On the 16th of January, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) hosted a press conference at the Franklin Institute to unveil a first look at the 2025 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, 'Gardens of Tomorrow'. The event featured artistic interpretations of Show spaces and exhibits, including the 2025 PHS-designed Entrance Garden, 'Futura Florentia', alongside a shortlist of new and returning exhibitors, and upcoming activations and events.
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.
"At the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, our purpose is using horticulture to foster a healthier, more sustainable, more beautiful future," said Matt Rader, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. "The 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show, Gardens of Tomorrow, showcases the power of plants, sustainability, and innovation. As a fundraiser, the Flower Show supports PHS's programs that bring trees, gardens, and beauty into neighborhoods and schools across the city and region while also cultivating the next generation of horticultural leaders. We're proud to offer a glimpse into the future of the industry while advancing our mission to create a greener, healthier, and more equitable world through gardening."
"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."
New flower show exhibitors
The Flower Show is excited to welcome several new designers to create works of art for its 'Future Flowers'design challenge. 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.
OLIN, a landscape architecture and urban design firm, has partnered with Remark Glass to create a 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.
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.
Returning flower show exhibitors
This year's Flower Show welcomes back exhibitor Jennifer Designs, presenting an exhibit titled 'Welcoming Wildlife Home'. "This immersive display brings to life a home overtaken by florals and wild creatures, symbolizing the harmonious interaction between humans and nature. Through a rich tapestry of plants and thoughtfully crafted habitats, the exhibit underscores the vital role of wildlife in sustaining a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem and how intentional design can support the balance of the natural world while inviting its beauty into our daily lives."
Robertson's Flowers & Events returns with an exhibit rooted in the Chinese proverb, "One generation plants the trees, and the other gets the shade." At its center stands a majestic tree symbolizing the world, with an intricate root system stretching across the display to represent the interconnectedness of communities. This design highlights the impact of individual and collective actions on the planet's health, emphasizing the shared responsibility to nurture a thriving, sustainable world for future generations.
Apiary Studios, the Flower Show's 2024 'Best in Show – Landscape' winner returns with an imaginative exhibit exploring the nostalgia of childhood play and the journey through life's stages. Featuring plants like pussy willow, clover, daisies, and grass, the display unfolds across distinct spaces, each symbolizing a phase of life. "The 'Woodland Meadow' evokes infancy with its lush, protective environment, while the "Savannah" reflects youth in an open, playful setting with primitive structures like teepees. 'Kid City' captures the ambition and hubris of middle age with built environments, and the "Mountain Grotto" represents maturity, wisdom, and the tranquil perspective of old age."
Flower show activities
In addition to all the things to see at the Flower Show, there is a plethora of things to do. From activities for children, to shopping and elevated DIY crafting and educational sessions.
Know to Grow Educational Sessions - The Philadelphia Flower Show's educational lecture series, Know to Grow, will return this year with industry experts leading presentations on diverse topics several times a day. Presentation topics include garden design, vegetable gardening, native plants, container gardening, shade gardening, houseplants, and information on PHS programs. Whether you are 'plant-curious'or a professional, learn something new and walk away with practical takeaways from experts.
New this year, attend Know to Grow sessions Friday, March 7 – Sunday, March 9 and hear from presenters sponsored by Great Grow Along - one of the world's largest virtual garden festivals. Other Know to Grow partners include Fine Gardening Magazine and Timber Press. Free with admission.
Artisan Row- Artisan Row is the Flower Show's experiential hub where guests can create a floral or gardening-inspired craft working side-by-side with artisans. Now even larger due to popular demand, Artisan Row will feature 8 artisans creating fresh floral crowns, Flower Show candles, custom scents, fresh and dried bouquets, terrariums, hand painted vases, botanical jewelry, custom hats, bags and more. Purchase required.
Butterflies Live! - "Experience native and exotic butterflies with spectacular color in a serene setting. Hundreds of pollinators will spread their wings together in this all-ages activity. This is an all-ages activity, perfect for both kids and kids at heart." Purchase required.
Butterfly Kiosk - Guests will have the opportunity to purchase butterfly magnets or clips as they exit Butterflies Live! to commemorate their visit with these pollinators.
Kids Cocoon - Families can explore the Kids Cocoon, a kid-focused play space where young visitors can plant seedlings, enjoy story time, and participate in activities and live programming from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, March 9. In partnership with The Franklin Institute (TFI), Kids Cocoon will feature a Flower Show-themed version of TFI's Creation Station, where children can create floral-inspired masterpieces using LEGO® bricks. Free with admission.
Bloom Bar - Back by popular demand, Bloom Bar provides a walk-up experience offering guests the opportunity to purchase pre-assembled, fresh floral crowns in the heart of the Show floor. "These gorgeous, wearable pieces of floral art offer a beautiful way for guests to grab, go, and wear -- showing off their floral best. A pop-up Bloom Bar Cart will be stationed at the main entrance with pre-made floral crowns so you can be decked out in flowers for all your photo moments. "Purchase required.
Potting Parties - Learn the tricks of the trade at these energetic container gardening workshops hosted by designer Tu Bloom, The Official Botanical Artist of the Grammy Awards. "These parties are engaging for all, and end with you taking home your very own creation to be enjoyed all season long." Purchase required.
Flower show events
Family Frolic - Sunday, March 2 – This special day at the Flower Show is dedicated to those with little ones. Packed with hands-on activities and entertainment for families with programming and activities in partnership with museums, nonprofits, and universities. Free with admission from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Blossom and Breathe - Friday, March 7 – Visit the Flower Show for a celebration of beauty, wellness, and natural healing! This special event will collaborate with Honey Buz Natural Skincare and Noel Davis of Paris Fit, to offer Flower Show guests access to an exclusive community of wellness vendors in a botanical bazaar. Plus, visitors can participate in 2 yoga sessions led by Paris Fit featuring Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader Arielle Hunt, and experience silent yoga technology from Silent Philly for a truly immersive experience. "Blossom & Breathe is a chance to unwind, connect with local wellness experts, and experience the calming power of flowers in a unique and transformative setting - the Flower Show!" Event free with admission from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, yoga class for an additional fee
Flowers After Hours - Saturday, March 8 – "Step into a galactic adventure packed with campy vibes, interstellar charm, and eclectic experiences at our annual Flower Show after-hours dance party! Immerse yourself in an iridescent celebration with this year's theme, OUT OF THIS WORLD! an unforgettable night of cosmic celebration that blends the nostalgia of 80s and 90s pop culture with futuristic, space-age aesthetics. Dress in your boldest, most eccentric and daring best, and dance the night away among the gardens."
The evening will feature: A cosmic dance party, alien encounter photo ops, galaxy-inspired cocktails, and a space fashion show. Plus, music will be curated by SNACKTIME, the live band for 'They Call it Late Night'with Jason Kelce on ESPN, and feature a line-up of DJs: Muhammad Carr, Lady B and Touchtone, and Val Fleury.
Flower show tours
Early Morning Tours - "Early Morning Tours, sponsored by PURE Insurance, are the best way to see the Flower Show" – sharing two hours on the Show floor with an experienced tour guide ahead of public hours. You will learn about the exhibitors, how the gardens are made, tour the Hamilton Horticourt, and get up close to floral designs! All Early Morning Tour ticket holders are allowed to stay as long as they like following their tour." Early Morning Tours will be offered daily March 1 – 9. Tours will run 8 am – 10 am. Purchase required.
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 stories about the Show's exhibits and get the behind-the-scenes scoop on how this 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 8 am – 10 am. Purchase required.
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
