Magical Moments of Botanical Art & Fashion, First Ladies & Their Orchids & Award Winners Dazzle at The Philadelphia Flower Show
A Look Book seems in order for this posting, the second installment of my coverage of the 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show. As I noted in the Overview of my Top Blooms & Garden Picks for the annual Pennsylvania Horticulture Society (PHS) celebrating Rooted: Origins of American Gardening, the show is massive yet curiously do-able. You are entranced from the moment you walk in. I heard one visitor looking up; then turning ‘round, slightly dazed, saying, “My eyes don’t know where to look first.” It’s true!
I thought that a Look Book presentation here was in order because the Floral Art and Horticulture needs little explanation and you can merely enjoy their beauty despite the fact that there are indeed rich narratives behind each one’s design, and growth. But for that, you do need to be there, IRL. 💐 Beleiving that a picture is worth a thousand words, I share some of the images that caught my eye to better seduce you. 🤩 As the PHS says, “... the show features breathtaking landscapes, imaginative floral artistry, and innovative design..”
Below the plant images here, I share the formal news about all of this year’s PHS Winning artists. Enjoy!
Floral Art and Horticulture Specimens
Floral Art:
On our second day visiting we explored some of my absolute favorites, the delicate and often whimsical Shadow Box designs. Here all the featured creations are made from plant parts, naturally, but it’s the creativity and the design that elicits gasps of wonder, where you continue to ask rhetorically, “How’d they do that?!”
You must peer inside a framed box, back-lit to highlight the piece that seems to float in the ether space; hanging in a dream-like fantasy.
Museum-worthy, the floral artists show us the diversity and infinite possibilities of what plants ~ in all their permutations from seed to pod to blossom to stem ~ can impart. In the artist’s hands, utilizing such elements as Astranta, Coreopsis, Dahlia Tuber Root, Poppy Pod, Wildflower Seeds, Thyme, Haworthia, Hydrangea Petals, Elephant Grass…
I get so inspired by these truly magical designs and try to recreate a wee bit of their charm for my home's “hanging garden” shadow box wall art. I mean, just look at some of these peek-a-boo delights and you’ll be smitten too.
There are also the Bonsai, the Botanical Art paintings, and the whimsical plant fashions ~ this year there are groovy Hippie shoes and jewelry to dresses and jackets.
Horticultural Displays:
This year, visitors can enjoy an expanded showcase for all the plants who have been brought to dazzle us. It was a smart move by the show’s management to locate the Marketplace to the first/street-level floor and give the plants ~ the true stars of the show ~ their rightful place on the stage floor; showing off their award-winning ribbons.
From the drama of a begonia’s speckled leaves to the rainbow colors of amaryllis, to cliviaa datura’s hanging bells to the otherworldly, “odd” plants, showgoers of all ages stop, transported and mesmerized, and take photos to document and share their discoveries. I observe them with joy and can imagine them telling their friends and family the stories of what their eyes can’t quite take in; the wonder of the plants ~ how they will be at a loss for words, only to declare, “You won’t believe it. These plants are just so incredible!”
And indeed they are. It’s kind of a miracle that one never tires of looking at the enchanting, beguiling ever-changing glamour of plants…
And still more:
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our country’s upcoming 250th Anniversary than this historic, floral homage to America’s First Ladies and their Orchids. This brilliant exhibit shows off in images and orchid plants, how our First Ladies and the “iconic Cattleya orchid, a floral symbol long associated with elegance, romance, and prestige. We used to call it the Prom Orchid. The show’s installation is based on Chadwick’s book that “highlights ten First Ladies from Edith Wilson through Pat Nixon, who embraced the Cattleya in their fashion statement.”
Award Winners Announced for 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, Rooted: Origins of American Gardening
On Monday, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society announced the award winners of the 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, Rooted: Origins of American Gardening.
“We are proud to recognize this year’s award winners whose exceptional design, horticultural skill, and storytelling elevate the Flower Show experience. Their work not only honors the rich roots of American gardening but also demonstrates how creativity and innovation can inspire more resilient, beautiful, and connected communities,” said PHS’s Vice President and Creative Director of the Flower Show, Seth Pearsoll.
“The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup for Best in Show,” “The Philadelphia Trophy,” and “The Mayor’s Trophy” are among the many coveted awards bestowed on designers.
The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup for Best in Show – Floral was awarded to Arrange, LLC for their exhibit, My Atomic Number.
