It’s almost here! The Philadelphia Flower Show takes place March 2 through 10, 2019, in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th & Arch streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It’s the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event.

This year’s theme, “Flower Power”, is especially obvious in “Flowers After Hours“, a special evening March 2 centered on Beatlemania.

At the Philadelphia Flower Show Designer’s Studio, top floral designers from around the globe compete head-to-head. Floral design demonstration and workshops are led by past and present FTD World Cup competitors.

And, speaking of the FTD World Cup, visitors to the 2019 Philadelphia Flower Show will have the opportunity to witness one of the world’s most prestigious floral design competitions, which hasn’t been held in the United States since 1985. The FTD World Cup 2019 brings together the world’s top floral designers, representing 23 countries, for an intense floral design competition where the winner will be named Interflora World Cup champion. Over the course of three days, the designers will produce floral creations from both predetermined themes and surprise packages of materials. The results will be on display throughout the week of the show.

Want an unhurried visit? Consider signing up for one of the guided early morning tours led by expert docents and veteran Flower Show enthusiasts. There are early morning tours led by expert photographers as well.

The Philadelphia Flower Show includes your Road Trips Gardener’s favorite “flowers”. “Butterflies Live!” is an interactive and educational exhibit presented by California’s SkyRiver Butterflies. The marketplace features more than 180 vendors selling everything from garden furniture and hand-crafted jewelry to fresh cut flowers and garden supplies.

You can buy tickets ahead of time online through March 1, 2019.

Insider tip: Plan to visit during the late afternoon and evenings to avoid larger crowds. If you want to plan your “route” ahead of time, download the show map.

This fully immersive habitat features native plants that attract butterflies and encourage pollination. More than 1,000 butterflies of 20+ domestic and exotic species are included in the attraction.

Started in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the show introduces plant varieties, garden and design concepts, and organic and sustainable practices. In addition to the major garden displays, the Flower Show hosts competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging, gardening presentations and demonstrations, special events, an indoor Marketplace, and the Bloom Philly Festival in the weeks leading up to the Show.

Flower Show revenue supports Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) greening efforts, which help connect people through horticulture, and work together to create beautiful, healthy and sustainable communities.

(Photos courtesy of Philadelphia Flower Show; photo at top left is Finnish floral designer Pirjo Koppi)