PHS Philadelphia Flower Show 2017 - Holland: Flowering the World Experience

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Philadelphia Flower Show is the largest and longest-running horticultural event. Each year the proceeds from the show support PHS efforts to transform lives and communities through horticulture and greening projects. This year's theme was "Holland: Flowering the World" to celebrate the beauty and ingenuity of Dutch culture, from vivid flower fields to innovative eco-design.

I had the opportunity to go to the show about halfway through the showing but ended up having to go on the last day due to the snow storms. This was my first year attending but my parents have a PHS membership and they go every year. My mom is an avid gardener so it's great to see the show but also walk around and meet other fellow gardeners and get tips from the markets.

Holland: Flowering the World 

The Floating Floral Canopy was  this year's entrance garden. As guests walk in to the exhibit hall we pass under a brick bridge inspired by Amsterdam surrounded by thousands of tulips. It is absolutely a show stopper. All the different colors you wouldn't think would work looks so pleasing. The words I kept hearing from the PHS staff and exhibitors is this idea of "controlled chaos"; all these beautiful vivid flowers just harmoniously existing in this space. 

As expected from a Holland themed show there were a lot of tulips, flower boxes and bikes (even floating bikes with flower boxes containing tulips attach to them). There were windmills and an Ecodome which highlights Dutch green sector and investment in sustainable innovations. 

My favorite experience had to be standing under that giant canopy which just engulfs you with shades of majestic purples that contrasts the brightness of the yellow and red tulips.  

In addition to the actual show there were also competitions and various other exhibitions not related to the theme. 

There was a huge area with local vendors where you can buy potted flowers and plants, gardening accessories, tools, etc. There's a Garden Stage where they had lectures on different types of gardening topics and a Design Stage where they had Masterchef type floral design competition where they couldn't see the supplies but had to make fabulous floral arrangements within a time limit. 

There was also a beer garden and a wine tasting area along with a live butterfly garden exhibit and a Garden Spa where they were serving tea and light bites. Finally there's also an activity are where kids of all ages (adults too) can make flower crowns, terrarium and other crafts to take home. 

Overall I had an amazing time at the show. I learned a few new tricks and I am currently attempting to nurse my new plant. 

Next year's theme is Wonders of Water which will run from March 3-11, 2018. It should be interesting how they install it because there was only one water display in the show. but I am excited to see it. As always, thank you for reading.

Until next time,