Held from March 1-9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show, sponsored by the Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS), was themed “Gardens of Tomorrow.”
This year’s show envisions the future of horticulture, where nature’s timeless beauty and human innovation come together to cultivate a sustainable planet. “Gardens of Tomorrow” invites visitors to reflect on the evolving relationship between people, plants and the evolution of gardening.
As the nation’s signature gardening show for nearly 200 years, the Flower Show draws visitors and exhibitors from across the region and beyond. This year, Philadelphia contestants finished strong, taking home the PHS Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.
Temple University’s Ambler and Philadelphia campuses were recognized for their educational exhibit, “Reflections on Regeneration: An Artful Response to Our Changing Environment.” Junior Landscape Architecture majors Sophia Downs and Justin Border, from Temple’s Ambler campus, shared reflections on their take on “gardens of tomorrow.” Instead of going for a more futuristic approach, the students at Temple focused on sustainably using the resources that were already available.
Their exhibit was constructed entirely of native plants and materials either found at the Ambler campus, donated by local businesses or materials reused from past flower shows. These students focused on a tomorrow with shared resources available equally to everyone.
Temple’s “Reflections on Regeneration” was awarded the PHS Gold Medal, the Alfred M. Campbell Memorial Trophy, and the Bulkeley Medal.
The PHS Silver Medal was awarded to Roxborough’s W.B. Saul High School. Lucia Raboteau, Saul Class of 2026, collaborated with roughly 100 of her classmates in Saul’s Horticultural Program to create their playful entry titled “Modularity.” This exhibit brought to life a creative and immersive learning space that imagines hands-on learning within urban settings. Raboteau said, “The experience was exhausting and fun for me. What it meant to me — being on a team and creating something that we were proud of.”
The PHS Bronze Medal was awarded to the West Philly-based florist Bloom Bold Co. Their entry “A Matter of Time” featured a deconstructed clock, and invited viewers to consider the balance between time that has passed and time that speeds forward, accelerating growth. This exhibit featured a call to action that encourages its viewers to consider their responsibility towards future generations, and to consider the legacy they leave behind.
Exhibiting at the Flower Show isn’t only for professionals, the show’s centerpiece “Horticourt” features entries from more than 100 home gardeners as well. West Philly’s Anisha Chirmule was a first-time exhibitor this year. She enjoyed the process of entering her beloved begonia plant for display: “I submitted a house plant for the first time for consideration, so I got to go to the show multiple times this year and see the process of how to get plants approved, and all the behind-the-scenes work it takes to make the whole event go so smoothly. I can’t wait to keep going back each year!”
The theme of “Gardens of Tomorrow” emphasizes sustainability, community and the health benefits of gardening. Exhibits explore how innovative green spaces can mitigate climate change, promote biodiversity and enhance urban living. The PHS Gardening for the Greater Good Exhibit showcases practical, sustainable gardening techniques, while the PHS Kids Cocoon provides an interactive space where young visitors can engage with plants and nature firsthand.
While the show’s centrally-placed “Marketplace” offers more than 200 vendors selling seeds, gardening tools, live flowers and home goods, and allows attendees to take home a piece of the show, the “Makers Market” is off the beaten path, located outside Butterflies Live! and the Kids Cocoon.
This year’s Makers Market was co-curated by Tonya Mason of MasonMade. The Makers Market offered packages for vendors, from three days all the way up to 10 days. Mason’s intent was to help small local businesses who are looking to grow their sales and exposure. This flexible approach helped support smaller operations that might be new to vending at large public events, or who may not have the cash to commit to a booth in the “Marketplace” section of the Flower Show.
Other local businesses found in the Makers Market included Vellum Street (tallow-based soaps and body-care products) and Stitch Prism (prints and jewelry, handmade with care in Southwest Philly).
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show promises a captivating journey into the possibilities of tomorrow’s gardens. With an emphasis on sustainability, artistic innovation and community engagement, this year’s show not only celebrates horticulture, but also envisions a future where gardens play an essential role in our daily lives.
Last-minute visitors can take advantage of the Twilight Ticket program and save $10 on admission after 4 p.m. For those who wish to extend their Flower Show experience, the show offers extra events like Early Morning Tour, Blossom & Breath, and Flowers After Hours on March 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Promising to be out of this world unforgettable, Flowers After Hours transforms the show into a cosmic after-dark dance party, featuring ’80s & ’90s-inspired pop music and entertainment among the stunning Flower Show installations, making it a celebration for social butterflies and garden enthusiasts 21 years or older.
