A Walk Through the 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show

Photos and story by Jeff Tryon

I had a chance to visit the Philadelphia Flower Show this year, and overall, I really enjoyed the theme, “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening.” I went on Sunday, which I knew would be extremely busy with wall-to-wall people. Even so, I was pleasantly surprised that the show actually felt easier to move through than in past years. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society made some changes to the layout that seemed to spread things out better across the convention center.

The main exhibit space was on the full second floor in Halls A and B, where most of the large display gardens were located. The Maker’s Market was set up in another section of the convention center down the hall near the train station entrance in the Grand Hall. One area that really stood out to me was the PHS Horticourt — it seemed like it had tripled in size this year, with many aisles of plants on display and quite a few award winners. The vendors were located separately on the first floor in the Marketplace hall, which was very different from previous years when everything was packed into one huge room. Spreading things out like this really seemed to improve the flow of people.

As for favorite displays, I have to admit I’m always drawn to the orchids. I’m a sucker for them. Both the Waldor Orchids display and Chadwick and Son’s “First Ladies and Their Orchids” were right up my alley. The Grand Entrance was also really impressive. Giant undulating branches covered in flowers stretched overhead, flanked by beautiful gardens, and the ceiling itself was dripping with amaryllis, orchids, roses, and other blooms. It definitely made an impression as you walked in.

I also enjoyed a display by Mercer County Community College that featured a “Jersey Fresh” shed surrounded by planted trees. It felt like a nice nod to our local region. Another exhibit incorporated a native wigwam, tying in with the historical theme of the show. As someone who appreciates architecture and design, I was also drawn to an exhibit featuring a bright orange house with a terrace and fountain. Another memorable piece was a large floral design by Arrange called “My Atomic Number.” It was divided into five blocks and illuminated with colorful lighting, which made it really stand out.

One of the things I always look for at the Flower Show is ideas that gardeners might actually try at home. There was a large landscaping section that featured plants both in the ground and in containers, along with displays showing window boxes and balcony gardens—projects that many gardeners could easily recreate. I also noticed a nice selection of terrariums on display, which could be a fun project to try.

Since the theme focused on the origins of American gardening, many of the displays incorporated historical elements. At the same time, sustainable horticulture appeared throughout the show as well.

I took quite a few photos during my visit, but some of my favorites are the ones that capture flowers hanging from the ceiling. Gardeners spend so much time looking down at their plants that it’s a little unusual, and kind of fun, to look up instead.

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