By Blane Eshbach 

The future of gardening is here, and it’s blooming with creativity, sustainability, and heart. 

This year, the buzz wasn’t just about beauty. The 2025 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, themed “Gardens of Tomorrow,” invited gardeners, designers, and attendees alike to think about how gardening can actively contribute to a more sustainable and hopeful future. Designers from around the globe came together to showcase bold plant choices, eco-forward landscapes, and inspiring floral art that reflect where gardening is headed next. 

“The future of gardening can be both innovative and nostalgic,” said PHS VP and Creative Director of the Flower Show, Seth Pearsoll. “These trends showcase the growing desire for gardens that provide sanctuary, resilience, and inspiration.” 

With nearly 200 years of history, the Flower Show remains the place to spot what’s next in plants, design, and garden culture. Let’s take a look at the trends already taking root from the 2025 Show. 

Trending Plants: Ranunculus, Anemones, Snapdragons, and Cosmos 

The 2025 Show burst with vibrant floral diversity, spotlighting both fresh faces and beloved classics. Standout blooms included the uniquely elegant Butterfly Ranunculus, bold Anemones, lively Snapdragons, and delicate Cosmos. These flowers stood out not only for their color variety but also for their seasonality, making them ideal choices for the eco-conscious gardener. 

Nostalgia also bloomed in full force. Whimsical flowers like Sweet Peas, Delphiniums, Daisies, and retro favorites such as Marigolds, Mums, and Carnations brought cheerful, sentimental flair to many arrangements. These timeless blossoms are making a strong comeback, adding joy and vintage charm to modern gardens. 

These trends are already being embraced by floral trendsetters, most notably Jennifer Designs, winner of the “2025 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup for Best in Show.” 

Landscape Trends: Natural and Sustainable  

This year’s landscape designs embraced the natural elements with raw, unrefined wood, specifically utilizing roots, trunks, and branches, moving beyond the trend of reclaimed materials.  

Moss made a powerful return as both a texture and a design element, helping create serene, meditative green spaces. 

Water features also evolved from decorative novelties to integral, tranquil focal points. Think still pools, misting effects, and minimalist fountains that quietly invite calm. 

Perhaps the most meaningful trend in landscape design this year was the emphasis on creating gathering spaces. Designers carved out sanctuaries to unplug, reflect, and reconnect with nature and with one another. These peaceful pockets weren’t just beautiful; they offered quiet places for visitors to linger and find stillness in the natural world. 

Floral Trends: Dried Flowers, Nostalgic Colors, and Unexpected Fusions 

Floral design took a bold, structural turn in 2025. Expect to see more dramatic displays that combine dried flowers with sculptural tree crowns and branch work. This blending of organic materials with geometric structure created an aesthetic that felt both grounded and futuristic. 

Dried flowers, once a niche novelty, are now taking center stage. High-quality preserved blooms bring texture, longevity, and a sense of modern permanence to floral arrangements. 

Color palettes are also shifting. Soft, nostalgic tones like butter yellows and muted pastels are replacing stark contrasts, lending warmth and emotional resonance to arrangements. Meanwhile, bold floral fusions are on the rise—mixing perennials, tropicals, and annuals to build gardens that are as visually lush as they are seasonally resilient. 

Looking Ahead to 2026  

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your hands dirty, the 2025 Flower Show offered a glimpse into the future of sustainable, soul-nourishing gardening. These emergent trends go beyond aesthetics; they're an invitation to all plant lovers to grow with purpose and mindfulness. 

Mark your calendar: the 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show will return to the Pennsylvania Convention Center from February 28 to March 9, 2026. Until then, happy planting—and may your garden reflect the world you hope to see grow.