PHS Philadelphia Flower Show 2026 Credit: Becca-Mathias

PHS Philadelphia Flower Show

Spring is a time of renewal. From the moment crocuses peek through the last snow of winter, I am longing for the colors of spring. While it doesn’t officially arrive until March 20, we can’t predict what the weather will be, regardless of what a certain groundhog said on February 2nd. Sorry Phil. One thing we can be sure of is that the greater Philadelphia area will bring the blooms.

The Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS) will present the 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show from February 28 to March 8 at the Philadelphia Convention Center. This year’s theme is ROOTED, the Origins of American Gardening, a celebration of the traditions and culture that connect us to gardening.

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For me, that connection is my mother’s flower garden. The display changed from year to year but always included her favorites. One of my fondest memories was, what seemed like, hundreds of snapdragons in every shade of pastel blooming in front of our wrap-around porch. She loved houseplants as well, though as a youngster, I didn’t appreciate her green thumb. And her affinity for growing things didn’t stop there. The vegetable garden where tomatoes, radishes, beans, peas, corn, and potatoes were nurtured and harvested, so that our large Pennsylvania German family had a freezer full of Silver Queen corn, a pantry stocked with vegetables, canned over the summer, Adams County peaches, and a cellar with potatoes to last most of the winter. “Putting up” food for the winter was a way of life for generations and is experiencing a resurgence in recent years.

Whether you’re a serious gardener or just want to learn more about the art of flower and vegetable gardening, the artistic creations, educational displays, and workshops at the Pennsylvania Flower Show consistently inspire visitors.

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our Independence, the PHS is celebrating the 197th anniversary of the flower show. It is the nation’s longest-running horticultural show. The event only paused during parts of World War II.

Visit phsonline.org/the-flower-show for more information

Bartram’s Garden, Philadelphia Credit: Bartram’s Garden

Bartram’s Garden

Any mention of long-running horticultural influences in Philadelphia must include Bartam’s Garden, the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America. In 1728, botanist John Bartram purchased 102 acres of farmland and 10 1/2 acres of marsh along the banks of the Schuylkill River. The area was known as Kingsessing, a Lenape word meaning “place where there is a meadow.” Three generations of Bartram’s oversaw the farms and gardens before Ann Bartram Carr sold the property to Philadelphia industrialist Andrew Eastwick in 1850. Eastwick loved the gardens and maintained them with the greatest of care. After his death in 1879, Head Gardener Thomas Meeham launched a national campaign to preserve the gardens for public access. The campaign was successful, and the gardens became part of the Philadelphia public park system.

Today, the 50-acre Bartram’s Garden in southwest Philadelphia is open to the public 365 days a year. More than 100,000 visitors take advantage of the park’s amenities each year. The park serves as a space for the community to come together and experience the well-being that comes from being outdoors. Guests enjoy picnics among the trees, and walking and biking the 1.5-mile paved trail that winds its way through the garden and extends along the river.

Catch and release fishing at Bartram’s Garden. Photo by Bartram’s Garden

The park is also home to a community garden, a nursery, and a large boat dock for fishing. Visitors can learn boating skills at the dock. Bartram’s offers free boating instruction with no registration or experience required. All the necessary equipment is provided.  Free catch-and-release fishing is available on a first-come, first-served basis on Wednesdays during the spring and summer months. The program is available from 5 to 7 p.m., weather permitting, and the river conditions are safe. Visitors may borrow rods, tackle, and bait at the welcome center. No fishing license is required.

Several historic buildings remain, including Bartram House, a 1775 barn, the coach house, dovecote, and stables. Historic Bartram House and Garden was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963.

Bartram’s Garden hosts events and workshops throughout the year, making it the ideal place for gathering and reflecting on John Bartram’s botanical vision.

For more information visit bartramsgarden.org

Shofuso Cherry Blossoms, Philadelphia. Photo by C.Smyth

The Subaru Philadelphia Cherry Blossom Festival

In 1926, the government of Japan gifted the city of Philadelphia 1,600 flowering trees, among them cherry trees. The gift honored America’s 150th anniversary of our independence. The cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan and a symbol of friendship.

In 2023, the Japanese American Society of Greater Philadelphia (JASGP), along with its partners, committed to planting 250 cherry trees each year for three years to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Each spring, hundreds of Yoshino cherry trees bloom in West Fairmount Park and along the Schuylkill River, attracting visitors from throughout the world.

Cherry Blossoms. Photo by M.Fischett

From 1998 to 2007, 1,000 more cherry trees were planted, significantly intensifying the visual impact in Fairmount Park. Peak season for Sakura (cherry blossoms) lasts for two weeks, typically spanning the last week of March and the first week of April.

Along with the 1,000-tree initiative, the JASGP launched the first Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia to celebrate the bond of friendship between the city and Japan through Japanese culture, art, and dance. This year, the event will take place on March 28–29 in Fairmount Park. Both days are packed with Japanese cultural experiences, through art, food, music, and dance. The main events will take place at the Horticulture Center and Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, a 17th-century–style house that represents the history and influence of Japanese culture in Philadelphia.

For ticketing and scheduling information, visit japanphilly.org/programs/festivals

Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA. Photo by Becca Mathias

Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens

Nothing says spring like thousands of tulips of every color and variety – that’s what you’ll find during Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens from March 27 to May 3. But it’s more than tulips, you’ll find daffodils, narcissus, wild geranium, butterfly weed, and flowering trees and shrubs, including dogwood, cherry, redbud, magnolia, and many more.

When you stroll along the Flower Garden Walk, you’ll find a 600-foot ribbon of color where tens of thousands of tulips and other bulbs greet you. The foxgloves are my favorite.  Outdoor areas like Peirce’s Woods, the Idea Garden, and the Meadow Garden offer different perspectives on springtime, from woodland blooms to meticulously designed beds of seasonal plants.

Italian Garden at Longwood Gardens, Photo courtesy Visit Philly

Inside, visitors discover the lush world of exotic and fragrant blooms. The West Conservatory often features striking displays of bold-colored South African bulbs and dramatic plants not commonly available in this region, while the East and Main Conservatories overflow with traditional favorites like freesia, campanulas, hydrangeas, foxgloves, and hanging baskets that fill the air with rich scents.

Beyond just wandering through the world-renown gardens and getting inspiration from the plant life, Spring Blooms offers programs, classes, and special experiences designed for the season. You’ll find gardening workshops, lectures, and interactive activities for both plant enthusiasts and youngsters. Select dates may also feature performances, live music, or cultural events. The dining options are as varied as the tulips. In 1906, you’ll find a fine-dining experience, while casual fare is available at The Café.

Because springtime is such a popular time to visit, timed admission reservations are required for most visitors, and extended hours (including special Tulip Tuesdays) give you more flexibility to explore. Whether you’re seeking bold color, delicate fragrances, educational moments, or simply a peaceful spring stroll, the Gardens offer a rich blend of horticultural artistry and outdoor exploration that’s ideal for both first-time guests and return visitors alike.

Visit longwoodgardens.org for more information