The Arboretum at Penn State has something exciting blooming.

For the first time in 30 years, Penn State is heading to the 2027 Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Philadelphia Flower Show.

Penn State will plan and create a garden display for the nation’s largest and longest-running horticulture event, taking place March 12-21, 2027, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

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The Arboretum will lead the development of the exhibit alongside faculty, staff, and students from multiple Penn State campuses and units.

This year’s theme for the annual Flower Show is “Iconic.” With an estimated 250,000 visitors, the exhibit will represent the university through horticulture and design.

Casey Sclar, H.O. Smith Endowed Director of The Arboretum at Penn State, explained the opportunity as a chance for Penn State to share its story.

“Penn State has an incredible story to tell. The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show gives us an opportunity to tell that story in a whole new way,” Sclar said in a news release.

“Innovative design and exceptional uses of plants will draw visitors to the exhibit, but we really hope their takeaway is something much bigger: the legacy of experiential education, research, and Penn State’s positive impact across Pennsylvania and beyond.”

As part of the effort to showcase this year’s “Iconic” theme, the entire Penn State community can help tell the university’s story through a “call for objects.”

The Arboretum will welcome objects that connect to the university and reflect Penn State as a whole.

“We want this to be a community-driven part of the exhibit and show the many ways Penn State has made an impact,” Rachel Duke, public programs manager for the Arboretum, said.

More information regarding the call for objects is available on the Arboretum’s webpage. Those interested can fill out an interest form, due December 18.

For tickets and information for the 198th PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, visit the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society webpage.

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