What is the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show?
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, (PHS) focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of the Philadelphia community through gardening. By utilizing horticulture to connect Philadelphia and its community members, PHS is able to have a powerful and positive impact on a diverse community of people and its ever-changing environment.
One of the many ways PHS supports its community is through the annual Philadelphia Flower Show. (To learn more about PHS and other upcoming events, visit phsonline.org). This year’s theme was United By Flowers and unite they did! As a first-time attendee, I had no idea how grand and expansive this flower show would be. Not only was there an informative aspect of horticulture, but there was also the most beautiful expression of art utilizing Mother Nature.
What to Expect at the Flower Show
Within the Pennsylvania Convention Center, there were elaborate gardens and sets creatively displaying numerous flowers, plants and trees. Each display expressing their version of what it means to be “United By Flowers,” transforming the convention floor into a secret garden. These displays ranged from strictly floral, to landscape design, educational pieces, plant societies, design galleries and sponsors. There were live butterflies, an artisan row, a makers market and marketplace with over 250 venders. Also, included at the Flower Show was a “Kids Cocoon” section; dedicated to encouraging its youngest guest to interact, discover, learn and play with plants.
My Experience
Upon walking into the PHS flower show, I was engulfed by the most amazing floral scents and awed by an explosion of color. The PHS entrance garden was an array of vivid colors and varying textures. The garden began at the floor and span all the way to the ceiling. It was gorgeous! All I could do was inhale and smile. I was in flower heaven!
As I walked along the promenade, zigzagging through all the displays, I was met with impressive exhibit after impressive exhibit. Each demonstrating “United By Flowers.” I felt like a child in a candy store. I wanted to hold every flower and inhale their beauty, but there wasn’t enough time for that. Plus, you’re not allowed to touch the displays. Bummer, right!
The convention was huge and despite all the displays, there was so much more to see. Let me break it down for you just in case you missed this year’s PHS Flower show.
The PHS Flower Show from My Perspective
As mentioned, there’s more to the flower show than just flowers. There’s education, community, expression of art through horticulture, and all those who live life by integrating their talents with Mother Nature’s gifts. Allow me to share my favorites from the show!
Educational
My all-time favorite educational piece was done by The U.S.G.S. Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab. I love bees and understand their level of importance in the environment, but I have never felt so moved by a bee before. The way their essence was captured in these photos was so inspirational and breath-taking.
The U.S.G.S. booth was so inspirational, every plant I buy for my garden this Spring will support bees and other pollinators. If you’re interested in doing the same, visit Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab.
Various Bees Presented by U.S.G.S.
female bee by USGS
For more amazingly detailed photographs of various bees, visit U.S.G.S. Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab’s Instagram page @usgsbiml
Community
My favorite space that focused on community and the theme, “United By Flowers” was exclusively sponsored by IBX, Independence Blue Cross. IBX is Philadelphia’s largest health insurance company of the region and has made a positive impact on the community for over 85 years.
At the PHS, IBX encouraged attendees to participate in creating a “community garden” within the convention center. Each individual was asked to reflect on how they could contribute to their community through kindness, service, connection and uniqueness while selecting a flower to place in the PHS 2024 community garden.
Throughout the years, IBX has served its community, not only by providing reliable insurance to support their members, but by also playing an active role within the community at numerous annual events. They encourage healthier living by engaging and guiding the members of Philadelphia to practice healthier lifestyles. Gardening, being one of those avenues, promotes healthy living for humanity and for the environment.
Artistic Expression through Horticulture
Utilizing nature as a mode for artistic expression is a given, as it’s nearly impossible to have nature without it being an art form. No matter how true this may be, some have taken nature’s art and transformed it further. Using flowers and plants, various artists displayed their masterpieces for all to admire. Here is just a sampling of their creations.
Various artists at the PHS 2024 Flower Show
The Market
The Philadelphia Flower Show was already pretty impressive, but as I made my way through the convention floor, I came across rows and rows of small business owners showcasing their floral contributions. I loved seeing how creative people were and how they turned Mother Nature’s gifts into even greater gifts. I was so intrigued with the various materials used by each vender.
There were over 250 venders at the PHS 2024, and while I would love to showcase each for all to see, I will exercise self-control and only mention a handful or so. Next time, you will just have to go and see for yourself!
D&M Wooden Flowers
As soon as I saw these flowers, I fell in love with them. How could I not? Their bright and brilliant colors captured my attention immediately, and they look so real!
Believe it or not, these flowers and vases are made of wood. So of course, I had to have some. Keep an eye out for my post about which flowers I chose to take home.
