Philadelphia Flower Show Celebrates the Future of Horticulture

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show, held from March 1-9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, showcased the theme “Gardens of Tomorrow,” celebrating the fusion of nature’s beauty with human innovation to promote sustainability. This premier gardening event drew attendees from across the region, marking nearly 200 years of horticultural history in the nation.

The show featured a range of exhibits highlighting evolving relationships between people and plants, encouraging visitors to reflect on sustainable gardening practices. Temple University’s Ambler and Philadelphia campuses received multiple honors for their showcase titled “Reflections on Regeneration: An Artful Response to Our Changing Environment.”

Sophia Downs and Justin Border, junior Landscape Architecture majors at Temple, explained their vision. “We wanted to focus on sustainably using resources already available,” said Downs. Their exhibit utilized native plants and materials sourced from the Ambler campus and local businesses, emphasizing efficient resource sharing.

The Temple exhibit was awarded the PHS Gold Medal, the Alfred M. Campbell Memorial Trophy, and the Bulkeley Medal for its creativity. Roxborough’s W.B. Saul High School took home the PHS Silver Medal with their playful entry “Modularity,” designed by Lucia Raboteau and approximately 100 classmates, integrating immersive experiences into urban learning.

Raboteau reflected, “The experience was exhausting and fun for me. What it meant to me—being on a team and creating something we were proud of.”

The PHS Bronze Medal was awarded to Bloom Bold Co., a florist from West Philadelphia. Their entry, “A Matter of Time,” featured a deconstructed clock, provoking viewers to ponder the balance between past and future, urging them to consider their legacy for subsequent generations.

For first-time exhibitors, West Philly’s Anisha Chirmule highlighted her experience entering her beloved begonia plant. “I got to go to the show multiple times this year and see the process behind the scenes,” she said. “I can’t wait to keep going back each year!”

The Flower Show emphasized sustainability, community health, and innovative gardening practices. The PHS Gardening for the Greater Good Exhibit demonstrated practical techniques for eco-friendly gardening, while the PHS Kids Cocoon engaged young visitors through hands-on activities with plants.

Over 200 vendors offered various products ranging from seeds and gardening tools to live flora, allowing attendees to bring a piece of the show home. This year’s Makers Market, co-curated by Tonya Mason, supported small local businesses, providing flexible vending options to help them gain exposure.

To extend the Flower Show experience, special events such as ‘Flowers After Hours’ transformed the venue into an evening party featuring ’80s and ’90s pop music within stunning floral displays, creating an inclusive environment for attendees aged 21 and older.

This year’s edition of the Philadelphia Flower Show promises to deliver not only breathtaking floral designs but also envisioning a sustainable gardening future. The event serves not just as a showcase but as an inspiration for visitors to engage more deeply with horticulture in their everyday lives.

For last-minute attendees, the show offers discounted admission after 4 p.m. A range of events is planned as the show concludes, including popular entertainers and educational speakers to enrich the experience.