Philadelphia's Annual Flower Show Unveils Ancient Roots of American Gardening
For its 197th year, Philadelphia's iconic flower show is set to take attendees on a journey through time, exploring the earliest days of gardening in America. The event, which runs from February 28 to March 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, will delve into the primitive-inspired sculptures, innovative exhibits, and thought-provoking displays that make up this year's theme: "Rooted: Origins of American Gardening."
Organizers have carefully curated an immersive experience that invites visitors to explore the past, present, and future of planting. The show's creative director, Seth Pearsoll, notes that after focusing on connection and community in 2024, and imagining a sustainable future in 2025, this year's event turns its attention to the roots – literally and figuratively – of American gardening.
Upon entering the Pennsylvania Convention Center, attendees are greeted by an entrance display titled "The Forest Floor," inspired by Japan zen gardens and Scottish forests. This twisted sculpture, featuring timeless materials such as moss, stone, and wood, sets the tone for the show's exploration of ancient roots.
Throughout the exhibit, visitors will discover various installations that demonstrate how people garden today. Four different designers – from California to Rhode Island – have come together to create a showcase that celebrates the diverse ways Americans cultivate their gardens. This American Landscape Showcase features a unique blend of style and functionality, inviting attendees to explore the evolution of gardening in America.
Another highlight of the show is the "First Bloom – Rooted in Memory" display, where four international florists share their personal stories about how they first got into gardening. From childhood memories to explorations of plant history, each exhibitor has brought a unique perspective to this exhibit, showcasing the diverse ways people connect with nature.
According to Pearsoll, "there's no single definition of what it means to be rooted," and he believes that this diversity is what makes the experience so universal and exciting. The Flower Show's organizers have carefully woven together various elements to create an immersive experience that invites visitors to explore the rich history of American gardening.
Beyond its exhibits, the Pennsylvania Convention Center will also host a meeting for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology during the week of the flower show. Additionally, the Marketplace will be restructured around five experiences – see, shop, make, learn, and play – to help visitors navigate the event with ease.
With its unique blend of art, horticulture, and community engagement, this year's Philadelphia Flower Show promises to be an unforgettable experience for attendees from across America. By exploring the ancient roots of American gardening, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how our relationship with nature has evolved over time – and what the future may hold for this beloved pastime.
For its 197th year, Philadelphia's iconic flower show is set to take attendees on a journey through time, exploring the earliest days of gardening in America. The event, which runs from February 28 to March 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, will delve into the primitive-inspired sculptures, innovative exhibits, and thought-provoking displays that make up this year's theme: "Rooted: Origins of American Gardening."
Organizers have carefully curated an immersive experience that invites visitors to explore the past, present, and future of planting. The show's creative director, Seth Pearsoll, notes that after focusing on connection and community in 2024, and imagining a sustainable future in 2025, this year's event turns its attention to the roots – literally and figuratively – of American gardening.
Upon entering the Pennsylvania Convention Center, attendees are greeted by an entrance display titled "The Forest Floor," inspired by Japan zen gardens and Scottish forests. This twisted sculpture, featuring timeless materials such as moss, stone, and wood, sets the tone for the show's exploration of ancient roots.
Throughout the exhibit, visitors will discover various installations that demonstrate how people garden today. Four different designers – from California to Rhode Island – have come together to create a showcase that celebrates the diverse ways Americans cultivate their gardens. This American Landscape Showcase features a unique blend of style and functionality, inviting attendees to explore the evolution of gardening in America.
Another highlight of the show is the "First Bloom – Rooted in Memory" display, where four international florists share their personal stories about how they first got into gardening. From childhood memories to explorations of plant history, each exhibitor has brought a unique perspective to this exhibit, showcasing the diverse ways people connect with nature.
According to Pearsoll, "there's no single definition of what it means to be rooted," and he believes that this diversity is what makes the experience so universal and exciting. The Flower Show's organizers have carefully woven together various elements to create an immersive experience that invites visitors to explore the rich history of American gardening.
Beyond its exhibits, the Pennsylvania Convention Center will also host a meeting for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology during the week of the flower show. Additionally, the Marketplace will be restructured around five experiences – see, shop, make, learn, and play – to help visitors navigate the event with ease.
With its unique blend of art, horticulture, and community engagement, this year's Philadelphia Flower Show promises to be an unforgettable experience for attendees from across America. By exploring the ancient roots of American gardening, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how our relationship with nature has evolved over time – and what the future may hold for this beloved pastime.
, like something out of a 90s TV show. What's up with all these "displays" and "exhibits" ? Can't they just have a simple garden or something? And what's with the Japan zen gardens and Scottish forests connection? Is that really relevant to American gardening?
, but also kinda makes sense? I guess. How do they even measure this "being rooted" stuff? Do they have a survey or something?
I'm thinking about last year's show... they had this amazing display on the history of American garden design and it made me wonder if we're just repeating patterns from the past? 
But this year's focus on "Rooted" is cool - I mean, exploring ancient roots of gardening in America is like, totally unique. And that California designer who created a hydroponic garden exhibit last year? They're back again this year with an amazing showcase on innovative American landscaping! 
What's also great is the mix of art and horticulture on display - it's not just about flowers and plants anymore... it's like, a whole experience. 
i also heard that there's gonna be a whole exhibit about how people got into gardening for the first time which is like, soooo relatable 
can't wait to check it out!
, just found out that those gorgeous tulips in the flower show are actually really expensive to produce & most people won't be able to afford them 
, so attendees might get some pretty chilly vibes while exploring the exhibit 
. And to make matters worse, my neighbor just spilled their coffee all over their flowers & has to deal with the stress of replanting before the show 
. I mean, it's about time we looked back at where our love for gardening came from and how it's evolved over the years. The idea of an immersive experience that takes you through different eras and perspectives is genius 
. But, I gotta nitpick a bit – what about accessibility? Are there any accommodations made for visitors with disabilities or mobility issues? 