About the Show
caret icon
Experience the Show
caret icon
Participate
caret icon
Press
caret icon
Become A Member

Exhibit

flowershow2026 rachelwisniewski 437

2027 Flower Show Artistic Classes

The Artistic Classes are the perfect place for individuals to put their artistic skills and talent on display. In the Artistic Classes, exhibitors compete for a coveted blue ribbon in entry categories such as Arrangements, Botanical Arts (formerly Jewelry), Photography, and Pressed Plants. Show off your skills with the perfect blend of art and gardening.  

Complete rules are available in the 2027 Exhibitor’s Guide below. Registration for all Artistic Classes will start on September 16, 2026, at 8 am EST.  

Read our Exhibitor's guide

 

Arrangement Classes 

The Arrangement Classes celebrate incredible floral design from classic to contemporary.  Each Class is limited for 4 entries. Registration for the Arrangement Classes will open on September 16, 2026, at 8 am EST.  

  • 100-OP—Open Platform: READY FOR THE RUNWAY
    • A garment made primarily of plant material, displayed on a dress form provided by PHS. Fresh plant material should predominate. Dried plant material is allowed. Some fabric or other mechanics may show if they are an integral part of the design. No accessories are permitted unless they are a part of the dress.
  • 101-Q—Quadrant: Apple Pie
    • A design incorporating at least one uncut apple and/or dried apple slices. Sustainability Challenge: Traditional floral foam is not permitted.
  • 102-S—Small Niche: BRUSH STROKES
    • An arrangement using only dried plant material.
  • 116-BP—Backed Platform: LIGHTS, CAMERA, FLOWERS
    • Interpret a well-known movie from any genre; no duplicates.
  • 125-G—Galleria: REVOLUTIONS IN ART
    • A design using a large horizontal hanging frame provided at the Show. Name the artistic movement; no duplicates.
  • 129-LP—Large Backed Pedestal: SHOCK VALUE
    • A design using dried plant material only, in a table-top standing frame provided by PHS in January.
  • 119-M—Miniature Arrangement: ALL THAT JAZZ
  • 120-M—Miniature Arrangement: A LITTLE BIT OF COUNTRY
    • Component Challenge Class. Components and rules will be provided by PHS in January. Note: Only one exhibitor per entry; no co-exhibitors are permitted in this class.
  • 121-M—Miniature Arrangement: ROCK AND ROLL
  • 122-M—Miniature Arrangement: SYMMETRY
    • Novice Class. Open only to exhibitors who have not won a blue ribbon in the Miniature Arrangement classes of the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show prior to 2027.
  • 123-M—Miniature Arrangement: CHANGING GEARS
  • 124-M—Miniature Arrangement: THE NEXT TURN
  • 103-OP—Open Platform: GOOD WITCH/BAD WITCH
    • A duo design displayed in a single container or joined containers that presents two distinctly different back-to-back designs. Use of PHS pedestals is optional.
  • 104-Q—Quadrant: LEAF IT ALONE
    • An arrangement using only foliage; no flowers.
  • 105-S—Small Niche: SCHOOL DAYS
    • Novice Class. Open only to exhibitors who have not won a blue ribbon in the Arrangement classes of the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show prior to 2027.
  • 117-BP—Backed Pedestal: THIS LAND IS MY LAND
    • Name the U.S. National Park; no duplicates. Sustainability Challenge: Traditional floral foam is not permitted.
  • 126-G—Galleria: ART IN BLOOM
    • A design interpreting a poster of a well-known masterpiece provided by PHS.
  • 130-LP—Large Backed Pedestal: I LOVE A PARADE
    • A parallel design where components are placed in distinct, parallel groupings (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally).

 

  • 108-OP—Open Platform: GREAT CIVILIZATIONS
    • Name the civilization; no duplicates. Use of PHS pedestals is optional.
  • 109-Q—Quadrant: OFF TO THE RACES
    • A hat inspired by a derby race. A hat form will be provided by PHS beginning in January.
  • 110-S—Small Niche: LET’S DANCE
  • 118-BP—Backed Pedestal: IF YOU BUILD IT
    • Interpret an architectural style. Name the style; no duplicates.
  • 127-G—Galleria: AMERICAN ROAD TRIP
    • Name the location; no duplicates.
  • 131-LP—Large Backed Pedestal: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, PHS
    • An “exhibition table” incorporating dining components artistically arranged without considering the service of food. The exhibit must include a completed floral design. Sustainability Challenge: Traditional floral foam is not permitted.

Botanical Arts 

Botanical Arts classes feature authentic-looking jewelry and accessory designs created from dried plant material. Entries must appear to be wearable and/or functional. There are four categories of Botanical Arts. Registration for the Botanical Arts Classes will open on September 16, 2026, at 8 am EST.  

  • Botanical Jewelry: A design created entirely from dried plant material and made to resemble wearable jewelry in both size and function. Plant materials may be treated. No mechanics or structural base materials may be visible
  • Botanical Embellishment: A man-made object enhanced with dried plant material. Plant materials may be treated. Complete coverage of the object is not required.
  • Botanical Couture: A design emulating an item of clothing and/or other fashion accessory created from all dried plant material. Plant materials may be treated.
  • Botanical Forms: A design of any other form (e.g., not Botanical Jewelry, Botanical Embellishment, or Botanical Couture) created from all dried plant material.

  • 180—HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHS! (Botanical Form)   Create and decorate a birthday cake to celebrate PHS turning 200. Dimensions cannot exceed the interior measurements of the acrylic case. Viewed from all sides.

