The Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s Philadelphia Flower Show returns for its 197th year from February 28 to March 8. It’s the largest and longest running horticultural event in the country. And it’s just a short drive or train ride from NoVA.
The annual event brings together skilled gardeners, landscapers, and florists, who create dazzling displays of greenery and florals. In addition to the displays, the Flower Show also includes plant sales and interactive activities.
Each year, the show draws tens of thousands of visitors to the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City. If you’re interested in joining the fun, here’s what’s in store.
What to Expect
This year’s theme is Rooted: Origins of American Gardening. It was chosen to align with the country’s 250th anniversary and aims to honor the history and cultural traditions of gardening in the U.S. Here are some of the big exhibits to catch:
- “First Ladies and Their Orchids” display by Chadwick and Son Orchids, showcasing 19 orchids that were named after first ladies.
- “Before 250,” honoring Pennsylvania’s Indigenous people with native plants.
- “Rooted in Time,” a display of America’s native plants and fungi.
- “The Emerging Florists” display, a set of four floral installations by up-and-coming floral designers.
Also, check out some of the lessons and activities happening around the show, such as:
- Craft and Create with Skilled Artisans, where you can make a garden-inspired keepsake.
- Potting Parties, a floral-arranging class
- Family Frolic, a day of kid-friendly activities like Lego building and seed planting.
- Blossom & Breathe, a wellness event
And don’t forget to visit the marketplace and makers’ market, where you can find live plants and other vendor items such as handmade jewelry.
See the full list of exhibits and events on the Flower Show’s website.
Visiting from NoVA
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is roughly a three-hour drive from Dulles, depending on traffic. It’s also easy to get to Philly by train — Amtrak’s Acela and Northeast Regional offer routes from DC that take less than two hours.
While you’re in town, check out our guide for to what to do, what to eat, and where to stay in the City of Brotherly Love.
Getting Tickets
The Flower Show runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from February 28 to March 7 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 8. Philadelphia Horticultural Society members get early access on February 27 and an hour of early access each morning.
General admission tickets are $43 online or $48 at the door for weekday tickets, $54 or $59 for weekend tickets, or $60 for an any-day “flex pass.” A four-day pass is $100. There are discounts for evening entry (after 4 p.m.) and for children and students. Some special events within the show require add-on tickets.
Pennsylvania Convention Center: 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia
Feature image by Becca Mathias
