My second date with my husband was a magical trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show (PFS). Combined with the extraordinary displays of flowers and other plants, it has held a special place in my heart ever since.
When we created our website, In the Garden with Laura, in 2014, we began covering the show. It has been a joyous way to celebrate spring and nature; I look forward to it every year.
This year, the show runs from March 2 to 10, 2024 at the Philadelphia Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA. It opens daily from 10 am to 8 pm, except on March 10 it closes at 6 pm.
The show, whose theme is “United by Flowers,” “illustrates the beauty and power of flowers to transform, inspire, delight, and connect us to one another,” according to event organizers.
To avoid the largest crowds, visit early or late in the day. If you have an option, attend one of the first days of the show while everything is the most pristine.
The PFS, which the Philadelphia Horticultural Society runs, celebrates its 195th show this spring. Last year 185,000 visitors attended. The 2024 show should draw an equally robust audience, if not larger.
PFS is the largest such show in the nation. It is also the world’s longest-running horticultural event. It includes major exhibits designed by international floral and landscape designers. The show also features numerous juried competitions including individual plants specimens and miniatures. There will be demonstrations and special events as well. Vendors selling plants, seeds, gardening equipment, and everything else imaginable, occupy yet another portion of the exhibit floor.
Last year, the University of Delaware created an exhibit of plants native to the Piedmont Region of the Mid-Atlantic. The beautiful exhibit demonstrated the range native plants that one can grow. Take time to visit their exhibit in 2024.
The 2023 show generated in excess of $5.2 million, which covered both the cost of producing the show and supported PHS’s extensive work in the community.
When you are not visiting the show, take time to visit Philadelphia, one of my favorite cities. It offers many attractions for visitors.
Reading Market next to the Convention Center provides a fun hodge podge of food and small shops. Philly as a whole is known for its phenomenal award-winning restaurants. It has James Beard winners and close to 40 restaurants listed in Michelon new Philedelphia green guide.
It also has great shopping in both small and large stores. Looking for a grand old department store? Macy’s, which inhabits the old Wannamake’s building, contains a massive pipe organ and shoudn’t be missed.
Philly is home to numerous historical sites as well from Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell.
If you love attending the flower show or if you are a first-time visitor, now is the time to book your tickets to get the best prices and selections for the flower show, hotel rooms, the train, historical sites and restaurants. Here is show ticket information:
PHS Members: Click here to redeem your complimentary and/or discounted tickets included in your membership. If you would like to become a member, click here as well.
Non-members may purchase tickets at the lowest price of the year for a limited time. A new pricing structure offers flexibility with weekday, Friday/weekend, and after 4 pm pricing tiers.
Note Photos by Dave O’Callaghan from the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show
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