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Flower Shows Evolve: Education and Engagement Take Root

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. s-evolve-education-and-engagement-take-root.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 21:14 GMT by Forbes
      Locales: UNITED KINGDOM, NETHERLANDS, FRANCE, UNITED STATES

Philadelphia, PA - February 25th, 2026 - For generations, flower shows have heralded the arrival of spring, offering a visual feast of horticultural artistry. However, a quiet revolution is underway within these long-standing events. No longer content to simply showcase breathtaking displays, flower shows across the nation - from the iconic Philadelphia Flower Show to the esteemed New York Botanical Garden's event and the vibrant San Diego Flower & Garden Show - are actively evolving into immersive hubs of horticultural education, hands-on experience, and community engagement.

This transformation isn't merely cosmetic; it represents a deliberate strategy to broaden appeal and cultivate a new generation of gardening enthusiasts. Traditionally focused on competitive exhibits and elaborate landscapes, these shows are now recognizing the need to offer something more - practical knowledge, skills development, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Bonnie Bierman, president of the Philadelphia Flower Show, explains the driving force behind the shift. "We want to engage not only the serious horticulturalist but also someone who's just interested in learning how to grow a few herbs on their windowsill," she says. "It's about expanding the appeal of horticulture, making it accessible and relevant to everyone." This sentiment is echoed by organizers nationwide, who are actively incorporating educational components into every facet of their events.

In Philadelphia, this manifests as a robust schedule of workshops covering topics ranging from the fundamentals of container gardening and vertical gardening techniques to advanced floral design and sustainable landscaping practices. Attendees can now participate in demonstrations, receiving step-by-step guidance from experts on everything from pruning roses to building terrariums. The 2026 show boasts a record number of workshop participants, indicating a strong appetite for hands-on learning.

The New York Botanical Garden's Flower Show is taking a similarly innovative approach. Beyond the spectacular floral arrangements, the show features a series of talks and demonstrations by renowned floral designers, botanical artists, and leading horticultural researchers. A new initiative this year involves collaborative partnerships with local nurseries and garden centers, ensuring attendees have easy access to the plants and materials needed to recreate the inspiration they find at the show. This is a marked departure from previous years, where sourcing materials could be a challenge.

San Diego's Flower & Garden Show is capitalizing on the growing interest in sustainable gardening and local food production. A highlight of this year's event is a series of guided garden tours led by local experts, showcasing innovative approaches to water conservation, organic gardening, and edible landscaping. Show director Rick Poole notes, "People are looking for connection, community, and education. Flower shows can provide all of that, in a beautiful and inspiring setting." The tours aren't just observational; they're interactive, offering attendees the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from each other.

This shift within flower shows aligns with a broader resurgence of interest in gardening and floral design, particularly among younger demographics. The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in this trend, as individuals sought solace and connection with nature during periods of lockdown and social distancing. Gardening provided a productive outlet for stress relief, a source of fresh produce, and a sense of accomplishment. Now, as life returns to a semblance of normalcy, that momentum is being channeled into events like flower shows.

The Philadelphia Flower Show is reporting record attendance numbers for 2026, with a noticeable increase in attendees under the age of 40. The New York Botanical Garden's event is experiencing a similar demographic shift, attracting new and younger audiences eager to learn and connect with the world of horticulture. The San Diego Flower & Garden Show is seeing a surge in sign-ups for its workshops and demonstrations, indicating a strong demand for practical, hands-on learning opportunities. Notably, both Philadelphia and New York are also expanding their digital presence, offering virtual workshops and online resources to reach a wider audience.

Furthermore, the Philadelphia show has partnered with local chefs to offer cooking demonstrations, utilizing herbs and vegetables grown on-site. This integration of food and gardening underscores the holistic benefits of horticulture, emphasizing the connection between plant cultivation and healthy living. The San Diego show is also experimenting with augmented reality experiences, allowing attendees to visualize how plants would look in their own gardens.

Ultimately, the evolution of flower shows signifies a recognition that beauty and display are no longer enough. The future of these events lies in their ability to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of horticultural enthusiasts - fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a more sustainable future.