While it’s true that the breathtaking floral displays to interactive experiences at this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show (PHS) promises something for everyone—including families, gardening enthusiasts, and first-time visitors alike, I felt that the creative displays went beyond the sensory perceptions. Wayyyy beyond. Beyond their astonishing beauty. The thoughtful designers have produced vignettes that tell a well-informed, educated narrative about the Gardens of Tomorrow in a profound way.

At yesterday’s press preview, the stunning beauty, the soaring floral fantasies that were ever-more vertical, the glimpse into the future made me feel like I was squinting through a colorful kaleidoscope.

Annually, the Philadelphia Flower Show reaches around the globe to bring together renowned garden designers and florists to display their artistic vision and vie for award recognition on this coveted platform.

The Flower Show is excited to welcome several new designers to create works of art for its “Future Flowers” design challenge. Famed floral designers Lily Beelen, Mike Boerma, Berit Laursen, and Ahti Lyra have been tasked with creating their interpretation of a “future flower” that represents hope, resilience, and the excitement and promise of the future.

If you are a horticulturist or a garden-lover, a naturalist, an environmentalist, a pet lover, a citizen of Planet Earth, the PHS, now in its 196th year, the Flower Show stands as the premier horticultural event in the United States, a hallmark of a green, nature-centric life.

This year’s lineup features an exciting mix of visionary exhibits, hands-on workshops, family-friendly activities, and stunning floral artistry, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.

“The 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show is a celebration of innovation, resilience, and creativity in gardening,” said Seth Pearsoll, VP and Creative Director of the Philadelphia Flower Show. “This year’s theme, by design, invokes a sense of optimism, highlighting how planting something today is a small gesture that promotes a brighter future. Our remarkable lineup of world-class exhibitors will explore what this future holds for gardens and landscapes. From sustainable designs and adaptive reuse to breathtaking artistic expressions, this Show will inspire and captivate every visitor.”

Short of a crystal ball, the Flower Show offers an exciting, hopeful, green future.

The entrance is a show stopper:

The name of the Flower Show Entrance Garden, “Futura Florentia” is meant to capture the idea of flowers as a symbol of the future while evoking growth, beauty, and vitality in a natural, poetic style.

FLOWER SHOW EXHIBITORS – NEW

OLIN, a renowned landscape architecture and urban design firm, has partnered with Remark Glass to create a transformative garden titled “Don't Call it Dirt, Don't Call it Trash.” This innovative installation highlights the potential of circular materials by repurposing items often deemed garbage—glass jars, bottles, woody debris, and food waste—into recycled glass sand, biochar, and compost. These elements, essential to the soils of the future, emphasize a renewable and biologically rich approach to sustainable landscaping. See how one can use these materials to create an environmentally sound landscape for the future.

Kazuyuki Ishihara, a celebrated Japanese garden designer, collaborates with the visionary Iftikhar Ahmed of Treeline Designz on an innovative two-tiered garden titled “Tomorrow’s Eden - Gardens for a Changing World.” This unique exhibit explores the interplay between two distinct yet interconnected garden spaces, highlighting how one garden can uplift and sustain the other. Inspired by the resilience of nature amidst threats like pollution, climate change, and drought, the garden presents a hopeful vision of regeneration and renewal. Visitors will journey through a lush, futuristic landscape that celebrates the adaptability of plants and emphasizes humanity’s responsibility to preserve the delicate balance of our planet.

New York’s Simply Nia Design is a former member of the Black Girl Florists collective who will be exhibiting independently at the Show for the first time. Her exhibit will focus on faith, perseverance, and collective goodness. Drawing inspiration from the heavens, she envisions ethereal spaces filled with pastel hues and breathtaking florals, anchored by carnations. Often overlooked as ordinary, carnations—known for their longevity, durability, and vibrant colorways—take center stage in her design, proving that beauty truly lies in the eye of the beholder.
Also new this year, is Bloom Bold & Co – this Philadelphia native is another former member of the Black Girl Florists collective who will exhibit independently and will create an exhibit that explores time through the medium of a deconstructed clock, visually representing how the security of our collective future, as well as the floral industry, is determined by the time and effort we invest into the next generation of designers, growers, and environmental stewards.

This “Dirt”y Dozen list showcases just a few of the exciting attractions awaiting guests at the 2025 Flower Show.

Top 10 Must-See Events & Activities

1. Discover the Future of Floral Design – The "Future Flowers"

Design Challenge welcomes four world-renowned, international floral artists: Lily Beelen, Mike Boerma, Berit Laursen, and Ahti Lyra as they debut their visionary interpretations of a future flowers and design. These stunning creations symbolize hope, resilience, and the promise of what’s to come, pushing the boundaries of floral artistry in an inspiring and imaginative showcase.

2. “Tomorrow’s Eden” – A Visionary Two-Tiered Garden

Renowned Japanese designer Kazuyuki Ishihara joins together with west coast based Iftikhar Ahmed of Treeline Designz to unveil a groundbreaking, first of its kind, two-tiered garden. Inspired by nature’s ability to adapt amid climate challenges, this grand,

innovative exhibit highlights how interconnected landscapes can uplift and sustain one another, offering a hopeful vision for the future.

FREE with a Flower Show ticket.

