In less than two weeks, thousands of plants and millions of flowers will shine at the PHS Flower Show. This annual event, organized by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, attracts 250,000 visitors over the course of the date. The first show was organized in 1829, and it has become the largest fundraiser for PHS. It has also been described as "the country's oldest, largest, and most prestigious celebration of flowers." It brings together both local and international florists, landscapers, and architects, who will present their creations for nine days, from March 4-12.
The 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show Entrance Garden
The show features large-scale gardens, which range from elaborate landscape displays to individual and club entries of prized horticultural specimens. Each year, PHS declares an official theme. This year's theme is "The Garden Electric," and plants and flowers are being sourced from all over the country and even overseas. "Participating at the event is a huge boost to the growers in the industry", says Seth Pearsoll, Creative Director for the Philadelphia Flower Show. "The event is a nice burst to the growers in the winter months. It is a sort of gateway to spring. And each year, different growers participate. "Every year, the theme is different. We need plants from different growers from different areas. The landscapers go back and forth with them to see what they want them to grow. We work with many local growers, many in Florida, and California, but also European and South American growers. All in all, we are always looking for growers to participate."
Between Thursday February 23, and Monday February 27, many plants will arrive. "The growers keep them in the greenhouse till the last minute, and then the plants will gradually be shipped to the Convention Center.
So what will it look like?
"For the first time in Show history, several designers have been invited to create gardens that range from 2,200 - 2,900 square feet, the largest gardens ever seen at the event. The show opens with a large entrance garden and, from this magical garden space, transitions into the floral area where local and international florists present their products on 1,850 square feet. By using a mesh scrim to conceal and encapsulate the space, guests are enveloped in a 360-degree world of unique floral pairings, textures, light, fragrance, and vibrant colors, creating an immersive, sensory experience that captures the feeling of "The Garden Electric.""
For more information:
PHS Flower Show
https://phsonline.org/the-flower-show