Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS)

What Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) does

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1827 and headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. PHS's mission is to use horticulture to advance health and well-being across the Greater Philadelphia region, organized around four building blocks: access to fresh food, healthy living environments, deep social connections, and economic opportunities. The organization operates through a portfolio of interconnected programs including the signature Philadelphia Flower Show (the nation's largest and longest-running horticultural event, held annually at the Pennsylvania Convention Center), year-round PHS Pop Up Gardens (South Street and Manayunk locations), PHS Meadowbrook Farm, the PHS McLean Library, and the Green Equity Initiative.

PHS's core product offerings span community-focused programs — Community Gardens, Tree Programs (Tree Tenders), Transforming Vacant Land, Stormwater Solutions, and Workforce Development — alongside consumer-facing resources including Gold Medal Plants, GROW Magazine, the AskPHS forum, and the Know to Grow speaker series. The organization spans 250+ neighborhoods, supports 75+ community gardens, and mobilizes thousands of volunteers annually. Its underlying "technology" is horticultural expertise and a community-based delivery model rather than software or digital platforms; technical integrations are limited to Formstack and Google Maps.

PHS generates revenue through five primary streams: (1) annual Membership Dues ($50-$1,827+ across Contributing, Activist, Advocate, Champion, and 1827 Society tiers); (2) Philadelphia Flower Show ticket sales ($29.99-$49.99 adult admission, plus a $90 Floral Fanatic Pass, group rates, and special events); (3) Corporate Sponsorship (exclusive sponsors Bank of America and Independence Blue Cross; official sponsors ACME Markets, Bartlett Tree Experts, Hendrick's Gin, Visit PA, QVC, Subaru, and others); (4) tax-deductible Donations supporting the Green Equity Initiative and community programs; and (5) program Fees for workshops, plant swaps, and garden visits. Member segments span home gardeners, neighborhood organizations, corporate partners, and educational institutions.

Name

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS)

Legal name

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Website

https://phsonline.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1827

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1827 that uses horticulture to advance health and well-being across the Greater Philadelphia region. It operates the nation's largest Flower Show, community greening programs spanning 250+ neighborhoods, and a tiered membership funded by tickets, sponsorships, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Horticultural Services & Community Greening Programs

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Retail-Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply (5200)

akta.pro primary industry

Horticulture, Nursery & Greenhouse Operations (EDAOAOAB)

Keywords

• Horticultural society programs
• Community garden services
• Urban tree planting
• Horticultural event management
• Urban greening programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Philadelphia, PA

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual tax-deductible memberships starting at $50, providing year-round benefits including Flower Show discounts, GROW magazine subscription, library access, and exclusive events. Multiple tiers from Contributing ($50-$149) to 1827 Society ($1,827+).
2. Philadelphia Flower Show Tickets: The organization's major annual fundraiser generates revenue through ticket sales to the nation's largest horticultural event. Online pricing ranges from $29.99-$49.99 for adults, with special events, early morning tours, and Butterflies Live exhibits generating additional revenue.
3. Corporate Sponsorship: Corporate sponsors support the Flower Show and PHS programs. Exclusive sponsors include Bank of America and Independence Blue Cross. Official sponsors include ACME Markets, Bartlett Tree Experts, Hendrick's Gin, Visit PA, QVC, and Sino American Business and Travel Association.
4. Donations: Tax-deductible charitable contributions support PHS's community greening programs, tree planting, community gardens, and workforce development initiatives. The Green Equity Initiative outlines specific investment opportunities.
5. Program Fees: Fees for workshops, classes, plant swaps, and tours at PHS gardens and facilities including Meadowbrook Farm and Pop Up Gardens. Example: Herbal Mocktails workshop at $40, Pressed Flower Workshop at $35.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

PHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses horticulture to advance health and well-being across the Greater Philadelphia region. It produces the annual Philadelphia Flower Show (the nation's largest and longest-running horticultural event), operates public gardens (PHS Meadowbrook Farm, PHS Pop Up Gardens), and delivers community programs spanning 250+ neighborhoods—including Community Gardens, Tree Programs, Transforming Vacant Land, Stormwater Solutions, and Workforce Development. PHS funds these activities through individual memberships, donations, corporate sponsorships, event ticket sales, and program fees.