3. Step Into a Multi-media Floral Experience – PLANTPOP

and Ekodome presents a mesmerizing time-lapse flower display inside the towering 22-foot Terra Ekodome, where blooms unfold across massive screens. Nearby, the 16-foot Luna Ekodome reimagines the greenhouse as a breathtaking view-finder experience, seamlessly blending architecture and nature for a truly unforgettable spectacle. FREE with a Flower Show ticket.

4. Learn Something New with a Know to Grow Session

Whether you are a professional grower or simply “plant-curious,” the Know to Grow speaker series is a great opportunity to grow your gardening knowledge. These sessions cover topics ranging from the future of gardening to climate change. New to this year’s sessions are gardening experts curated by the Great Grow Along.

FREE with a Flower Show ticket.

5. Fun for the Whole Family

The Flower Show isn’t just for adults—this year’s Kids Cocoon offers a playful space for young gardeners to plant seedlings, enjoy story time, and participate in engaging activities and live programming. In partnership with The Franklin Institute (TFI), children can enjoy a Flower Show-themed version of TFI's

Creation Station and create floral-inspired masterpieces using LEGO® bricks. Plus, don’t miss Family Frolic on March 2, a special day packed with even more kid-friendly fun and interactive experiences!

FREE with a Flower Show ticket.

6. Experience a Galactic Adventure with Flowers After Hours

Experience a campy, cosmic adventure at the Flower Show after-hours dance party,

OUT OF THIS WORLD! Blending 80s and 90s pop culture with futuristic aesthetics, this event invites guests to dance the night away surrounded by stunning floral displays. Enjoy a DJ lineup curated by SNACKTIME, featuring Muhammad Carr, Lady B, DJ Touchtone, and Val Fleury, plus alien-themed photo ops, galaxy-inspired cocktails, and a space fashion show. This 21+ event offers an unforgettable evening of music, fun, and floral beauty.

Flowers After Hours will be held on March 8, 8:30-11:30 pm. Purchase required.

7. Discover the Ultimate Shopping Experience

Shop, browse, and be inspired by the best in floral and garden treasures! With 200 vendors offering a stunning array of plants, garden décor, and unique gifts, there is something for every green thumb and floral enthusiast in the Marketplace. Then explore the Makers Market, where talented makers showcase handcrafted jewelry, home accents, and botanical-inspired art. Stop by the PHS Shop for exclusive memorabilia and take a piece of the Flower Show home.

8. Find Serenity with Blossom & Breathe

A mini wellness retreat celebrating beauty, healing, and relaxation. In collaboration with Honey Buz Natural Skincare and Noel Davis of Paris Fit, this unique experience blends the calming power of flowers with expert-led wellness

activities. Join a rejuvenating yoga session featuring Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader Airelle Hunt. Explore the Wellness Bazaar, featuring local experts and artisan products to support your mind, body, and spirit.

Blossom and Breathe will be held on March 7, 5:00-8:00 pm. FREE with a Flower Show ticket; additional purchase required to participate in yoga sessions.

9. Witness Award-Winning Floral Artistry at the Design Gallery

A showcase of innovation and craftsmanship, the Design Gallery features breathtaking floral arrangements, pressed plant displays, miniature dioramas, botanical photography, and more, all competing for top honors. Each exhibit highlights the creativity and

skill of designers who transform flowers and foliage into works of art. FREE with a Flower Show ticket.

10. Create Alongside Skilled Artisans

Newly expanded because of popular demand, Artisan Row invites attendees to unleash their creativity, crafting floral-inspired keepsakes alongside local artisans. Guests can design personalized bouquets, candles, jewelry, terrariums, and more, creating a one-of-a-kind memento. Purchase required.

11. Butterflies Live!

Experience native and exotic butterflies with spectacular color in a serene setting. Hundreds of pollinators will spread their wings together. This is an all-ages activity, perfect for both kids and kids at heart! Purchase required.

The Butterflies especially Loved Bill!

12. Early Morning Photography Tours

Start your day at The Flower Show with a personal, guided photography tour! This experience offers both novice and professional photographers the opportunity to capture the beauty of the Flower Show ahead of general admission hours. Listen to fascinating stories about the Show’s exhibits and get the behind-the-scenes scoop on how this historic Show comes together. Early Morning Photography Tours are led by expert photographers and Flower Show docents and will be offered daily March 1 – 9. Tours will run 8am – 10am. Purchase required.

And if the show fantasy wasn’t delightful enough ~ we ran into Hort Royalty!

Rebecca McMackin! Who was not surprisingly, a landscape design judge.

Of course, one of my most favorite display vignette is the inspired tablescape designs.

The PHS runs through March 9th. Tickets are on sale at tickets.phsonline.org

For more information on the 2025 Flower Show, please visit:

phsonline.org/the-flower-show.

For questions, please email flowershowtickets@pennhort.org

In my next Post, I’ll elaborate on the Returning Exhibitors and Display Artists.

There is just so much to see.

And I want to get back to the show today.

So get your tickets. Plan your visit. And enjoy the future of Gardens.

ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), an internationally recognized nonprofit

organization founded in 1827, uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia Region. PHS programs create healthier living environments, increase access to fresh food, expand access to jobs and economic opportunity, and strengthen deeper social connections between people. PHS’s work spans 250 neighborhoods; an expansive network of public gardens and landscapes; year-round learning experiences; and the nation’s signature gardening event, the Philadelphia Flower Show.