PHILADELPHIA, PA - May 13, 2026 - As the Philadelphia region bursts into bloom this spring, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is launching PHS Garden Season with an invitation to residents across the region to get outside, get growing, and take part in a season of hands-on gardening experiences, community programs, and public garden exploration.  

At the center of this year’s PHS Garden Season is the inaugural Citywide Gardening Challenge, a new, season-long initiative highlighting outdoor home gardens across Philadelphia. PHS invites residents to submit their outdoor home gardens for recognition as outstanding examples of creativity, care, and environmental stewardship. Throughout the season, registered participants will receive gardening tips, educational resources, and photography guidance from PHS to help their gardens thrive as they compete for awards and prizes, ending with a celebration event for finalists in September. From front porch containers to backyard vegetable gardens and pollinator-friendly landscapes, the Challenge highlights the many ways Philadelphians are contributing to a more beautiful and greener city. 

PHS Garden Season also offers a wide range of opportunities to experience the joy of gardening at every experience level. Programming includes hands-on workshops, volunteer opportunities, public gardens and landscapes to explore, and seasonal events that will inspire you and grow your gardening knowledge. 

“Gardening brings people together in a way few other activities can,” said Matt Rader, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. “PHS Garden Season is an invitation to get outside, learn by doing, and experience the joy of growing in your own community. Our new Citywide Gardening Challenge celebrates home gardeners and highlights the care and commitment that people bring to tending the places where they live, helping to build healthier neighborhoods through gardening.” 

For nearly 200 years, PHS has played a leading role in shaping the Philadelphia region, using gardening as a tool to improve quality of life while spreading the joy and beauty of gardening throughout communities. PHS programs create healthier living environments, expand access to green space, and help build closer communities. Through its work, PHS continues to drive positive social and environmental change while engaging a diverse community of supporters, volunteers, and gardeners.  

Ways to Get Involved This Garden Season 

Enter the PHS Citywide Gardening Challenge 

The Challenge is free and open to all Philadelphia residents with outdoor home gardens. Participants can enter their gardens across a range of categories, including flower gardens, vegetable or herb gardens, combination gardens, decorative container gardens, and pollinator or wildlife gardens, with prizes awarded to first, second, and third place winners. 

Registration opens May 13 - June 22, with photo submissions accepted June 23 - July 6. Judging will take place in multiple rounds, including photo review and in-person visits for finalists, with winners notified in early September. All finalists will be invited to a special celebration event. Learn more and register at phsonline.org/challenge or contact gardenchallenge@pennhort.org with questions. 

The PHS Citywide Gardening Challenge has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. 

Attend a Program or Workshop 

Garden Season is also an opportunity to learn, create, and connect through PHS programs and workshops offered throughout the region. From hands-on experiences to virtual learning opportunities, there are options for all interests and skill levels. Highlights include Monthly Rooted Workshops inspired by this year’s PHS Philadelphia Flower Show theme featuring activities like garden embroidery, free Plant Swaps at the PHS Pop Up Gardens on South Street and in Manayunk, herbalism workshops at Norristown Farm Park, the PHS McLean Library book group, and the “Know to Grow” virtual lecture series. Explore the full calendar at https://phsonline.org/events. 

Visit PHS Gardens in Bloom 

Garden Season is the perfect time to experience the beauty of PHS public gardens and landscapes across the region. From the tranquil gardens at PHS Meadowbrook Farm to the iconic plantings along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, as well as promenade style gardens at the Navy Yard and Delaware River Waterfront, these spaces are perfect for an afternoon stroll.  

PHS also offers guided tours of Meadowbrook Farm, the PECO Green Roof, and other select gardens throughout the season. Learn more about guided garden tours at https://phsonline.org/events. 

Volunteer with PHS 

Garden Season offers a range of opportunities to give back and get involved through volunteering. PHS invites volunteers to support its work across the region, from assisting with plant propagation to helping maintain PHS’s network of public gardens. Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, make new friends, or contribute to greener public spaces, explore opportunities and sign up at https://phsonline.org/volunteer/for-individuals. 

Upcoming PHS Events 

Below is a curated list of upcoming PHS events. Additional events will be added to the PHS website throughout the season. 

May Garden Tour: PHS Meadowbrook Farm
May 16, 2026 

Kokedama Workshop: PHS Pop Up Gardens at Manayunk & South Street 
May 18, 2026 (Manayunk) 
May 19, 2026 (South Street) 

PECO Green Roof Tour: PECO Green Roof 
May 28, 2026 

June Plant Swap: PHS Pop Up Gardens at Manayunk & South Street 
June 1, 2026 (Manayunk) 
June 2, 2026 (South Street) 

PHS Garden Tour: Intimate Home Gardens of Philadelphia: Northwest Philadelphia 
June 3, 2026 

Know to Grow: “Nature’s Best Hope” with Doug Tallamy: Virtual 
June 10, 2026 

Garden Embroidery Workshop: PHS Pop Up Gardens at Manayunk & South Street
June 15, 2026 (Manayunk) 
June 16, 2026 (South Street) 

June Garden Tour: PHS Meadowbrook Farm
June 20, 2026 

PECO Green Roof Tour: PECO Green Roof
June 25, 2026 

Make Your Own Herbal Oils & Salves: A Home Herbalism Workshop: PHS Community Farm at Norristown Farm Park
June 28, 2026 

PECO Green Roof Tour: PECO Green Roof 
July 23, 2026 

Make Your Own Herbal Mocktails: A Home Herbalism Workshop: PHS Community Farm at Norristown Farm Park 
July 26, 2026 

PECO Green Roof Tour: PECO Green Roof 
August 26, 2026 

Growing Organic Herbs: A Home Herbalism Workshop: PHS Community Farm at Norristown Farm Park 
August 30, 2026 

Seed Saving Workshop and Community Seed Swap: PHS Community Farm at Norristown Farm Park 
September 20, 2026 

Make Your Own Herbal Bitters: A Home Herbalism Workshop: PHS Community Farm at Norristown Farm Park 
September 27, 2026 

Make Your Own Herbal Teas, Tinctures, Vinegars, and Syrups: A Home Herbalism Workshop: PHS Community Farm at Norristown Farm Park 
October 11, 2026 

About Pennsylvania Horticultural Society 
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), an internationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 1827, uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia Region. PHS programs create healthier living environments, increase access to fresh food, expand access to jobs and economic opportunity, and strengthen deeper social connections between people. PHS’s work spans 250 neighborhoods; an expansive network of public gardens and landscapes; year-round learning experiences; and the nation’s signature gardening event, the Philadelphia Flower Show. PHS provides everyone with opportunities to garden for the greater good as a participant, member, donor, or volunteer. For information and to support this impactful work, please visit PHSonline.org. 

About The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage 
The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage is a multidisciplinary grantmaker and hub for knowledge-sharing, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, and dedicated to fostering a vibrant cultural community in Greater Philadelphia. The Center invests in ambitious, imaginative, and catalytic work that showcases the region’s cultural vitality and enhances public life, and engages in an exchange of ideas concerning artistic and interpretive practice with a broad network of cultural practitioners and leaders. 
 

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