Nothing signals the arrival of Spring like the opening of the 195th Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Flower Show, on March 2-10th. For one week, gardening enthusiasts and nature lovers are invited to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, for a sensory immersion of stunning beauty. This year’s theme, “United by Flowers,” reflects the coming together of professional and amateur gardeners from across the nation and around the world.

“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,” said Seth Pearsoll, Vice President and Creative Director of PHS.   

What to Expect

Covering twelve acres, the 2024 Flower Show’s entrance garden contains three massive ponds with floral clouds suspended overhead. The show features the world’s largest houseplant and indoor plant competition with entries from hundreds of expert and amateur horticulturists. United by a passion for plants and judged by experts from around the country and world, this competition is open to everyone. It allows visitors to learn more about and discover amazing plants. 

New this year is a free speaker series several times each day on garden design, vegetable gardening, native plants, container gardening, shade gardening, rock gardening, houseplants, and PHS programs. 

Want to get crafty? Visit Artisan Row where guests can create floral or gardening crafts working side-by-side with artisans. Create a fresh floral crown, candles, floral handbags, bouquets and botanical jewelry. 

This year’s educational exhibitors have created floral displays inspired by area neighborhoods. Saul High School pays homage to Roxborough, while Temple University celebrates the spirit of South Philly’s Pennsport. The Lakeside School honors the famed Italian Market, the University of Delaware pays tribute to Spring Garden, and Delaware Valley University salutes Doylestown. 

Returning this year, Black Girl Florists, a nationwide collective celebrating black women in floristry, has created a space depicting unity – a hair salon! Another Flower Show favorite, Robertson’s Flowers and Events, makes its return to the Flower Show for the first time since 2020. Family-owned and operated since 1927, Robertson’s display focuses on the geometric shapes that are found in nature and work together to create a sense of connection, like the symmetry of flower petals and the rings of trees.
The Kids Cocoon is a play space where young guests can plant a seedling, read a story, and enjoy programs every day from 10 am to 7 pm, except Sunday, March 10th. New this year, the Kids Cocoon will be selling a special Flower Show coloring book designed by local artists. All proceeds will benefit PHS’s year-round greening programs. Bring your four-legged pals to Fido Friday, a special Flower Show canine event, on Friday, March 8th, 5-8 pm

Ecologists of all ages will be fascinated by the US Geological Survey on the importance of bees which includes over 500 wild bees in our region. Also new this year is an exhibition by Penn Museum on ancient seeds and foods.

Now about that shopping! The Marketplace features everything from handmade shoes and fabulous hats for Derby Day to children’s dresses, decorative garden ware, outdoor furniture, garden tools, garden apparel and accessories, live plants, birdhouses, florals, jewelry, home decor, etc. Returning to the 2024 Show, the Makers Market will feature even more opportunities to shop local with 32 curated Philadelphian artisans and their handmade wares. The PHS Shop offers t-shirts, mugs, totes, and other items – all with the 2024 Flower Show artwork.

Volunteering

Volunteering at the Philadelphia Flower Show is a fun way to support PHS and your community. Volunteers greet and guide guests. In return, you may visit the show for FREE before or after your shift. No experience is required and you do not have to be a PHS member. You choose the day and shift you prefer. To apply, start by creating a Volunteer Hub Account.

Tickets

The new pricing structure features a variety of options to offer more flexibility while providing substantial pricing incentives to improve customer experience. Ticket pricing will be divided into weekday, Friday/weekend, and after 4 pm pricing tiers.

“Evenings are a lovely time to visit when the bus tours have left,” said Pearsoll. who recommends affordably priced Twilight Tickets, 4-8 pm. “It makes a wonderful date night after the bus tours have left with dinner in the area following the show.” He also suggests coming to the show in the morning. The show opens at 10 am but, for PHS members, it opens at 9 am. 

For tickets visit Flower Show Tickets. For parking information, visit Flower Show Parking. Parking tip: If you park at the Parkway Garage at 12 & Filbert, Reading Terminal Market vendors will validate your parking ticket if you spend over $10, which gives you 2 hours of parking for $4.