Award Winners Announced for 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, Rooted: Origins of American Gardening

PHILADELPHIA, PA – March 2, 2026 – The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is pleased to announce the award winners of the 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, Rooted: Origins of American Gardening. This year’s Flower Show is in full bloom inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center, running until March 8, 2026. Featuring breathtaking landscapes, imaginative floral artistry, and innovative design, the 2026 show invites visitors to explore how gardening traditions continue to evolve and inspire. 

“We are proud to recognize this year’s award winners whose exceptional design, horticultural skill, and storytelling elevate the Flower Show experience. Their work not only honors the rich roots of American gardening but also demonstrates how creativity and innovation can inspire more resilient, beautiful, and connected communities,” said PHS’s Vice President and Creative Director of the Flower Show, Seth Pearsoll. 

“The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup for Best in Show,” “The Philadelphia Trophy,” and “The Mayor’s Trophy” are among the many coveted awards bestowed on designers. 

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup for Best in Show – Floral was awarded to Arrange, LLC for their exhibit, “My Atomic Number.” This unique floral exhibit reflects the founder’s personal gardening origin story, shaped by his curiosity, discovery, and an enduring connection to the natural world. Drawing on memories of exploration and wonder, the exhibit channels energy, pressure, and transformation into a bold floral expression. Through layered textures and dynamic form, the arrangement captures a journey of growth where fascination with nature evolves into a powerful creative force seeking a new shape. 

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup for Best in Show – Landscape was awarded to Mark Cook Landscape & Contracting, LLC for their exhibit, “The Unseen Palette”. This exhibit captures the instinctive nature of artistic creation, where unspoken ideas take form through bold color, layered plantings, and expressive design. Rooted in the rich history of horticulture, the exhibit envisions an infinite palette in which flowers and textures emerge in a dynamic, purposeful composition. 

Recognizing outstanding emerging talent in the Educational Exhibits category, which features high school and university participants, The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup for Best in Show – Educational Exhibits for the highest-scoring exhibit demonstrating exceptional educational merit was awarded to Mercer County Community College for their exhibit, “Peter Henderson to Present: The Horticulturists of the Garden State”. This garden traces New Jersey’s horticultural legacy from pioneering 19th-century grower Peter Henderson to modern innovators who shaped plant production across the state. The exhibit recreates a working farm environment that illustrates how research, industry, and education continue to influence gardening and agriculture today. 

The 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show takes place from February 28 – March 8. Visit PHSonline.org/the-flower-show for additional information. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.PHSonline.org. 

For a full list of the 2026 Flower Show award winners, please see the list below. 

LANDSCAPE WINNERS

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup for Best in Show  - Landscape 

• Mark Cook Landscape & Contracting LLC 

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Silver Trophy - Landscape major exhibit receiving the second-highest number of points   

• Irwin Landscaping, Inc

The American Horticultural Society Environmental Award  - For an exhibit of horticultural excellence that best demonstrates the bond between horticulture and the environment and inspires the viewer to beautify home and community through skillful design and appropriate plant material. 

• Irwin Landscaping, Inc. 

Anne Vallery Award - Awarded to the Major Exhibit that uses its intent to take a vibrant and strong stance on an issue - environmental, humanitarian, etc. - and encourages the viewer to be introspective about the topic.

• Irwin Landscaping, Inc. 

The Governor's Trophy  - For the Landscape major exhibit that demonstrates the most innovative or unique design. 

• Unknown Studio

The Philadelphia Trophy - For the Landscape major exhibit that demonstrates the best use of color.  

• Kelly D. Norris, LLC 

The Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association Trophies - Showing the most effective use of plants and best use of design in the Landscape and Educational categories. 

• Irwin Landscaping, Inc. 

Special Achievement Awards of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania - Awarded to exhibits of unusual excellence (1,000 square feet and over, and under 1,000 square feet) in the categories of Conservation, Education, Horticulture, and Creativity. 

• Conservation over 1,000 sq feet:  Laurel-Brook Gardens  

• Conservation under 1,000 sq feet:  Etta Studio 

• Education over 1,000 sq feet: Irwin Landscaping, Inc.  

• Education under 1,000 sq feet:  Design Under Sky 

• Horticulture over 1,000 sq feet:  Mark Cook Landscape & Contracting LLC  

• Horticulture under 1,000 sq feet:  Men's Garden Club of Philadelphia 

• Creativity over 1,000 sq feet:  Apiary Studio  

• Creativity under 1,000 sq feet: Kelly D. Norris, LLC 

The Kate & Robert Bartlett Award  -  For the best use of trees in a Landscape. 

• Irwin Landscaping, Inc. 

PHS Gardening for the Greater Good Award  - For the exhibit that best exemplifies PHS’s mission to activate horticulture and gardening as a force for the “greater good” by advancing the health and well-being of people and their environments. 

• Laurel-Brook Gardens 

Philadelphia Unit of The Herb Society of America, Inc. Award  

• Irwin Landscaping, Inc. 

