Credit: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society 

We are headed back to the Philadelphia Convention Center for the 2024 Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Flower Show titled “United by Flowers” . This year’s theme, “United by Flowers,” celebrates the unique and colorful community born out of our shared love and appreciation of gardening and the connections and impact they create on our everyday lives. In just a few days, floral and plant enthusiasts everywhere, will flock to Center City for a two week convention filled with exhibitions, family-friendly activities, marketplace and vendors, and much more. Here are some of the things we are excited to see at this year’s annual horticultural event. 

Entering the Flower Show

Edges and Reflections is a celebration of aquatic and floral spectacle with aerial blooms above the reflection pools that leads into the show floor. The promenade is full of wonder that in the past years, I have taken nearly a full hour to take it all in. Past the promenade, exhibitors celebrate the regional landmarks and neighborhoods as extravagant gardens. Hamilton Court is full of past and future exhibitions that scattered the show floor. Penn Museum Ancient Food & Flavor and PHS Know to Grow are also key places to see and spend some time in. 

There are pop up carts that you can purchase premade floral bouquets in addition to the artisan row. I am very excited about this as I love having fresh flowers in my home and studio. So I will be grabbing a few bundles to add some freshness to my daily life. Artisan Row has added more activities than in the previous years as visitors have commented how great it would be to partake in 2024’s artisanal activities. One of my anticipated activities would be walking around the marketplace and grabbing a new plant friend to add to the many of the ones within my home. I saw a meme that said NASA suggests you should have 3-4 plants, per room, in your home. Whether or not that research is true. Grabbing one or three here would be ideal since there are experts here that can answer any and all questions or concerns. 

On Sunday, March 3, enjoy Family Frolic, a special day at the Flower Show dedicated to those with little ones. With your Flower Show ticket, enjoy lots of free activities and programming, face painting, giveaways, mascot visits, and more.  

Nearby, visit the Makers Market, featuring a variety of local artisans and their handmade wares. In 2024, the Makers Market will nearly double in size and include handcrafted jewelry, floral relief prints, artwork, gorgeous smelling essential oils and self-care essentials, and giftable items.  

Credit: Megan Duong / In Full Bloom 2022 (1) and The Garden Electric 2023 (2) 

There are plenty of things to do and see before or after the Flower Show with Chinatown and Rittenhouse just a short walk away. In Chinatown, if you’re in the mood for ramen – try out Yamitsuki Ramen on 11th and Race and Terawaka Ramen on 9th Street. For pastries - head over to Asia Bakery on 10th Street (just before the iconic arch) and La Mousse Bakery and Paris Baguette for some delicious cakes and baked goods. La Mousse have some of the cutest animal shaped cakes. If you’re around during the weekend, head over to a Dim Sum restaurant (Ocean Harbor is a good one) and David’s Mai Lai Wah have some amazing chinese food. For bubble tea lovers - there are a large variety of shops to stop in on. 

If you’re headed to Rittenhouse, I suggest Parc, Dandelion, Harper’s Garden, Vernick Food and Bar, and Oyster House. Then a short drive away there is the Italian Market in South Philadelphia and Reading Terminal Market. Whatever you fancy – there are choices that’ll satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. 

To stay up to date with the latest information on the 2024 Flower Show, please visit phsonline.org/the-flower-show.  For questions, please email flowershowtickets@pennhort.org. 

ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW
The award-winning PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation’s largest, and the world’s longest-running horticultural event and features stunning displays by some of the world’s premier floral and landscape designers. Started in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Show introduces diverse and sustainable plant varieties and garden and design concepts. In addition to acres of garden displays, the Flower Show hosts world-renowned competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging, gardening presentations and demonstrations, and special events.  

ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), an internationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 1827, uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region. PHS programs create healthier living environments, increase access to fresh food, expand access to jobs and economic opportunity, and strengthen deeper social connections between people. PHS’s work spans 250 neighborhoods; an expansive network of public gardens and landscapes; year-round learning experiences; and the nation’s signature gardening event, the Philadelphia Flower Show. PHS provides everyone with opportunities to garden for the greater good as a participant, member, donor, or volunteer.  

There were chatters of excitement all throughout the Theatre of Living Arts (known affectionately as the TLA) before Ryan Beatty’s 8PM performance. Fans showed up high energy with smiling faces as they waited for the “Bruises” singer to walk on stage as he makes his way across the country in celebration of his latest album “Calico”. I power walked through the rain listening to Miley Cyrus’ Flowers and throughout the night wanted to shower Beatty with bouquets of flowers for the lush performance. Despite the rain and cold – fans did not waiver their energy and sang along when it was appropriate. The silence was like a balm over the nerves and anxiousness of fans and patrons alike as they gave Beatty and band his full attention. It was a moment that made you want to shut out the world and focus solely on his voice. If he had a story time on the CALM app. I’d listen to it. 

It was a magical moment as the crowd made sure he knew that they all loved him and was graciously giving him his flowers. As he was the only artist of the night – he took the time to perform songs off of his latest “Calico” as well as some older/fan favorites. The acclaim and accolades from critics across the industry was much deserved. 

If you are into LAUV, Del Water Gap and boylife – you’d really dig Ryan Beatty. You can catch him in Boston on his headliner February 28th at Big Night Live. And if you’re keen on what essential tracks we think you’d dig before seeing him on the tour. We wrote up a little preview for you down below. 

Six Essential Tracks to Listen To: Ryan Beatty 

We are headed back to the iconic Theatre of Living Arts tonight to see Ryan Beatty  perform his critically acclaimed songs from his latest release “Calico” plus a dreamy and diverse set of songs from an extensive catalog. He sold out several shows last September with many favorites in attendance such as  Miley Cyrus and Aaron Paul hitting his LA performance at The Ford, and Maggie Rogers, Clairo, Conan Gray, and Chloe Grace Moretz at NYC’s date. His live performances are massively spectacular and rivals that of his recorded performances. We are so excited to share with you our six essential tracks we think you’d love before you see Ryan perform live tonight at the TLA here in Philly. 

Be sure to check back next week, when we share our photos of Ryan’s performance tonight with all of you.

xx Meg Duong