Want your own forever flowers? Go to www.dmwoodenflowers.com OR @dmwoddenflowers
Leaf Pin
Leaf Pin creates natural, wearable art and sculpture with a truly innovation technique. They preserve nature within copper with a process called electroforming. Each piece is then finished with a precious metal or patina, creating an even more one-of-a-kind appearance.
Like so many at the PHS, Dennis Ray’s love and admiration for nature’s beauty led him to preserving nature through artistic expression.
To find your perfect piece, or if you’re interested in having your own bit of nature preserved within copper, go to www.leafpin.com
Beyond The Wildflowers
How gorgeous are these? Another botanical artist showing off her skills!
Kirsten, the artist, perfectly preserves and presses flowers combining them with vintage glassware, making these timeless pieces even more unique and stunning.
I really love her idea of taking intricately detailed antique glassware and adding her own special touch them.
Intrigued and interested in seeing more? www.beyondthewildflowersco.com OR @beyondthewildflowers.co
Copper Curls Sculpture
Do you have a garden? Constantly looking for one of a kind, whimsical pieces to help step up your garden game?
These remarkable copper ladies are sure to so just that! Alice Calhoun puts her own spin on metalwork when creating lovely garden dancers, fairies and mermaids.
Adding any single, or more, of these beauties will surely ignite the magical flare within your garden, transforming it into an even more enchanting space.
Awaken the magic within your garden with Copper Curls Sculptures by visiting www.coppercurls.com OR @coppercurlssculpture
TI-A Woven Goods
These handcrafted Kinkanhe grass baskets are truly something special. They come all the way from Ghana and help to support 500 weavers. Their custom designs and vivid colors are certain to capture one’s eye.
I love that cultural traditions live on today and travel the world to share they’re treasures. Every basket, whether it is destined to dress an arm or house a beloved plant, is delicately woven as it takes shape.
Each so unique, encompassing a part of Africa, has made its way across the globe to grace you with its presence.
Take a moment and see which TI-A woven good belongs with you. www.tiawovengoods.com OR @tiawovengoods
Garden State Girl Designs
As soon as I saw Garden State Girl Designs, I was drawn to the booth. Her style of design had a unique quality to it that I haven’t noticed in other pressed flower jewelry.
Jewelry isn’t the only medium for her eloquently placed pressed flowers. She also designs these lovely bookmarks, framed art and other distinct items that would make the perfect gift for those most cherished.
Please check out more of her beautiful floral creations. @garden_state_girl_designs OR www.gardenstategirldesigns.com
I know I’ll be getting something from her soon!
Body Logic
I found Body Logic’s products to be very refreshing. This woman owned company has a wide variety of all-natural skin and self-care products created by Eve Plociennik.
What started as a solution to provide her daughter with a better face wash option, has now blossomed into a multitude of natural, organic, homemade goods that are designed to pamper your entire body.
All of her products were so inviting, and I can imagine spoiling myself with every single item Body Logic had to offer.
To find out more about Body Logic and how to gift yourself, or someone special, visit www.VTbodylogic.com OR @bodylogicvt
Mistura
Mistura was yet another wildly unique jewelry designer at the PHS. Inspiration stemming from the heart of Colombia, combined with the creative designs formed by the bond of four friends, Mistura brings you exceptional fashion interwoven with Mother Nature’s gifts.
Each piece, be it a timeless watch, stunning earrings or statement sunglasses, is the perfect touch of stylistic nature that your look could be missing.
If you’re searching for something authentic and sophisticated, search no more! Stop in at www.mistura.com OR @misturatimepieces
I know what’s going on my wish list! Do you?
Likha
As a generalized plant person, I’m always on the lookout for one-of-a-kind planters. I like planters that create a cohesive and uplifting vibe with my plants, not one that will draw attention away from them
Likha does just that using upcycled coconut and hemp fibers to combine contemporary design with traditional techniques. All of their pieces are truly special and add a cheerful yet calming vibe to any space.
These adorable planters are the perfect way to introduce our little loves into houseplants. The animal planters would make a great addition to any nursery or young child’s room. Check them out… @shop.likha OR www.shoplikha.com
The PHS 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show was truly astounding. Every direction I turned, something eye catching and awe-inspiring stood before me. The whole experience was amazing, and I hope you were able to get a sense for what it was like to be there.
My post about the PHS Flower Show doesn’t nearly cover it all. There were several aisles of award-winning plants and flowers, plant venders with beautiful and exotic plants for sale along with the potting parties and workshops. There were numerous other venders with intriguing and beautiful creations. So much to take in!
If you missed out on this year’s flower show, don’t worry, there is a Pennsylvania Horticulture Society Flower Show every year! You can sign up for event updates and ticket sales as they come available at www.phsonline.org/the-flower-show I hope to see you at the PHS 2025 Flower Show!
~Not affiliated with PHS, all photos credited to Your Tabletop Florist~