Submitted by Laurie Lemek AIFD
The Philadelphia Flower Show which has been described as the “country’s most prestigious celebration of Flowers” is, indeed, the oldest and largest indoor Flower Show in the world, attracting more than 500,000 people! The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) was founded in 1827 and held the first flower show in 1829. While many things have changed over time, their main focus has not wavered. In 2019, PHS adopted Vision 2027, a new strategy that fully commits PHS to using horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region.
The annual flower show features large scale gardens, which range from elaborate landscaped displays, to individual and club entries of a prized horticultural specimen. Each year, PHS declares an official theme. The exhibits are submitted for judging in many categories, and are highly competitive.
In 1996 Frank Laning served as the Chair and Coordinator, as the AIFD® North East Chapter participated for the first time in the Philadelphia Flower Show, receiving Best In Show Floral Exhibitor!
Under the direction of various Chairpersons, and a group of creative volunteer designers from all over the US, The Northeast Chapter has been bringing home Best in Show and other prestigious awards ever since!
Click here to see a list of the annual themes and awards.
