As reliable as a groundhog, the 197th Philadelphia Flower Show is now six weeks away, appearing, as it always does, the first week of March at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
This year’s theme ties into 2026 as the year of America’s 250th birthday, with “Rooted: The Origins of American Gardening.”
At the preview event Tuesday, show designer Seth Pearsoll unveiled renderings of what visitors can expect, including the centerpiece display of a fantasy forest floor comprised of moss, stone and sculptural plantings, evoking timelessness and permanence.
“Overhead, there’s big, giant, sweeping root-like forms adorned with tons of fresh flowers, taking guests into a space and reminding them that gardening is part of a larger thing, bigger than a season, bigger than a trend,” he said. “It’s meant to feel permanent, grounded, calm, intentional.”
Another element of the show will be the American Landscape Showcase, a quad of four tableaus designed by four designers representing different regions of the U.S.: California, Iowa, Maryland and Rhode Island.
There will also be an International Floral Showcase with designers from places like Hungary, Belgium, Spain and New Zealand. And, as always, a botanical competition section with prize-winning plants from local professional and amateur gardeners.
“What excites me most about this year’s show is how personal it’s going to feel,” Pearsoll said. “Every exhibitor has approached the theme differently. A lot are drawing from childhood memories. Others are exploring history of plant travel, of nurseries, horticultural origin stories.”