and well-being of local gardens, reclaiming vacant lots for community gardens, and planting new trees around Philadelphia. “The flower show began with the spirit of competition in horticulture, and you’ll find that same DNA running 195 years later,” adds Pearsoll.
Plan Your Visit:
March 2 to 10; tickets are $25 per child, $35 for students, and $39.99–$49.99 for adults; events include Family Frolic on March 3, Fido Friday on March 8, Flowers After Hours on March 9
Where to Eat and Drink:
Reading Terminal Market is the place to grab a quick bite before, during, or after the show. Located across the street from the Philadelphia Convention Center, the market has dozens of vendors selling everything from ice cream to cheesesteaks. 1136 Arch St., Philadelphia
Feature image courtesy Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
This story originally ran in our March issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
