Philadelphia Flower Show 2023 | The Garden Electric

The Philadelphia Horticultural Society announced early this year that the annual event was making its grand return to the Pennsylvania Convention Center during the early days of March. After having the event outdoors for the last two years - the organizers were excited to share the news that it would be held indoors, during the springtime making it accessible for visitors to attend the weeklong event with their loved ones in tow. The Garden Electric laid out the fantastic and imaginative ways that electricity can power greenery and florals. The Exotica Studio transformed the organic landscape into a nighttime environment where synthesized music flowed through the air as attendees experienced the exhibition with the rest of their senses. The exhibitions were orderly, with signs labeled to keep the areas from getting too congested which I really liked as it helped attendees enjoy the experience without any distractions. 

What blew me away was just how they would make their grand entrance unique and memorable to everyone who walked through Hall A at the convention center. As you walked through the hall doors you are greeted with a club atmosphere but with the grandeur of a botanical garden surrounding every corner of your peripheral. From the two identical florals to the massive wall of tropical plants and flowers. I just couldn’t stop looking at every detail. My favorite thing about the grand entrance was the flowers hanging from the rafters with clear vases added in them. It was spectacular and made me want to experience more of the event. I was stunned. 

As it was the closing weekend, the crowds were out in full force and for an introvert who needs some time to center themselves. I stood in a corner and popped in my headphones to listen to my favorite playlist. Doing this amplified my experience exponentially because I was able to fully immerse myself in all of these new exhibits and visuals. My favorites were the installation of the chandelier with multicolored acrylics and floral vases. Studio Exotica was a must see for me but pressed for time I could see glimpses of it through the masses, same thing with the sweet things exhibit that has bright neon lights across the top that made it feel like you’re in a tunnel. Amongst all the other great things going on — I really enjoyed just how much the organizers were able to fit in. Hall A also housed the marketplace, much of the sponsored areas and plenty of places to sit, eat and take a much needed respite from all the excitement.

Other family friendly activities were just down the hall, the butterfly interactive activity was across from the makers markets which had local makers wares on display. I got to see Stephanie from Exit 343 who is an illustrator and maker that designs Philly inspired works of arts, with a variety of different designs for the plant and pet enthusiasts alike. Next year I will save myself time by grabbing a pre-paid ticket to make my own floral crowns or arrangements to take home. 

I think that having the flower show back at the convention center was a great idea because the local businesses are accessible, the trains are close by and having the convenience of not being too far from all of the amenities at the event made it that much easier for attendees. Plus it just felt like coming back to a familiar place, a place that is more special to us as a city than anyone could imagine. Thank you to the Philadelphia Horticultural Society for inviting us back to the event. We are so glad to support the event and local communities. ✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽

See the full image gallery here.