At Carroll Community College

It’s time to let native plants take the spotlight.

Europeans fell in love with America’s native plants at first sight, but Americans have been slower to appreciate them.

Would you like to take a deeper dive into some of Maryland’s more unusual 3,000 native plants?  A four-hour class on native versus exotic plants will be held at Carroll Community College Tues., Feb 4, and Thurs., Feb. 6. Titled “Move Over Exotics, Make Way for Natives,” it will run from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

We will discuss which native plants may have originated in Maryland thousands of years ago and which ones travelled thousands of miles over many centuries before they took root here.

When Europeans came to the New World, the exchange of plants and animals between the New and Old Worlds was extensive. The impact on the Americas was profound. Exotics like dandelions, some lilies, queen Ann’s lace, and others were introduced. The flow of plants and insects has continued ever since.

Some of these transplants have been incredibly destructive or created food deserts for native pollinators and other wildlife. While some, like many fruits and vegetables, have been life-sustaining.

If you would like to learn more about natives and make you garden or yard more welcoming to pollinators like butterflies and native bees, this class is for you. If you are looking for atypical, uncommon plants or ones that will grow in a particular ecosystem, sign up now!

Learn more about some of the exotics you may have. Are they doing more harm than good? Are they waiting for you to go on vacation before they spread all over your yard?

Growing a garden that is both a joyful and manageable experience can be challenging. We will discuss reputable local nurseries that can help you with plant choices. We will also talk about how certain combinations of plants–native annuals, perennials, grasses, sedges, ferns, shrubs, and trees–might suit your gardening and lifestyle needs.

Class Details

The class is # PDE-163 on page 55 in the winter catalog. It costs $62 (includes fees: $52). The class will be held on the main campus. The two-part class will be held Tues., Feb 4, and Thurs., Feb. 6, from 6 to 8 pm. (Carroll residents may receive a discount.)

 To sign up, click class and go to page 64.

I hope to see you Tues., Feb 4.

The Flower Show Is Almost Here

As temperatures drop and winter settles in, it’s time to look forward to spring and a trip to the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show (PFS).

The 2025 show, “Gardens of Tomorrow,” will explore the future of gardening through the eyes of visionary designers, expert gardeners, and passionate green enthusiasts. Visitors, whether aspiring gardeners or seasoned pros, will see new ways of building gardens for tomorrow.

Tickets for the show are now on sale. It runs from March 1 through 9, 2025, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA.

This year’s show will explore how gardening can shape a better future. Renowned for its floral displays, garden landscapes, and premier plant and botanical art competitions, this year’s exhibits will enable visitors to explore the future of horticulture through the eyes of experts as they merge the genius of nature with human ingenuity.

“‘Gardens of Tomorrow’ invites us to envision a future where our actions today nurture a healthier planet. the simple act of gardening and planting trees, we plant seeds of hope for a greener future,”said Seth Pearsoll, vice president and creative director of the Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS). 

Started in 1829 by the PHS, the show introduces diverse and sustainable plant varieties as well as garden and design concepts. In addition to acres of garden displays, the show hosts world-renowned competitions in horticulture and floral arranging, garden presentations, demonstrations, and special events. 

Now in its 196th year, the flower show is a world-renowned gardening event and PHS’s main fundraiser.

The PHS, a non-profit founded in 1827, uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. Its programs create healthier living environments, increase access to fresh food, expand access to jobs and economic opportunity, and strengthen deeper social connections between people. PHS’s work spans 250 neighborhoods; a network of public gardens and landscapes; year-round learning experiences; and the flower show.

“PHS has long championed gardening to positively transform ourselves, our society, and our health and well-being. This belief drives not only the Flower Show but our year-round work planting trees, supporting community gardens, remediating vacant land, and creating dynamic, free, public gardens. As we look towards the future, the 2025 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show envisions a world where gardening is both a joyful hobby and a celebrated force for creating a healthier planet, society, and people.”  said Matt Rader, PHS president.

Features to expect this spring include: 

• A flower-filled entrance garden featuring massive, flowering trees, three water features with cascading floral displays, provocative floral sculptures, and a custom-lit archway will welcome visitors to the 2025 show.
• Large-scale, floral creations and gardens showcasing beauty and sustainability designed by U.S. and foreign florists and garden artists will be on display. These works will be judged by renowned horticulturists. 
• The world’s largest houseplant and indoor plant competition will be on display with entries from hundreds of experts and amateur horticulturists. The competition is open to the public to learn more, click HERE. 
• Gardening experts will give free “Know to Grow” sessions from the basics to advanced techniques on a variety of topics.
• Attendees can enjoy favorites like botanical-inspired art, curated shopping, and crafting experiences. Families can enjoy activities like Kids’ Cocoon or get plant questions answered by expert horticulturists. 

2025 Flower Show Tickets
Tickets for the 2025 flower show, “Gardens of Tomorrow,” are on sale now at  tickets.phsonline.org

Ticket options: Ticket may be purchased for a weekday, Friday/weekend, and after 4pm (Twilight Tickets). Twilight Tickets are discounted tickets that allow admission at 4 pm.

Floral Fanatic Pass: PHS offers a Floral Fanatic Pass for flower show enthusiasts who want to attend multiple times. The $90 pass grants the visitor daily entry to the flower show. Pass holders will also receive an exclusive gift bag and premium seating at the daily “Know to Grow” lectures. 

Note: Each individual tickets will be subject to a $3 processing fee.

Members: PHS members receive special benefits and help support the work of PHS. To become a member, visit PHSonline.org/support-phs/membership.

Group discounts: Tickets are available for groups of 25 or more. For details, email advtix@pennhort.org. 

For up-to-date information about the show,  visit phsonline.org/the-flower-show.  For questions, email flowershowtickets@pennhort.org.