Botanical Arts  

Registration for the Botanical Arts Classes will start on September 17, 2025.   

180—RED-CARPET GLAMOUR (Botanical Couture)  

• Design a red-carpet gown inspired by old Hollywood glamour of the ’30s and ’40s on a provided 10" high doll dress form. You may use adhesive on the doll form to secure the garment. It is not a requirement to cover with plant material any part of the doll form not covered by the garment.
• 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. A 25-word (maximum) statement of intent is required and will be displayed with the entry.  
• Entries will be displayed on backed pedestals. A diagram of the dimensions and staging will be sent to exhibitors.

181—ART DECO DANGLES (Botanical Jewelry)   

• Design a pair of Art Deco inspired earrings. A neutral display stand will be provided at installation (6.5″ high, crossbar 2.5″ wide, 2″ between post holes). Limited to 6 entries. 

182—HIPPIE CHIC (Botanical Jewelry) 

• A 1960s-inspired pendant on a “love bead” chain. You may include several layers of beads, but only one pendant is required. 
• 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—DISCO FEVER (Botanical Form)   

• Design a 1970s disco platform heel. The provided shoe base is acting as your form and must be entirely covered in plant material. Exhibits will be staged on the base of the case. Information regarding the dimensions the exhibit cannot exceed, staging, and shoe-form shipping will be sent to exhibitors in the confirmation communication. Limited to 6 entries. 

184—BODACIOUS BLING (Botanical Jewelry)   

• Chunky punky or bright and bold, design a bracelet cuff inspired by the ’80s…totally. Staged on a 4″ square cube covered in neutral fabric. Cuff size may not exceed the 4″ square flat surface of the cube. Limited to 6 entries. 

185—THE GILDED AGE (Botanical Jewelry)   

• Design a brooch for an affluent socialite. Brooch should be no smaller than 3″ and not to exceed 4″ in all directions; no pin is required on the back, as it will be mounted on the neutral, angled backdrop of the display case. Limited to 6 entries. 

186—VINTAGE VIXEN (Botanical Form) 

• Design a make-up compact with 1950s flair and filled with eye shadow, lipstick, or blush. An actual compact is permitted as your base, but it must be completely covered in plant material. The compact may be shown open or closed. If shown open, the interior must also be covered in plant material with the exception of a mirror. Displayed on a slightly angled platform on the base of the exhibit case. 
• Youth/Novice Class. Open only to high-school students or exhibitors who have not won a blue ribbon in the Botanical Arts or Jewelry classes of the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show prior to 2026. Student entries will have priority. 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 start on September 17, 2025. See the Exhibitor’s Guide for details about frame sizes and deadlines.    

You must be 17 years old or older to enter Classes 141, 142, 143, 144, or 145.  

141—AMERICA’S FIRST ZOO   

• Novice Class. Philadelphia is home to America’s first zoo. Highlight its incredible animals, beautiful landscapes, stunning architecture, or memorable events. Open only to exhibitors who have not won a blue ribbon in the Pressed Plant classes at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show prior to 2026. A framed piece. Limited to 15 entries. 

142—PHILADELPHIA LANDMARKS 

• Philadelphia is steeped in history! Capture the essence of our City of Brotherly Love by showcasing its iconic sculptures, historic streets, architectural gems, or legendary landmarks. A framed piece. Limited to 15 entries. 

143—CELEBRATING OUR ROOTS 

• 3-Dimensional Class. Our roots—shaped by family and ancestry—nurture our growth, success, and identity. Share your story through coating 100% of the outside covers (front, back, and spine) of a hardback, blank journal with pressed plant material. It must stand on its own when it is open for display. Book must not exceed 12″ tall with each cover no bigger than 9″ wide. Limited to 8 entries.  

144—CITYSCAPE IN BLOOM 

• Mixed Media Class. Bring a cityscape to life in full bloom. Illustrate your vision of urban beauty. Create a mixed media 2-Dimensional artwork that includes at least 75% flat pressed plant material. All mixed media materials must be flat (i.e., watercolor, decorative paper, acrylic paint). A framed piece. Limited to 15 entries. 

145—TIME FORGOTTEN 

• Depict a garden lost to time. Journey into the past and bring to life the beauty of ancient world-renowned gardens—lush spaces once cherished across civilizations and cultures. A framed piece. Limited to 15 entries. 

146—FLEDGING THE NEST 

• Youth Class. Capture any image of a bird or birds. Birds grow, explore, and soar, leaving their roots in their awakening of independence. This class is for youths in Grades 3-12. A framed piece that is any size frame 8″X10″ or smaller, with exterior molding not exceeding 9.5″X11.5″. All youth entries will be juried. 

Photography

Registration for the Photography Classes will start on September 17, 2025.

191—DWELLING   

• A photo of a bird that includes a nest or birdhouse. Color. 

192—DETAILS  

• A macro or closeup image showing the intricate beauty of a plant or flower. The subject must fill the frame. Color.  

193—VIBRANT   

• An image of a colorful leaf or leaves using a creative technique. Creative Techniques: The use of manipulation or alteration in any stage of the photographic process to achieve an effect that the original subject is no longer discernible or reflective of reality. Compositing techniques are allowed. Color. 

194—QUENCH   

• A scene highlighting a plant or plants growing in or near water. Color. 

195—CELLARED   

• A still life featuring root vegetables. Color. 

196—FOUNDATIONS   

• An image portraying the beauty and complexity of roots. Color. 

197—LEGACY   

• A photo of an insect or other pollinator interacting with a flower or plant. Color. 

198—RECORD 

• A black and white photo of a historical or old cemetery or tombstone. Black and white.