It’s that time of year again where the city really starts to bloom—with the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show that is. With this year’s theme being “United by Flowers,” the annual horticultural event is once again calling the Pennsylvania Convention Center home from March 2 to 10.
The entrance to every Flower Show is always meant to be spectacular and set the stage, and this go around will be no different with the section-specific theme of “Edges and Reflections.” As the release notes, this aquatic floral space will hold the Flower Show’s largest body of water ever alongside bright floral sculptures. This space, filled with a kaleidoscope of colors and bold angles, invites contemplation amidst its suspended floral clouds.
Each “neighborhood” in the space will be made to look like gardens, and some will be dedicated to resemble Philly areas like Roxborough, South Philly’s Pennsport, the Italian Market, Spring Garden, Doylestown’s small-town charm, and more.
Burpee’s will also be at the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show with a Pop-Up Shop, and while there, visitors can talk to their team of horticulture pros to learn answers to everyday gardening questions. Plus, guests can take home a free copy of the information-packed Burpee catalog featuring information on vegetables, flowers, and fruit varieties, plus tips on how to plant and sow, container and pollinator gardening tips, and more, a release notes.
Local venue Plant and People will also be in attendance. “This year marks the 195th anniversary of the PHS Flower Show and each year is better than the last. We are honored to participate on opening day as part of The Know to Grow Speaker Series Saturday, March 2, [from] 2-3 p.m,” a rep from the brand explained.
“In its first year at the Flower Show, led by Guina Hammond, PHS Host Educator, The Know to Grow is a year-long commitment to community education. Our presentation entitled, ‘Unity in the Community: Connecting Through Plants’, is designed to foster a sense of unity among the audience with an activity, while emphasizing the importance of ecological awareness and well-being. The workshop combines elements of plant care, practical sustainable practices, and wellness to create a balanced experience.”
Other highlights come from the Penn Museum and the PHS themselves. The Museum will be showcasing “Ancient Food & Flavor”, aka a way to discover what plants were important to communities who lived thousands of years ago at the preview display of their newest exhibition, while the PHS will host a free gardening speaker series on various topics up to 4 times a day.
Then, over in the Hamilton Horticourt, Philadelphians can find rare plants, all competing in the nation’s largest plant competition for a blue ribbon. The Flower Show will also hold intricate artwork and jewelry made of botanical materials up for competition as well.
For families, the Kids Cocoon will be open throughout the activation. As a release describes, kids can plant a seedling, read a story, and enjoy activities from local partners while there, with hourly programming every day. Philadelphians can purchase a special Flower Show coloring book designed by local artists as well to bring home the fun.
Then, on Sunday, March 3, guests can check out Family Frolic, a special day at the Flower Show dedicated to those with little ones. With your Flower Show ticket, families will enjoy lots of free activities and programming, face painting, giveaways, mascot visits, and more.
The Plant People Place will be on site for those with a green thumb looking for answers to all pressing gardening questions. And then on Friday, March 8, guests and their doggie pals can experience “United by Flowers” together as the show will include some activations for both people and pups.
As always, the Flower Show will also feature Artisan Row and while there, visitors can choose from 7 unique artists and create your own elevated floral or gardening-inspired memento. Choices span from fresh floral crowns, candles, floral handbags, floral bouquets, terrarium making, dried flower bud vases, and botanical jewelry.
The 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show will also host plenty of vendors selling different goods in the Maker’s Market (which has doubled in size this year.) While there, Philadelphians can find handcrafted jewelry, floral relief prints, artwork, essential oils, self-care essentials, and giftable items.
To find out more information and to grab tickets for the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show, visit phsonline.org
