Philadelphia Flower Show 2025: A Glimpse into the Future of Horticulture

Image credits: Emma Lee/WHYY

The Philadelphia Flower Show is a highly anticipated event that showcases the latest trends in horticulture, and this year's show is no exception. With the theme "Gardens of Tomorrow," exhibitors have been challenged to imagine the next generation of horticulture, and the results are nothing short of breathtaking. From futuristic landscapes to nostalgic gardens, the show features a wide range of designs that are sure to inspire and delight visitors. One of the standout exhibits is designer Bill Schaffer's garden of the future, which features trees floating above black and neon skyscrapers and poisonous gloriosa climbing lilies choking steel and glass structures, giving a glimpse into a dystopian world where nature and mankind coexist in a delicate balance.

Other exhibitors have taken a more down-to-earth approach, creating gardens that are inspired by the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations. Philadelphia's Apiary Studio has created a nostalgic landscape of tall grassy plants and clotheslines of white laundry crisscrossing each other in a gentle breeze, while Robertson's Flowers and Events has designed an urban landscape centered by a gateway with mirrored silhouettes of a woman leading a child by hand, highlighting the importance of passing on knowledge and traditions to the next generation. The show also features a range of floral arrangements, including a deconstructed clock designed by Rashawn Scarbo of Bloom Bold, Co., which serves as a reminder that time is always ticking into the future and that we must take action to preserve the natural world for generations to come.

The Philadelphia Flower Show is not just a showcase for beautiful gardens and floral arrangements, but also a platform for education and community engagement. Many of the exhibitors are using the show as an opportunity to raise awareness about important issues such as sustainability, conservation, and the importance of preserving natural habitats. For example, Jennifer Reed of Mullica Hill, New Jersey, has created a garden that highlights the importance of pollinator plants and the role that they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Her exhibit, "Welcoming Wildlife Home," features a façade of a white house with a garden of pollinator plants in front, and a dining room where giant insects and animals made of flowers are seated around a long table, emphasizing the need for coexistence and mutual respect between humans and wildlife. The show also features a range of interactive exhibits and workshops, including a pop-up display at King of Prussia Mall that envisions a future where flowers rule all, and a demonstration on the right way to repot plants, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn new skills and get hands-on experience with gardening and floral design.

Some of the notable exhibits and events at the Philadelphia Flower Show include:

• A facsimile of a wildflower meadow created by Arrange, LLC of Haddonfield, N.J., which proves that sometimes it's the smallest actions that spark the most profound connections
• A floral arrangement designed by Rashawn Scarbo of Bloom Bold, Co., which serves as a call to action, reminding visitors that time is always ticking into the future
• A garden designed by Jennifer Reed of Mullica Hill, New Jersey, which highlights the importance of pollinator plants and the role that they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems
• A pop-up display at King of Prussia Mall that envisions a future where flowers rule all
• A demonstration on the right way to repot plants, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn new skills and get hands-on experience with gardening and floral design

The show is a must-visit for anyone interested in horticulture, gardening, and floral design, and provides a unique opportunity to see the latest trends and innovations in the field, while also emphasizing the importance of sustainability and conservation.

The Philadelphia Flower Show will be on view until March 9, and visitors can expect to see a wide range of exhibits and events that showcase the latest trends and innovations in horticulture. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, the show is a great place to learn new skills, get inspiration, and connect with others who share your passion for gardening and floral design. With its focus on education, community engagement, and sustainability, the Philadelphia Flower Show is an event that is not to be missed, and is sure to provide a glimpse into the future of horticulture and the important role that it will play in shaping our world.

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