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The 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show Returns Indoors
Philadelphia is in spectacular bloom again! This year’s PHS Philadelphia Flower Show March 4-12th has returned to the PA Convention Center featuring the largest and most immersive displays ever created for the event. Whether you are an avid gardener or just an admirer of natural beauty don’t miss this opportunity to be dazzled by ‘Garden Electric’, a wonderland of color, light, and sensory enchantment.
What’s New At The 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show
The entrance to the Flower Show sets the tone with jaw-dropping floral displays towering up to colossal heights and virtual floral chandeliers dangling down from the ceiling. Once you enter the exhibit area, be prepared for an “influencers’ paradise” with countless opportunities for selfies and pics of the kids against a backdrop of highly imaginative floral displays, many of which beckon visitors to wander through a maze of dioramas – as exquisite and beguiling as Bergdorf Goodman’s holiday windows. Mannequins with gigantic bouquets instead of heads! Frilly tutus made of roses! And a neon diorama proclaiming, “Enjoy life. Eat cake.” If you are a fan of the whimsical Tim Burton movies or Willy Wonka, you’ll be right at home!
Among the lineup of national and international exhibitors, is the Black Girl Florists network which supports and celebrates black women in floristry. ILL Exotics, a Philly boutique shop specializing in uncommon plants, has created a Studio-54-inspired disco with tropical foliage and flowers with a floral DJ, bartender, and dancers. Jonathan Wright, known as a gardening tastemaker in the field of public gardens, offers a breathtaking 360-degree, mixed-media installation featuring projections, music, and florals.
Some of the most eye-catching floral arrangements are inspired by Philly’s Mural Arts program. There is also an exhibition area showcasing artwork by local schoolchildren relating to horticulture. An exhibit that pays tribute to children facing war in Ukraine was designed by Iftikhar Ahmed, Principal & Founder of Treeline Designz based in Portland, Oregon. His exhibit uses locally-grown trees and plants to envision a magical, twinkling fairy house, home to the Peace Fairy, who watches over and protects all children.
Take a Floral Workshop
Floral arranging classes are offered by experts from Smithers-Oasis for a fee. Other artisans encourage you to try your hand at a variety of DIY garden-inspired crafts including floral crowns, candles, terrariums, dried flower bud vases, botanical jewelry, and floral handbags. Located in Artisan Row in the Grand Hall.
Buy Yourself Flowers (or a plant, gardening tool…)
Whether you are looking for flowers, gardening tools, wind chimes, seeds, bird feeders, or garden benches, you will find an abundance of vendors at the Flower Show. Plus, wearables, jewelry, botanical vodka, doggie accessories, and chocolates. Pro tip: Copper Coast Confections gives free samples of its addictive chocolate truffles! Don’t miss the special selection of locally made crafts in the Makers Market located in the Grand Hall.
The Flower Show is also a wonderful opportunity to buy a houseplant, start a container garden or introduce your child to the joys of nurturing their first fern or flower. Vendors will be able to provide instructions regarding watering, light and care.
For Kids
The free Kids Cocoon Play area provides artistic programs and education sessions with PHS staff. They may also spend time at the adjacent Butterflies Live with beautiful pollinators in a serene setting. Both are located in the Grand Hall.
Bring your appetite
In addition to fast-food options throughout the exhibition, you will find more dining choices in the Grand Hall and Overlook Cafe (level 3) where alcoholic beverages are available. But, hey,
if you get a hand-stamp, slip out for a meal at one of the many new eateries in the area, or take advantage of the tempting hometown specialties available in the Reading Terminal Market across the street.
Support PHS
The world’s biggest and longest-running flower show, established in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), is expected to attract over 300,000 visitors this year. While this has a significant financial impact on the City of Philadelphia, the real gain is for the residents of Philly. Flower Show ticket sales will enable PHS to fulfill its mission using horticulture to advance the health and well-being of Greater Philadelphia by planting trees, creating healthy living environments, and building meaningful social connections.
Solo Real Estate has been supporting PHS’ programming at the PHS Pop Up Garden on South Street for 5 consecutive years and encourages you to attend this year’s Flower Show with friends and family to support the great work that this organization does in our community. By creating healthy living environments, strengthening communities and increasing access to fresh food PHS uses the power of horticulture to create positive social and environmental change.
