It doesn’t have to be a particularly cold or snowy winter to make people long for spring, so it’s no surprise that the annual Philadelphia Flower Show, put on by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), always happens at the tail end of winter, just when many people are thinking, “Enough, already!” The blast of color, texture, and fragrance that the Flower Show provides is often just the thing to counteract winter fatigue.

But there’s so much more than that:  In addition to the feast for the senses, the Flower Show also provides inspiring stories and useful information.

According to PHS, this year’s theme, “United by Flowers,” celebrates the unique and colorful community born out of our shared love and appreciation of gardening and the connections and impact they create on our everyday lives.

Here are a few of the highlights that await:

PHS Entrance Garden — This year the Entrance Garden explores the theme of “Edges and Reflections.” This aquatic floral spectacle boasts the Flower Show’s largest body of water ever created.

Celebrating the Region — Local schools highlight the unique spirit of the region through gardens dedicated to neighborhoods like Roxborough, South Philly’s Pennsport and the Italian Market, Spring Garden, Doylestown’s small-town charm, and more.

Burpee’s Pop-Up Shop — Burpee’s team of horticulture pros will be on hand every day with answers to your gardening questions. While you’re there, get a jump on the growing season and shop from trusted Burpee varieties classic and new, including brilliant ‘United by Zinnias,’ a 2024 Flower Show exclusive. Also, pick up a free copy of the Burpee catalog, featuring information on vegetable, flower, and fruit varieties, plus tips on how to plant and sow, container and pollinator gardening tips, and more.

Ancient Food & Flavor — Ever wonder when humans first started making wine? Or growing potatoes? Discover what plants were important to communities who lived thousands of years ago at Penn Museum’s preview display of their newest exhibition, “Ancient Food & Flavor.” Penn Museum educators will be onsite to share fascinating stories about some of the world’s oldest leftovers!

Know to Grow — The Flower Show will host a free gardening speaker series on various topics up to four times a day. Topics include garden design, vegetable gardening, native plants, container gardening, shade gardening, rock gardening, houseplants, and information on PHS programs.

The PHS Hamilton Horticourt — Take in the beauty of incredible and rare plants, all competing in the nation’s largest plant competition for a blue ribbon! Read the judges’ comments, see the winners, and pick your favorite out of this rotating lineup of unique plants.

The Plant People Place — Got a houseplant that isn’t quite thriving? Want to learn how to plant your bulbs? The Plant People Place connects you with gardening experts to answer your gardening questions, suggest a plant, or chat about all things gardening and horticulture.

In addition to being a world-class annual event, the Philadelphia Flower Show is the largest annual fundraising activity for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS). Every Flower Show ticket purchased provides support for PHS’s year-round work to advance the health and well-being of our shared community through gardening.

From increasing access to fresh produce and economic opportunity to creating social connections and improving inequitable living environments — PHS provides support, tools, resources, and community throughout the Philadelphia region.

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event and fundraiser featuring stunning displays by the world’s premier floral, garden, and landscape designers. The Show runs from Saturday, March 2 through Sunday, March 10 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. For information and tickets, go to https://phsonline.org/the-flower-show.

Pam Baxter is an avid organic vegetable gardener who lives in Kimberton. Direct e-mail to pamelacbaxter@gmail.com, or send mail to P.O. Box 80, Kimberton, PA 19442. Share your gardening stories on Facebook at “Chester County Roots.” Pam’s nature-related books for children and families are available on Amazon, at Amazon.com/author/pamelabaxter.      

Source: thereporteronline.com