This unique floral exhibit reflects the founder’s personal gardening origin story, shaped by his curiosity, discovery, and an enduring connection to the natural world. Drawing on memories of exploration and wonder, the exhibit channels energy, pressure, and transformation into a bold floral expression. Through layered textures and dynamic form, the arrangement captures a journey of growth where fascination with nature evolves into a powerful creative force seeking a new shape. (See more images of Atomic Numbers electric orange exhibit in my first/previous Show post.)
The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup for Best in Show – Landscape was awarded to Mark Cook Landscape & Contracting, LLC for their exhibit, The Unseen Palette. This exhibit captures the instinctive nature of artistic creation, where unspoken ideas take form through bold color, layered plantings, and expressive design. Rooted in the rich history of horticulture, the exhibit envisions an infinite palette in which flowers and textures emerge in a dynamic, purposeful composition.
Recognizing outstanding emerging talent in the Educational Exhibits category, which features high school and university participants, The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup for Best in Show – Educational Exhibits for the highest-scoring exhibit demonstrating exceptional educational merit was awarded to Mercer County Community College for their exhibit, Peter Henderson to Present: The Horticulturists of the Garden State. This garden traces New Jersey’s horticultural legacy from pioneering 19th-century grower Peter Henderson to modern innovators who shaped plant production across the state. The exhibit recreates a working farm environment that illustrates how research, industry, and education continue to influence gardening and agriculture today.
LANDSCAPE WINNERS
The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup
Best in Show - Landscape: Mark Cook Landscape & Contracting LLC
The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Silver Trophy
Landscape major exhibit receiving the second-highest number of points: Irwin Landscaping, Inc.
The American Horticultural Society Environmental Award
For an exhibit of horticultural excellence that best demonstrates the bond between horticulture and the environment and inspires the viewer to beautify home and community through skillful design and appropriate plant material: Irwin Landscaping, Inc.
Anne Vallery Award
Awarded to the Major Exhibit that uses its intent to take a vibrant and strong stance on an issue - environmental, humanitarian, etc. - and encourages the viewer to be introspective about the topic: Irwin Landscaping, Inc.
The Governor's Trophy
For the Landscape major exhibit that demonstrates the most innovative or unique design: Unknown Studio
The Philadelphia Trophy
For the Landscape major exhibit that demonstrates the best use of color: Kelly D. Norris, LLC
The PHS Council Trophy
For the Landscape major exhibit with the most accomplished display of forced plants: Laurel-Brook Gardens
The Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association Trophies
Showing the most effective use of plants and best use of design in the Landscape and Educational categories: Irwin Landscaping, Inc.
Special Achievement Awards of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania
Awarded to exhibits of unusual excellence (1,000 square feet and over, and under 1,000 square feet) in the categories of Conservation, Education, Horticulture, and Creativity.
Conservation over 1,000 sq feet: Laurel-Brook Gardens
Conservation under 1,000 sq feet: Etta Studio
Education over 1,000 sq feet: Irwin Landscaping, Inc.
Education under 1,000 sq feet: Design Under Sky
Horticulture over 1,000 sq feet: Mark Cook Landscape & Contracting LLC
Horticulture under 1,000 sq feet: Men's Garden Club of Philadelphia
Creativity over 1,000 sq feet: Apiary Studio
Creativity under 1,000 sq feet: Kelly D. Norris, LLC
The Kate & Robert Bartlett Award
For the best use of trees in a Landscape: Irwin Landscaping, Inc.
PHS Gardening for the Greater Good Award
For the exhibit that best exemplifies PHS’s mission to activate horticulture and gardening as a force for the “greater good” by advancing the health and well-being of people and their environments: Laurel-Brook Gardens
Philadelphia Unit of The Herb Society of America, Inc. Award: Irwin Landscaping, Inc.