Product overview

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society operates as a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of interconnected horticultural programs and public events. The flagship product is the Philadelphia Flower Show, the nation's largest horticultural event. Supporting programs include PHS Pop Up Gardens, PHS Meadowbrook Farm, and the PHS McLean Library. Community-focused offerings encompass Community Gardens, Tree Programs, Transforming Vacant Land, Stormwater Solutions, and Workforce Development Programs. Educational resources include AskPHS forum, Gold Medal Plants awards, GROW Magazine, and Know to Grow sessions. The Green Equity Initiative coordinates neighborhood environmental investment. A membership program provides year-round benefits including Flower Show access, magazine subscription, and educational webinars. The organization's products work together to advance health and well-being through horticulture across the Greater Philadelphia region.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PHS Philadelphia Flower Show: The nation's largest and longest-running horticultural event
• PHS Meadowbrook Farm
• PHS Pop Up Gardens
• PHS McLean Library
• Green Equity Initiative

Products and services

• Philadelphia Flower Show The nation's largest and longest-running horticultural event, held annually at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in March. Features world-renowned floral and landscape designers, plant competitions, educational sessions, and curated shopping. Serves as PHS's primary annual fundraiser.
• PHS Membership Program Annual membership program with tiered benefits including Flower Show ticket discounts, complimentary tickets at higher tiers, GROW magazine subscription, Know to Grow webinars, library privileges, and member-only events. Tiers range from Contributing ($50-$149) to 1827 Society ($1,827+).
• PHS Pop Up Gardens Seasonal outdoor garden spaces at South Street and Manayunk offering community programming, plant swaps, workshops, and social gatherings with food and beverage service. Open seasonally with varying hours.
• PHS Meadowbrook Farm A public garden and display location operated by PHS in Meadowbrook, PA, offering tours, events, and curated horticultural displays in a natural setting. Open Wednesday through Saturday with varying hours.
• Community Gardens Program Program supporting and maintaining community gardens throughout the Greater Philadelphia region, providing resources, land access, and programming to help neighborhoods create and sustain gardens. Includes 75 gardens currently supported with target to expand to 150+.
• Tree Programs (Tree Tenders) Volunteer training program in tree planting and care. Aims to expand urban tree canopy in underserved neighborhoods, with Green Equity Initiative proposing $2M/year to double trees planted in lowest canopy neighborhoods.
• Transforming Vacant Land Program Program that cleans, stabilizes, and greens vacant lots in Philadelphia neighborhoods, converting unused land into community green spaces. Green Equity Initiative proposes 4x increase in stabilized lots (12,000 to 24,000 over 5 years).
• Stormwater Solutions Program Green infrastructure solutions that manage stormwater runoff through sustainable landscape design, helping neighborhoods address flooding and water quality issues.
• Workforce Development Programs Job training and professional development programs in horticulture, landscape maintenance, and green industry careers, including Same Day Work & Pay opportunities. Green Equity Initiative targets 75 landscape/horticulture and 50 tree planting/arborist job placements.
• Green Equity Initiative Comprehensive neighborhood environmental investment initiative addressing environmental justice through vacant lot greening, workforce development, tree planting, and community garden support in underserved Philadelphia areas.
• Workshops and Classes (e.g., Herbal Mocktails, Pressed Flower Workshop) Fee-based workshops and classes taught at PHS Community Farm, Pop Up Gardens, and Meadowbrook Farm. Examples include Herbal Mocktails ($40 per person) and Pressed Flower Workshop ($35 general, $30 PHS members). Discounted tickets available for those who cannot afford full price.
• Corporate Sponsorship Packages Multi-tier sponsorship offerings for the Philadelphia Flower Show and PHS programs. Exclusive sponsors are Bank of America and Independence Blue Cross; official sponsors include ACME Markets, Bartlett Tree Experts, Hendrick's Gin, Visit PA, QVC, and Sino American Business and Travel Association. Sponsored programs include Early Morning Tours (PURE Insurance) and Potting Parties (Subaru).

