Matt Radar, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society discussed the 195th Philadelphia Flower Show, the nation’s first and the world’s largest indoor flower exhibition March 2 through March 10 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  We discussed the impact of the show which is expected to pump 60 million dollars into the local economy through hotels, restaurants, transportation and other local attractions, it also serves as an inducement for international travel to the Philadelphia region.

This year’s theme is United By Flowers and he described the installations that will be presented, new designers, the largest water feature ever on display, and more international participants. 

We talked about the programming this event supports; this is the biggest fundraiser of the year for PHS.  Matt talked about the community gardens that supply fresh produce, Tree Tenders that plants trees that lower neighborhood temperatures and provide shade, and their vacant lot rescues that actually lowers crime numbers and adds to home values.   It also funds programming that maintains the city parks and boulevard plantings and underwrites their Work Force Development that teaches low income and the formerly incarcerated participants horticultural and job skills. He notes they have a 90% job placement record for its graduates. 

We discussed volunteers, over 3,000 are used to produce the show, plus all year they need tree tenders and gardeners to plant, clear and maintain public plantings. 

Matt invites everyone to come and enjoy the show, there is something for everybody, from interior and patio décor, flowers, bulbs, furnishings and floral art, with class and demos for large projects and window boxes, plus special events such as Member’s Day and the Preview Gala March 1st, family Frolic day on March 3rd, Fido Friday March 8th and the Flowers  After Hours dance party March 9th.   He encouraged us to become members to enjoy discounts and the member’s lounge at the show and special programming throughout the year. 

For more information about membership, programming and The Philadelphia Flower Show go to PHSonline.org