FLORAL DESIGN WINNERS
The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup
Best in Show - Floral: Arrange, LLC
The Philadelphia Flower Show Silver Trophy
Floral major exhibit receiving the second-highest number of points: Robertson’s Flowers and Events
The Mayor’s Trophy
For the Floral major exhibit that demonstrates the most innovative or unique design or use of plants or products: Arrange, LLC
The Phyllis M. Craig Award
For the Floral major exhibit that demonstrates the best use of color in flowering and/or foliage plants in an innovative or unique design: Robertson’s Flowers & Events
Society of American Florists Flower Show Award
For artistic presentation of flowers and plants for public enjoyment in the Floral category: Jennifer Designs
The Emile H. Geschick Memorial Award
For distinctive orchid display, to be judged for quality and artistic arrangement in either group or individual specimens: Chadwick & Son Orchids
American Orchid Society Show Trophy
For the most meritorious orchid exhibit: Waldor Orchids
PHS Gardening for the Greater Good Award
For the exhibit that best exemplifies PHS’s mission to activate horticulture and gardening as a force for the “greater good” by advancing the health and well-being of people and their environments: Robertson’s Flowers & Events
The Ron Mulray Memorial Award
For the Floral major exhibit that demonstrates the most exceptional and captivating use of creativity, pushing the boundaries of design to make the ordinary extraordinary: American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD)
EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT WINNERS
The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup
Best in Show - Educational: Mercer County Community College
The Alfred M. Campbell Memorial Trophy
For the Educational major exhibit that demonstrates the most successful use of a variety of plants in a unique fashion: Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School
Chicago Horticultural Society Flower Show Medal
For an Educational exhibit showing outstanding horticultural skill and knowledge in a nationally recognized flower show: Mercer County Community College
PHS Sustainability Award
For the Educational major exhibit that demonstrates the best use of sustainable gardening practices to the public: W.B. Saul High School
The Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association Trophy
Showing the most effective use of plants and best use of design in the Landscape and Educational categories: Temple University Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture
Massachusetts Horticultural Society Gold Medal
For the Educational exhibit demonstrating the best use of design: Lakeside School Greenhouse
The Bulkley Medal of The Garden Club of America
For a special exhibit in the field of horticulture, botany, or conservation. The exhibit of exceptional educational merit increases the knowledge and awareness of the viewing public. It is the exhibit that best combines an important message with the ability to convey that message to the public: Temple University Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture
The PHS Gold Medal Award
For the best use of PHS Gold Medal plants in a major exhibit.
Temple University Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture
PHS Gardening for the Greater Good Award
For the exhibit that best exemplifies PHS’s mission to activate horticulture and gardening as a force for the “greater good” by advancing the health and well-being of people and their environments: Temple University Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture
Philadelphia Unit of The Herb Society of America, Inc. Award : Temple University Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture
Delaware Valley University
RHS Choice Award: Temple University Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture
Massachusetts Horticultural Society Gold Medal Award: Lakeside School Greenhouse
PHS MEDAL WINNERS
PHS awards medals for all three categories of exhibitors based on different criteria to celebrate creativity and exceptional execution. Exhibits are scored and awards are given based on quality of design, horticultural excellence, plantsmanship, construction and craftsmanship, visitor experience, and educational value (for Educational exhibits).
PHS Gold Medal – for major exhibits receiving 90-100 points
Landscape
Irwin Landscaping, Inc.
Kelly D. Norris
Laurel-Brook Gardens
Mark Cook Landscape & Contracting
Floral
American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD)
Arrange, LLC
Robertson’s Flowers & Events
Educational
Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School
Mercer County Community College
Temple University Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture
PHS Silver Medal – for major exhibits receiving 80-89 points
Landscape
Apiary Studio
Susan Cohan Gardens
The Men’s Garden Club of Philadelphia
Unknown Studio
Floral
Bloom Bold Co
Jennifer Designs
Rachel Cho Floral Design
Educational
Delaware Valley University
Lakeside School Greenhouse
University of Delaware
W.B. Saul High School
PHS Bronze Medal - for major exhibits receiving 65-79 points.
Landscape
Design Under Sky
Floral
TissaRose
Simply Nia Design
Educational
Bucks County Community College Floral Design Program
Cheers to all the winners and their contribution to horticulture, our biophilia, sustainable gardens, and Beauty! You inspire us. 🏆🌼🥂
The Flower Show runs through March 8th.
Tickets for the 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show are on sale at tickets.phsonline.org
For the latest information, visit phsonline.org/the-flower-show
For questions, please email flowershowtickets@pennhort.org
ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW
The award-winning PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation's largest and the world’s longest-running horticultural event, featuring stunning displays by some of the world’s premier floral and landscape designers. Started in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Show introduces diverse and sustainable plant varieties and garden and design concepts. In addition to acres of garden displays, the Flower Show hosts world-renowned competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging, gardening presentations and demonstrations, and special events.
