South Jersey gardeners flocked to the 2026 Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Philadelphia Flower Show seeking inspiration and encouragement after a long, cold winter.
Snow-weary attendees were instantly transported to a magical scene as they walked through the swooping entrance garden, titled “The Forest Floor.” A sculpture of flower-laden vines dipped and swirled overhead and led guests into the four distinct garden beds surrounded by colossal rose orb topiaries. Soothing music and the allure of the scented flowers greeted visitors as they peered through rose-covered arches over a mossy meadow filled with tulips, ferns, and hellebores. First-time attendee, Anna Mozdzan, of Linwood, thoroughly enjoyed the show and encouraged others to participate, by stating, “I highly recommend attending the show as it was very relaxing and inspiring. The beauty of nature, colorful displays, and calming music made the experience so special!”
Now in its 197th year, the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show has boasting rights as the “nation’s largest and the world’s longest-running horticultural event.” In celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, the PHS organization considers this year’s theme, “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening,” to be a way to “honor the people, places, and traditions that have shaped gardening in the United States, inviting visitors to explore how personal stories, culture, and creativity are deeply connected through plants.” The Show also honored our country’s indigenous roots with an exhibit honoring the Lenni Lenape people and what we learn from the original stewards of the land.
Of course, our local South Jersey favorite, Waldor Orchids of Linwood, dazzled with their award-winning display, titled “The Orchid Kingdom,” which won the “American Orchid Society Show Trophy” for the most meritorious orchid exhibit. This magical display was bursting with vibrant, exotic orchids covering “ancient ruins” as water trickled from the structure. A cork tree with moss-covered sassafras branches hosted giant tillandsia and breath-taking orchids. Waldor Orchids explained how this “Orchid Kingdom” fits into the “rooted” theme: “Orchids are a treasure in the plant kingdom. From large, fragrant blossoms to the smallest bloom, their beauty has enticed a passion in humankind for thousands of years. From ancient civilizations — and the great orchid discoveries of the eighteenth century — to modern times, methods have changed, markets have shifted, and science has advanced. However, fascination with orchids has endured, shared and rediscovered by each new generation.”
With spring on the horizon, local gardeners can’t wait to start digging in the dirt anew. Both novice and seasoned gardeners draw inspiration from the show, looking for ideas to implement into their own gardens and future projects. In addition to large-scale landscaping scenes, the Show also displayed water features, and creative herb and vegetable gardens that could be translated to smaller home and kitchen gardens. Offshore Garden Club member, Carrie Williams, hasn’t been to the show for several years but, intrigued by this year’s theme, looks forward to attending. Williams, a Rutgers Master Gardener, and owner of CW Garden Creations, based in Egg Harbor Township, is excited to gather more creative ideas to use in some of her upcoming projects.
Despite the cold days ahead, we have hope that spring will return once again. Until then, we can dream and plan. Inspired by visions of beautiful, lively gardens and armed with fresh ideas, we can look forward to happier days, just around the corner.
The 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show has been open to the public since Saturday, Feb. 28, and will continue to run until Sunday, March 8. See their website for more information: phsonline.org.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
