The Philadelphia Flower Show features a world-class roster of landscape architects, garden designers, horticulturists, and florists, captivating visitors while showcasing the latest gardening trends and innovations. Photos courtesy of the Philadelphia Flower Show.
By Julia Milano
The annual Philadelphia Flower Show (PFS) is a wonderful highlight of the changing seasons. First held in 1829, the PFS has been a continuing source of inspiration and wonder for gardeners, bringing together the vision of professional landscapers, plant breeders, and seed and bulb vendors in an explosive display of possibility. Coming at winter’s end, it is a horticultural celebration of the coming Spring. This year, the official theme was “Gardens of Tomorrow.”
Entering the PFS this year, visitors were immediately submerged in a landscaped space that included more than 20 massive blooming cherry trees and a giant floral chandelier. The scale and bright colors of this vibrant entry served as a perfect introduction to the bustling energy of the show.
The “Exhibits” section celebrated masterworks of landscaping and gardens, which were judged by a world-renowned panel of horticulturists. Smaller-scale creations located in the “Design Gallery” explored the possibilities of floral fashion, botanical jewelry, dioramas, and remarkable floral creations.
In the “Hamilton Horticourt” plant and floral specimens vied for best in show honors.
Vendors were on hand offering specialty foods, clothing, artwork, jewelry, paintings, photographs, and gorgeous plants. A charming area for crafts and children rounded out the exhibition. Having just concluded its 196th year, the PFS stands out for its horticultural innovation, plant exploration, and exceptional beauty. It is a beacon to gardeners not only of where we have been but of what may someday be possible.
Julia Milano, a Garland County Horticulture Agent and GC Master Gardener, volunteers with GC Master Gardeners of the UofA Div. of Agriculture, Cooperative Ext. Service. Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification. For more info, call 501-623-6841, email ashaffer@usda.edu, or visit FB: GarlandCountyMasterGardeners.