FLORAL DESIGN WINNERS

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup for Best in Show - Floral 

• Arrange, LLC 

The Philadelphia Flower Show Silver Trophy  - Floral major exhibit receiving the second-highest number of points 

• Robertson’s Flowers and Events

The Mayor’s Trophy  - For the Floral major exhibit that demonstrates the most innovative or unique design or use of plants or products. 

• Arrange, LLC 

The Phyllis M. Craig Award - For the Floral major exhibit that demonstrates the best use of color in flowering and/or foliage plants in an innovative or unique design. 

• Robertson’s Flowers & Events 

Society of American Florists Flower Show Award - For artistic presentation of flowers and plants for public enjoyment in the Floral category. 

• Jennifer Designs 

The Emile H. Geschick Memorial Award - For distinctive orchid display, to be judged for quality and artistic arrangement in either group or individual specimens. 

• Chadwick & Son Orchids 

American Orchid Society Show Trophy - For the most meritorious orchid exhibit. 

• Waldor Orchids

PHS Gardening for the Greater Good Award - For the exhibit that best exemplifies PHS’s mission to activate horticulture and gardening as a force for the “greater good” by advancing the health and well-being of people and their environments. 

• Robertson’s Flowers & Events 

The Ron Mulray Memorial Award - For the Floral major exhibit that demonstrates the most exceptional and captivating use of creativity, pushing the boundaries of design to make the ordinary extraordinary.  

• American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) 

EDUCATIONAL EXHIBIT WINNERS

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup for Best in Show - Educational 

• Mercer County Community College 

The Alfred M. Campbell Memorial Trophy - For the Educational major exhibit that demonstrates the most successful use of a variety of plants in a unique fashion. 

• Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School 

Chicago Horticultural Society Flower Show Medal  - For an Educational exhibit showing outstanding horticultural skill and knowledge in a nationally recognized flower show. 

• Mercer County Community College 

PHS Sustainability Award  - For the Educational major exhibit that demonstrates the best use of sustainable gardening practices to the public. 

• W.B. Saul High School 

The Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association Trophy  - Showing the most effective use of plants and best use of design in the Landscape and Educational categories. 

• Temple University Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture 

Massachusetts Horticultural Society Gold Medal - For the Educational exhibit demonstrating the best use of design. 

• Lakeside School Greenhouse 

The Bulkley Medal of The Garden Club of America  - For a special exhibit in the field of horticulture, botany, or conservation. The exhibit of exceptional educational merit increases the knowledge and awareness of the viewing public. It is the exhibit that best combines an important message with the ability to convey that message to the public. 

• Temple University Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture 

The PHS Gold Medal Award - For the best use of PHS Gold Medal plants in a major exhibit. 

• Temple University Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture 

PHS Gardening for the Greater Good Award  - For the exhibit that best exemplifies PHS’s mission to activate horticulture and gardening as a force for the “greater good” by advancing the health and well-being of people and their environments. 

• Temple University Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture 

Philadelphia Unit of The Herb Society of America, Inc. Award   

• Temple University Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture 

• Delaware Valley University 

RHS Choice Award 

• Temple University Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture 

Massachusetts Horticultural Society Gold Medal Award 

• Lakeside School Greenhouse 

PHS MEDAL WINNERS 

PHS awards medals for all three categories of exhibitors based on different criteria to celebrate creativity and exceptional execution. Exhibits are scored and awards are given based on quality of design, horticultural excellence, plantsmanship, construction and craftsmanship, visitor experience, and educational value (for Educational exhibits). 

PHS Gold Medal – for major exhibits receiving 90-100 points 

Landscape 

• Irwin Landscaping, Inc. 

• Kelly D. Norris 

• Laurel-Brook Gardens 

• Mark Cook Landscape & Contracting 

Floral 

• American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) 

• Arrange, LLC 

• Robertson’s Flowers & Events 

Educational 

• Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School 

• Mercer County Community College 

• Temple University Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture 

PHS Silver Medal – for major exhibits receiving 80-89 points 

Landscape 

• Apiary Studio 

• Susan Cohan Gardens 

• The Men’s Garden Club of Philadelphia 

• Unknown Studio 

Floral 

• Bloom Bold Co 

• Jennifer Designs 

• Rachel Cho Floral Design 

Educational 

• Delaware Valley University 

• Lakeside School Greenhouse 

• University of Delaware 

• W.B. Saul High School 

PHS Bronze Medal - for major exhibits receiving 65-79 points.  

Landscape 

• Design Under Sky 

Floral 

• TissaRose  

• Simply Nia Design  

Educational 

• Bucks County Community College Floral Design Program 

ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW 
The award-winning PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation's largest and the world’s longest-running horticultural event, featuring stunning displays by some of the world’s premier floral and landscape designers. Started in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Show introduces diverse and sustainable plant varieties and garden and design concepts. In addition to acres of garden displays, the Flower Show hosts world-renowned competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging, gardening presentations and demonstrations, and special events. 

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. 

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