From rainforests to rain gardens, exhibits to showcase beauty and environmental issues
The 2018 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, “Wonders of Water,” will celebrate the beauty and life-sustaining interplay of horticulture and water, on March 3 to 11, 2018, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
America’s leading floral and garden designers will create tropical jungles, temperate forests, native woodlands and arid landscapes, showcasing the astounding plants that thrive in each environment, from exquisite orchids and flowering vines to luminescent desert blooms.
Guests will enter the show under a canopy of exotic flowers, and marvel at a modernistic, multi-level bamboo waterfall. An ever-shifting rain curtain will guide guests over a “suspended” rope bridge, and through a brilliant green rainforest. “We want to capture all the sensory elements of the rainforest – it's fantastic colors, scents and sounds -- and demonstrate its unique and vital role in purifying water and sustaining our environment,” explained Sam Lemheney, PHS Chief of Shows & Events.
Special features of the 2018 Flower Show will explore innovative ways green infrastructure is used to protect and conserve our water sources. The William Penn Foundation has awarded a major grant to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to build an exhibit that illuminates how plant systems cleanse and sustain the Delaware River Watershed through mountains, fields, marshes and streams, and to convene a “Water Summit” at the Flower Show that engages leading environmental and industry experts from throughout the U.S. on freshwater issues and real-world solutions.
Gardeners of all skill levels will find water-wise concepts, including rain gardens and xeriscaping, plant-your-own experiences, and ideas they can use in their own home environment, from small urban spaces to expansive landscapes.
A new attraction, “America’s Backyard,” will offer smart ideas for outdoor living and conservation tips for the home garden. Guests can create their own mini-water garden in the “Make & Take” workshop, and interact with the delicate inhabitants of “Butterflies Live.” Special evening events will include the black-tie Preview Party and Flowers After Hours, a lively opening night dance party amid the exhibits.
The Flower Show brings together thousands of plant lovers who compete for blue ribbons in the Hamilton Horticourt. Their contributions to the Show, together with thousands of volunteers who help create this beauty in the middle of winter, are what make the Philadelphia Flower Show an attraction without peer. These efforts and ticket proceeds support the PHS mission to connect people with horticulture and create beautiful, healthy and sustainable communities.
Immerse yourself in the “Wonders of Water” in March 2018.
Hours of the 2018 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show: o Saturday, March 3, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. o Sunday, March 4, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. o Monday-Friday, March 5-9: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. o Saturday, March 10, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. o Sunday, March 11, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
ABOUT THE FLOWER SHOW The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation's largest and longest-running horticultural event, and features stunning displays by the world’s premier floral and
landscape designers. Started in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the show introduces diverse and sustainable plant varieties and garden and design concepts. In addition to the major garden displays, the Flower Show hosts worldrenowned competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging, gardening presentations and demonstrations, special events, and the citywide Bloom Philly celebration. The Philadelphia Flower Show has been honored as the best event in the world by the International Festivals & Events Association, competing with events such as the Kentucky Derby Festival, Tournament of Roses Parade, Indianapolis 500 Festival, and other international celebrations. For more information about the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show and to purchase tickets, visit www.theflowershow.com, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT PHS The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is a not-for-profit organization, founded in 1827, whose programs connect people to horticulture and collaboratively creates beautiful, healthy and sustainable communities. PHS’s best known activities include the Philadelphia Flower Show, street tree planting and maintenance, community gardening, public beautification, and the PHS Pop Up Gardens. PHS is supported by individual members and supporters, foundations, partners and government grants. PHS programs bring together people from diverse backgrounds to engage in horticultural projects that advance social equity, environmental sustainability, and urban livability. For information and to support our work, visit PHSonline.org.
