Philadelphia Flower Show’s The Garden Electric Shines at Pennsylvania Convention Center
The 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show returned to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the first time since 2020.
“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” — Luther Burbank
Story, photos by Sharon Kozden
It was 72 degrees in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania today! That declarative statement warrants an exclamation point because I’m writing on a November day. I’ll take it. Not a cold-weather fan. The temperate temp has perfectly set the scene for my scribbling, as I’m recapping the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show on the eve of the 2024 Show theme’s announcement.
The Philadelphia Flower Show a.k.a. “America’s oldest and finest exhibit of creative landscapes, floral design and outstanding horticulture” is bringing “United by Flowers” to the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 2nd through March 1oth 2024 and will “illustrate the beauty and power of flowers to transform, inspire, delight, and connect us to one another.”
If there’s ever been a time our collective selves could use some connective-tissue strengthening via flower power, it’s now. You bet your sweet bippy on that!
Because I also am not keen on either crowds or waiting, I was pleased to be able to gain entry on the quick in March 2023 with my Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s complimentary Press Pass. Sweet. Even on Preview Day before opening to the general public, throngs still manage to fill the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Let me tell you about my electrifying day …
Once past the entrance gates, my plus-one and I parted to do our own things, go our own ways. I was on assignment, Nikon-focused and engaged in the art of content creation. Periodically, we’d meet to sit a spell and share observations.
Despite grabbing a user-friendly Show Map, I never actually referenced it. But that’s just me. Like William Wordsworth, “I wandered lonely as a cloud” to view The Garden Electric. It’s how I roll. No pressure to view Every. Single. Thing. That’s too much constraint for this free bird. I saunter and meander in easy-peasy style. That said, I also can break into power-walk mode when the spirit moves me. I was all over that Convention Center.
C’mon, let’s go! Follow my hither-thither pace as I display the many photos from my incredible journey through 2023’s Philadelphia Flower Show …
A veteran of many such shows, I made a beeline to the Grand Entrance, always a site of spectacle and grandeur. Everything is next-level colossal and extravagant at said entrance. I was on a mission to get as many shots as possible without photobombers. It can be done. Timing and pacing are everything. See what I mean …
Writer Sharon Kozden fronts a massive floral display.
Once beyond the spectacular and towering displays that comprise the Grand Entrance, I became a woman on the go with my Nikon in hand, pausing, shooting, then moving directly to the next visual stunner. At times I backtracked. Maybe I zig-zagged. Perhaps something peripherally caught my eye, and I pivoted to bend or reach for a better shot. Check these glorious, massive flower balls I nearly tripped over … but I jest.
Just a few feet from the enormous great balls of flowers, I was suddenly stopped in my tracks on seeing an exhibit that tugged at my heartstrings. Forearms and hands appeared to be releasing white doves into the sky in a “Tribute to the Children of War” as a brochure cried “In Search of Peace.” I was riveted … for reasons of my own. My mother passed away on January 17th of this year, and I was and have been a hot mess of a grieving daughter and now adult orphan. Consequently, I was triggered and immediately teared up when confronted with the exhibit below. We filter so very much through our own lives’ lenses.
I suspect plenty viewers were mesmerized by this affecting, poignant and provocative display. On the move again, I snapped away, photographing one display after the next, which is why you’re about to scroll through heaps of photos–an afternoon’s worth, actually …
From Left, Sharon Kozden and Anne Foote check out the Bloom Bar.
At Right, Sharon Kozden poses with a very ornamental fellow.
It was after viewing the intricately beaded purse shown above that I located the vendors along with their creative wares and offerings. My friend and plus-one bought me two pair of cute socks emblazoned with specific dog breeds. Very sweet.
But that peanut butter poo was a definite fan favorite. Just so original and not at all gross, in my opinion. Truly a gift for the pet owner who has everything. I remember how horrified I was when I brought a puppy into my home and discovered how she loved “fresh out of the oven” treats “baked” on the regular by my two cats. Rather quickly, I learned that canine behavior can be pretty disgusting.
Now a dog mom for some two-plus years, I’m over anything refined and delicate. Poop just is. That said, I’m now hip to my cats’ timetable and can pretty much circumvent any “snack time.” Oh, those The World’s Best Gardner cookies were stunning! A real find there. I met so many lovely individual vendors, who were more than happy to pose for a snap or share stories and details about their company and products.
My final stop before exiting the Show each year is the Merch Store. I like to view the themed trinkets, shirts and more. It’s how I summarize my previous hours’ long experience–an expository recap, if you will. Some people make a full day of it. I, however, become overstimulated in crowds after a few hours. Knowing my limits and setting boundaries enables me to enjoy myself rather than feel depleted afterward.
It truly was a grand day to feel the “spark of joy” at The Garden Electric! I look forward to being “United by Flowers” in 2024. I’m already scouting my closet for something to wear–something that will “transform, inspire and delight.” Note to future display exhibitors: please create a piece inspired by the comforting lyrical simplicity of Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers.” I’ve been waiting for years, wondering why none have moved on that. C’mon, y’all … plant up!
For more information and to purchase tickets to the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show, please visit PHS Philadelphia Flower Show (phsonline.org)
