Over the weekend my mom and I did something we’ve been wanting to do for years: We went to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Although the show is basically in our backyard, we never made it to the show for a variety of different reasons; but this year we decided it was time to go. Even though we knew it was going to be packed on a Saturday, we headed into the city ready to take on the crowds and see stunning flower displays.

When we first arrived, we didn’t know where to start, so we headed to Bloom City in the Grand Hall. This area had a variety of local shops, an area for the kids and a butterfly interaction tent where butterflies could land on you. After we were done window shopping, we headed to the main room.

As soon as we walked through the entrance, I was in awe of the elaborate displays. This year’s theme was Rooted Origins of American Gardening. The theme celebrates all types of gardening, cultural traditions, regional practices and generations of shared knowledge. Displays included different interpretations of what it means to be rooted. Artists may have been drawing inspiration from what it means to be rooted, from memory and heritage, experimentation, cross-cultural approaches and landscapes, and more.

The displays included landscape scenes, floral exhibits, imaginative designs, botanical art displays, door decorations, patio scenes, educational exhibits, design galleries and more. We decided to go up and down the columns so we didn’t miss a single display. We saw displays featuring colorful flowers, greenery, ponds with aquatic plants, flower shop windows, tea parties in beautiful gardens, dresses made out of flowers, bamboo displays, tulip fields, flower arches, table displays and much more – each one offering a different story from the one before.

I give major props to all the different artists who put time and effort into creating these stunning scenes and displays; there really is nothing quite like it.

Once we were done exploring the displays, we went back to Bloom City because there was a booth where you could create your own candle, and I wanted to try it. After the helpful volunteers shared the process with me, I went ahead with picking out my scents. There were two I was gravitating towards, but I was nervous it wouldn’t mix well. After thinking it through, I decided to just go for it, and I’m glad I did – I am obsessed with the candle’s scent.

Even though the show is done for this year, I highly recommend making a plan to go to the 2027 flower show.

— Mary Melnick, social media & editorial manager