Quantifiable outcome

• Decreases in gun violence and crime documented through greening investments
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Bank of AmericaflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive sponsor of the Philadelphia Flower Show. Supports PHS's mission-driven work bringing trees, gardens, and beauty into neighborhoods and schools across the city and region while cultivating next generation horticultural leaders.
• Independence Blue CrossflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerExclusive sponsor of the Philadelphia Flower Show. Long-standing support of the Flower Show and PHS.
• ACME MarketscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial sponsor with in-Show display offering official Flower Show bouquet for purchase.
• Bartlett Tree ExpertscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial sponsor with exhibit at Flower Show providing tree-related expertise and information to visitors.
• Hendrick's GincoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial sponsor hosting the Hendrick's Gin Botanical Bar with refreshing cocktails at the Flower Show.
• Visit PAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial sponsor with garden showcasing Pennsylvania tourism and the Great American Getaway.
• QVCcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial sponsor showcasing fashion, home décor, beauty must-haves, and more at the Flower Show.
• Sino American Business and Travel AssociationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial sponsor with garden experience showcasing Chinese culture.
• PURE InsurancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Early Morning Tours at the Flower Show.
• King of Prussia MallcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFashion-meets-floral art installation at King of Prussia Mall (Luxury Wing) previewing the 2025 Flower Show theme 'Gardens of Tomorrow' from February 11-17, 2025. Partnership with Simon Property Group.
• Simon Property GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReal estate investment trust operating King of Prussia Mall. Partnership for Flower Show preview installation.
• Franklin InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for 2025 Flower Show press conference unveiling.
• Solo Real EstateminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of August Plant Swap events providing seasonal plant favorites and reusable bags for plant transport.
• SubarucoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Potting Parties workshops at the Flower Show hosted by designer Tu Bloom, The Official Botanical Artist of the Grammy Awards.
• Great Grow AlongminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's largest virtual garden festival partnering with Flower Show's Know to Grow sessions, showcasing curated gardening experts and authors.
• Fine Gardening MagazineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnow to Grow speaker series partner at the Flower Show.
• Timber PressminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKnow to Grow speaker series partner at the Flower Show.
• Honey Buz Natural SkincareminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Blossom & Breathe wellness event at the 2025 Flower Show.
• Paris Fit (Noel Davis)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Blossom & Breathe wellness event including yoga sessions led by Paris Fit featuring Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader Arielle Hunt.
• Philadelphia Parks & RecreationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity agency partner for public gardens, FDR Park (outdoor Flower Show locations 2021-2022), and neighborhood greening programs. Manages nearly 10,200 acres of public land.
• Fairmount Park ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in FDR Park master planning and reimagining historic Olmsted park for 21st century Philadelphians.
• University of PennsylvaniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner documenting impact of greening investments including decreases in gun violence, crime, and depression.
• US Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal partner documenting horticultural and greening impact on community well-being.
• American Horticultural SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational partner offering PHS members participation in the American Horticultural Society's Garden Network.
• Herbalists Without Borders (Montgomery County Chapter)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLynn Roberts coordinates Montgomery County chapter of Herbalists Without Borders and stewarded herb beds at PHS Community Farm at Norristown Farm Park since 2021.
• Penn MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational exhibitor at Flower Show showcasing 'Ancient Food & Flavor' exhibition preview on plants important to ancient communities.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Tyler Arboretum: Regional public arboretum in Delaware County, PA operating public gardens, tree collections, and educational programs. Comparable as a Philadelphia-area horticultural organization with public garden operations, though focused on a specific site rather than regional programming.
• Delaware Center for Horticulture: Regional nonprofit horticultural organization operating community gardens, urban greening, and workforce programs in the Wilmington, DE area. Highly comparable as a smaller-scale nonprofit focused on community greening and horticultural workforce development.

Direct peers

• Missouri Botanical Garden: One of the oldest botanical gardens in the U.S. (founded 1859), operating public gardens, horticultural education, and major events. Comparable as a long-running nonprofit horticultural society with public garden operations and educational programming.
• Longwood Gardens: Public display garden operating 1,100 acres of gardens with major ticketed exhibitions and educational programming. Comparable to PHS's Meadowbrook Farm and Flower Show as a major horticultural public garden operator.
• Chicago Botanic Garden: Large public botanical garden operating 27 gardens across 385 acres with extensive education and community gardening programs. Comparable as a regional horticultural nonprofit combining public garden visitation, education, and community greening.
• New York Botanical Garden: Major public botanical garden operating a public garden complex, educational programs, and major annual exhibitions. Directly comparable as a nonprofit horticultural organization with public gardens, education, and signature event programming in a major U.S. metro.
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Urban public botanical garden operating 52 acres of gardens, education programs, and community gardening initiatives in a major U.S. metro. Closely comparable to PHS as an urban-focused horticultural nonprofit with community programming.
• Morton Arboretum: Public garden and tree-focused conservation organization operating 1,700 acres with extensive tree research and community forestry programs. Closely comparable to PHS's Tree Tenders and community greening work.

Broad incumbents

• American Horticultural Society: National nonprofit horticultural organization promoting horticulture through education, awards, and national programs. Comparable as a mission-aligned national horticultural nonprofit, with PHS actually a network partner through the Garden Network program.
• Royal Horticultural Society: U.K.-based national horticultural charity operating multiple public gardens and major annual flower shows (e.g., Chelsea Flower Show). Comparable as the global gold-standard horticultural society with major flower shows, public gardens, and educational programming.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/PHSgardening
• Facebookfacebook.com/PHSgardening
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pennsylvania-horticultural-society
• Instagraminstagram.com/phsgardening

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS)