PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Nearly two centuries after the nation’s first flower show took root in Philadelphia, the event continues to hold global prestige as one of the world’s premier horticultural showcases.
The Philadelphia Flower Show began in 1829 as a Pennsylvania-born idea that would eventually inspire similar exhibitions across the country.
In the archives of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, historian Janet Evans points to early documents outlining the planning of that inaugural event.
“It says here that Mr. Landreth reported on behalf of the Committee on Exhibition that they had obtained a suitable room in the Masonic Hall. That was going to be the first flower show in America,” Evans said.
The first show was held at Masonic Hall on Chestnut Street. Evans, the organization’s historian, also preserves early awards and the show’s original logo, Pomona.
The event was initially a one-day exhibition.
Matt Rader, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, said the show was created to inspire gardeners and encourage innovation.
“The idea of a show was to really give people a chance to strut their stuff, to try new things, to share plants with other people, to get them inspired and interested,” he said.
Today, the Philadelphia Flower Show spans nine to ten days and features 54 major large-scale exhibitors along with about 6,600 competitors across various classes.
This year’s theme is Rooted: Origins in American Gardening.
Rader said the modern show includes professional exhibits from leaders in forestry, garden design, and educational institutions.
He noted that it is now considered one of the top three flower shows in the world, alongside London and Singapore.
“Other cities have a home and garden show. This is different. This is a competition for the best in horticulture and specifically horticulture, advancing health and wellbeing, which is our mission. And so the world comes to exhibit, the world comes to show,” he said.
For some exhibitors, Philadelphia is a gateway to international recognition.
“For a gardener to exhibit in the Singapore show, they have to have won gold at Philadelphia or at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, and that qualifies them to enter Singapore,” one organizer said.
The show also serves as a platform for emerging talent.
“The flower show is also a place for an aspiring talent like TiSA, Rose Florist, who’s in the show, or Black Girl Florist Collective. This is their chance to hit the big leagues, right?” the organizer said.
Rader said the event’s legacy reflects Philadelphia’s longstanding commitment to creativity and inclusion.
“I think it’s pretty cool that one of our greatest local traditions is something to do with something as beautiful and exuberant and creative as gardening and working with flowers,” he said. “Over almost 200 years, what is shown keeps expanding new voices, people who historically weren’t represented in these worlds, now getting a chance to show all genders, people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds, international.”
This year’s theme marks a full circle moment, celebrating the nation’s birthday and the many cultures that have shaped American gardens and public spaces.
The Philadelphia Flower Show opens Saturday, February 28.
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