Whether it’s the memory of a grandparent’s backyard garden or a beloved family recipe that starts with a homegrown herb or vegetable, our personal, cultural, and horticultural traditions help shape how we garden. A celebration of gardening origin stories inspires the theme of this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show, “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening,” and is captured by creative designers of floral arrangements, lush gardens, and landscapes for visitors from around the world. Experience memories and magnificence in a day spent at the show.
Started in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the show is both the nation's largest and the world’s longest-running horticultural event, known for acres of beautiful displays. In addition, the 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show explores the traditions, practices, and personal journeys that shape our relationship with plants. Sustainable plant varieties and garden and design concepts are introduced at the show. It also offers horticulture and artistic floral arranging competitions, gardening presentations, lectures, demonstrations, and special events.
Horticulturist Chelsea Mahaffey leads the tour. A gourmet box lunch is provided. Participants purchase their own supper before departure in the evening.
Know Before You Go
- The tour departs by motorcoach from downtown Washington, DC with a designated secondary pick-up outside the city. Content delivered by the study leader on the way to the destination, after the secondary pick-up, is an integral part of the study tour experience. Meeting the group once the tour is en route is discouraged.
- Tour participants meet at and leave by bus from the Mayflower Hotel, Connecticut Ave. and DeSales St., NW, with a stop at the DoubleTree by Hilton Laurel, 15101 Sweitzer Lane at approximately 9:40 a.m.
General Information
- Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
