I can’t complain about prolonged dreary cold weather here in Central Pennsylvania. This winter provided historic warmth and mild temperatures with almost no snow accumulations. As a flower enthusiast, I look forward to my annual journey to the Philly Flower Show.
Getting to the show, I say journey because of the two modes of transportation I utilize to get to downtown Philadelphia. Thanks to the Waze App, easy motoring to the Amtrak Paoli Station onto 30th Street Station, then SEPTA.
The annual Philadelphia show signals the unofficial start of spring. This year’s theme, the Garden Electric, provided a spark of color and vibrancy in an otherwise dreary time.
I welcome complimentary tickets to preview the exhibits as a Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) member. Why? The 13,000 PHS member preview versus over 100,000 attendees. The Philadelphia Flower Show is the world’s longest-running indoor flower show. With COVID-19 restrictions, you may recall that FDR Park was the temporary home for this significant event in 2021 and 2022.
The “Wow factor” for me is the Arrange, Floral, and Event Design from Haddonfield, New Jersey, hanging chandelier. According to their description sign, a flicker of fireflies on a summer night… a streak of lighting…a glimmering chandelier.
This year, the Black Girl Florists is new to the show—a national organization founded in 2019. Their “United Through Our Pour” exhibit displays roses and anthurium flowers cascading down wooden barrels. The 600 square feet feature twelve women who participated in the colorful design – four from Greater Philadelphia.
The Black Girl Florists received the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Gardening for the Greater Good Award and silver metal for their overall design.
Jacques Amand’s exhibit featured the must-have springtime flowering bulbs of tulips and daffodils, and you couldn’t miss the fragrant smell of spring with the hyacinths.
One of the best interpretations of the Garden Electric theme for the 2023 Philly Flower Show.
After being transported through the 10 acres of fresh blooms, lush gardens, and floral delights at the 2023 Philly Flower Show, I finished the day with lunch in the King of Prussia area at Estia Taverna and a Sage & Grey pedicure.
It’s no secret that flowers and houseplants positively impact health and well-being. How?
🌼 Mood booster
🪴 Clean the air
🌸 Can increase energy levels
🌺 It can help physically heal you
💐 Can boost happiness
Colorado State University’s recent findings suggest there are eight dimensions of well-being. Wellness comprises eight mutually co-dependence dimensions emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial. If any of these dimensions fall short over time, it will adversely affect one’s health, well-being, and quality of life.
My annual journey to the Philly Flower Show checks off a few boxes for well-being. What’s your favorite form of self-care/wellness?
Thank you for taking the time to visit the Age of Grace.
