By Melissa O’Brien

As we look forward to the 2025 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, the theme, Gardens of Tomorrow, invites you on a journey into the future of gardening. The 2025 Show promises a tapestry of innovation and tradition, designed to evoke joy and optimism in every visitor. For seasoned Flower Show enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this is an unmissable opportunity to explore how to cultivate the possibilities of tomorrow through gardening.

“Gardens of Tomorrow invites us to envision a future where our actions today nurture a healthier planet. Through the simple act of gardening and planting trees, we plant seeds of hope for a greener future. The 2025 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show highlights the transformative power of plants and inspires us to create a beautiful, more resilient future together,” says VP and Creative Director of the Philadelphia Flower Show, Seth Pearsoll.

The Inspiration Behind Gardens of Tomorrow

The 2025 theme, Gardens of Tomorrow, was born from a desire to bridge the gap between present challenges and future possibilities. According to Seth, it’s a response to a world that often seems fraught with uncertainty and a reminder that gardeners, plant lovers, and horticulturists hold a unique power to help shape a brighter future. The 2025 Flower Show aims to uplift spirits by demonstrating that the future need not be daunting; rather, it is a canvas for optimism and growth.

Whether you enjoy gardening for its many health and wellness benefits, you plant for your community and the connections it fosters, or you garden with sustainability in mind to strengthen our planet’s ecosystem – every act of gardening is an act of hope that can improve our outcomes.  

Key Elements and Trends

Gardens of Tomorrow is set to showcase a delightful blend of futuristic concepts and time-honored traditions. Seth says that Flower Show attendees can expect to see a diverse array of exhibits from garden and landscape designers, each exploring innovative concepts and future scenarios. From innovative usage of materials to imaginative what-if creations, these designers are pushing the boundaries of traditional gardening. Meanwhile, florists are adding a touch of humor and whimsy to their displays, capturing the joy and creativity inherent in the theme.

One of the most exciting additions to this year’s Show is the "Future Flower" area, where four international florists will present individual masterpieces in response to a prompt given by the Show’s producers. Together, these works are a collective vision of the future of floral design and highlight how diverse interpretations can come together to create a harmonious whole.

Interactive and Educational Opportunities for All Ages

Visitors can look forward to an array of engaging and educational experiences. The FREE Know to Grow speaker series, included with admission, offers a platform for gardening experts to share insights on future trends and the role of science and technology in gardening. These sessions are a chance to learn from the most highly sought after gardening experts and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of our gardens and our planet.

The 2025 Flower Show also offers a wealth of interactive activities for attendees of all ages. Families can enjoy hands-on crafting experiences, explore the Kids' Cocoon play spaces, or marvel at the immersive butterfly garden. These activities provide a chance to reconnect with nature and each other, all while fostering a love for gardening. 

A Future in Bloom

The 2025 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, Gardens of Tomorrow, is not only a world-renowned gardening event but also PHS’s main fundraiser for its impactful greening work throughout the Philadelphia region, which promotes health and well-being for all. In its 196th year, the Show invites us to envision a brighter future, reminding us that every seed planted today is a beacon of hope. “The future is not doom and gloom; there are good things coming, especially if you are a gardener, a plant lover, or a horticulturalist,” says Seth.

This year's Show highlights the transformative power of gardening and reinforces PHS's commitment to fostering a healthier planet and community. With a mix of innovative designs and traditional elements, attendees will be inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead. Join us in celebrating the joy of gardening and the crucial role we all play in cultivating a sustainable future for generations to come!