    • Expert Class. Open only to exhibitors who have been awarded a blue ribbon in a previous PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Botanical Arts or Jewelry class. Limited to 4 entries.

  • 181—THE GILDED GARDEN (Botanical Couture)   Create a garden themed minaudière for an outdoor soiree. Designed to be free-standing. Displayed on base of cabinet. Viewed from three sides and top. Dimensions cannot exceed 8″ wide x 4″ deep x 5″ high. Limited to 6 entries.

  • 182—DOWN TO EARTH (Botanical Jewelry) A collar necklace featuring a bejeweled garden tool(s) as the focal point. Necklace not to exceed the 8″ wide x 10″ high space allocated for staging. Displayed against a neutral angled backdrop. Limited to 6 entries.

  • 183—A BIRTHDAY FOR THE BOOKS (Botanical Form)   Create a crown for a child’s birthday inspired by a children’s book. Name the book; no duplicates. Crown must not exceed 6″ diameter and 5″ high. Viewed from three sides and interior will be visible. Displayed on base of cabinet. Limited to 6 entries. 

  • 184—A TWIST OF GLAM (Botanical Jewelry)   Design a pair of earrings inspired by your favorite garden party cocktail. A neutral display stand will be provided at installation (6.5″ high, crossbar 2.5″ wide, 2″ between post holes). Limited to 4 entries; 4 in Class 184 and 4 in Class 184A. 

  • 185—WRAP STAR (Botanical Form)   Design a festively wrapped and stacked gift for a special birthday. Must include a minimum of two boxes and a bow. Entry must not exceed 8″ wide x 8″ deep x 10″ high. Displayed on base of cabinet. Viewed from three sides and top. Limited to 6 entries. 

  • 186—SOAK UP THE VIBES (Botanical Embellishment) Embellish a watering can. Viewed from three sides. Staged on base of display cabinet. Watering cans will be provided to exhibitors after acceptance in the class.

    • Novice Class. Open only to exhibitors who have not won a blue ribbon in the Botanical Arts or Jewelry classes of the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show prior to 2027. Limited to 6 entries.

 

Pressed Plants  

In the Pressed Plant Classes, exhibitors transform pressed plant material into stunning works of art.  Registration for the Pressed Plant Classes will open on September 16, 2026, at 8 am EST.  

  •  142—WHAT ARE YOU WEARING? Showcase an iconic era in fashion. A framed piece. Limited to 15 entries. See age and frame restrictions below.
  • 143—BOXED BOTANY. 3-Dimensional Class. Design a seed storage box that includes the name of your favorite seed. No smaller than 6″ x 8″; no larger than 12″ on any side. To be staged with the lid closed. All sides and top must be completely covered in flat pressed plant material.  To be displayed on a pedestal. Limited to 8 entries. See age restrictions below.
  • 144—ZEN & TRANQUIL GARDEN. Unwind in a minimalist or peaceful garden for meditation. A framed piece. Limited to 15 entries. See age and frame restrictions below.
  • 145—WHERE THE PATH STILL LINGERS. Novice Class. Evoke a sense of hidden magic, mystery, and blooming wonder along a walking path. Open only to exhibitors who have not won a blue ribbon in the Pressed Plant classes at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show prior to 2027. A framed piece. Limited to 15 entries. See age and frame restrictions below.
  • 146—MAJESTIC BRANCHES. Youth Class. Create your interpretation of a tree or trees. Can include any part of a tree and does not have to be realistic. Let your imagination run wild! New: This class is for youths in Grades 7-12. A framed piece that is any size frame 8″ x 10″ or smaller, with exterior molding not exceeding 9.5″ x 11.5″. Limited to 55 entries. See below for new details and deadlines. 

 

Photography

Grab your camera and start capturing the beauty of the season today. Your blue ribbon moment starts now! All entries in the Photography Classes are juried. Full rules will be announced in the 2027 Exhibitor’s Guide

  • 191—BLOOM STUDY. A still life photograph showcasing an abundant floral design. Color.
  • 192—WEATHER OR NOT. A black and white photograph highlighting weather or atmospheric conditions, emphasizing mood, movement, or environmental impact. Black and White.
  • 193—A PLACE TO PAUSE. A photograph featuring seating within a public garden. Color.
  • 194—GROWING UP. A diptych showing the evolution of seeds. The print has two photographs placed next to each other – one of seed(s) and one of the plant or plants that grows from them. A border surrounding each of the two photographs required in this class. Color.
  • 195—BETWEEN DAY AND NIGHT. A landscape photographed during the blue hour. Color.
  • 196—THE LINES OF TIME. A close-up photograph showing the amazing texture, color, or features of bark. Color.
  • 197—THE POWER OF COLOR. A colorful photograph of plant material transformed into an abstract using creative techniques. Color.
  • 198—BIRD BATH. A photograph of a bird or birds bathing. Color.

Interested in becoming an exhibitor at the Flower Show in our competitive classes? Sign up for our email list to be the first to hear about new class entries and workshops.

sign up here

Watch videos and explore more resources for submission tips!

Explore
Be a part of the PHS community.
For more information, contact the Competitive Classes Team.
email
compclasses@pennhort.org
2020 Pressed Plant entry
2020 Arrangement Class entry
2020 Botanical Jewelry entries on display
2021 Photography Class entry
2020 Arrangement Class entry
2020 Botanical Jewelry class entry