The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society: A History

Now over 175 years old, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society continues in its mission to "motivate people to improve the quality of life and create a sense of community through horticulture."

In 1827, the nation's first passenger and freight railroad, the Baltimore & Ohio, was incorporated, slavery was abolished in the state of New York, and on November 24, a group of gentleman farmers, botanists and other plant enthusiasts held a meeting to create the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. There, it was resolved "to establish a Horticultural Society in the City of Philadelphia for the promotion of this interesting and highly influential branch of Science." At this time, the fledging PHS boasted 53 members. Today, our membership is 15,000 strong.

"What's really amazing about this organization," says PHS president Jane Pepper, "is not only that it has lasted through two centuries, but that it has been able to accomplish such wonderful things—and these accomplishments would not be possible without the solid, loyal support of our membership."

Community, friendship, and glorious gardens all describe PHS, but interwoven with these descriptions is tradition, and the tradition that looms in most minds, is the Philadelphia Flower Show, held each year at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The first Flower Show was in 1829 at the Masonic Hall on Chestnut Street, where the well-known Christmas favorite, the poinsettia, was introduced. Over the decades, the event has grown dramatically to become the nation's grandest Flower Show, attracting 250,000 visitors annually over an eight-day period.

Our Philadelphia Green program is another integral part of the tradition at PHS. Initiated in 1974, it has become the nation's pre-eminent model for urban greening. From its grassroots efforts to plant neighborhood vegetable gardens, the program has grown to be a major player in all realms of the urban landscape.

From neighborhood parks to the restoration of major public landscapes, such as Penn's Landing and the grounds of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Green has involved thousands of city residents in an ongoing effort to make the city a more livable, likable place to live and work.

The greatest PHS tradition, however, is volunteering. If there is any single concept that gets to the core of PHS's mission, it is the act of getting together with other gardeners of all backgrounds and "working the soil." Whether it's planting fall bulbs in a Philadelphia neighborhood, taking a tour of other members' gardens, or joining other avid gardeners to help stage the Philadelphia Flower Show, when gardeners come together, great things happen.

Fostering the passion for sowing and growing together has been one of the greatest achievements to emerge in the 175 year history of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

FOR PRESS INFORMATION, CONTACT:

LAURA BEITMAN, email or call 215-988-8836