If you are a gardener and live anywhere, you should learn more about the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. They aim to inspire gardening in the interest of the greater good. Matt Rader, PHS president, is on this week’s episode to discuss Society’s work in beautifying communities and improving the health and well-being of individuals and ecosystems.
Joe Lamp’l: 288-The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society – A Model of Gardening For The Greater Good
Matt is the 37th President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. The Society serves the greater Philadelphia area and is internationally known for its annual Philadelphia Flower Show. Matt is also the leader of Vision 2027, an initiative by PHS to promote “gardening as a force for good” through social connections, healthy environments, access to fresh food, and economic opportunities. Matt was also an Eisenhower Fellow in 2021. He traveled to Germany and Spain to design a program to create a community of gardeners who work together to engage kids, support healthy ecosystems, reduce chemical use, and support local economic growth.
PHS believes that horticulture can positively impact the environment and social change. Matt urges everyone to look at the world and imagine what they can do with gardening.
He mentions that Philadelphia is known as America’s Garden Capital.
He says, “We have over 30 incredible public gardens within 30 miles of our city.” Visit if you’re a garden enthusiast. PHS strives to bring high-quality horticulture into public parks and spaces in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. We maintain various gardens, from Meadowbrook Farm in the northern suburbs to Logan Circle and the art museum grounds in the heart of Philadelphia that we offer the public for free as great gardens.
Before I continue with Matt’s conversation about the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, I would like to remind you of my new book, “The Vegetable Gardening Guide: Your complete guide for Growing an edible organic vegetable garden from Seedling to Harvest.” It is chock-full of further information and insider tips that will help you improve your gardening skills and overcome challenges.
Organic Vegetable Gardening, my new Online Gardening Academy (TM) Premium Course, is scheduled for release in 2023. Register for the waitlist.
Philadelphia Flower Show
For many years, I’ve been attending the Philadelphia Flower Show. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society holds this event to raise money for many community-oriented causes. Matt says it is the largest indoor floral show in the United States and the premier gardening event. It attracts more than 250,000 people over nine days.
The Philadelphia Flower Show, which will be held from the 4th to the 12th of March, has the theme of “The Garden Electric.” Matt says it is a spectacular display of floral displays, indoor plants, and competitions for garden design, garden arts, and garden art.
Don’t hesitate to go if you still need to go to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Go! You won’t regret your decision.
Matt explains that you can participate in the event rather than attend. The event attracts guests from across the United States and other countries. They enter indoor plants, floral designs, botanical jewelry, and more.
The first Philadelphia Flower Show took place in June 1829. It was held indoors back then, but in 2021 and 22, it will be outdoors due to COVID.
Matt recalls, “When COVID tasked us, we knew we couldn’t create an indoor show by 2021.” “So, we said that the flower show was amazing. We rallied to keep it going because the flower show is a great source of joy, fundraising, and positive energy. We moved it outside. “We did it again in 2020 because omicron, delta, and other groups showed up. But now, we are so excited to bring it indoors in March, where it will be the first breaths of spring for those who have been preparing exhibits throughout winter.”
He says that looking forward to the flower shows helps keep gardening alive during the coldest days of January, February, and December. I agree. We should bring in as many flowers and plants indoors as it is cold outside to make us even more excited about what’s coming.
Gardening for the Greater Good
I am on the same page as The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society when it comes to encouraging people to improve themselves, the world, and Society through gardening.
Matt explains the idea behind the phrase “Gardening for the Greater Good.” Matt says cultivating plants is a superpower that can transform a person’s life and the world. It also has the potential to improve the community. “We want to see more people discover this superpower and use it together,” Matt says.
Matt’s definition of gardening as a way to do good is brilliant. This article explains so well how I feel about gardening.
The four PHS principles for gardening for the more significant benefit are
Celebrate Gardening
Select Your Plants With Intention
Your garden is an Ecosystem
Embrace a Sharing Mindset
Matt advises: “Be very conscious of where you spend your money to support those working towards a healthy garden world.” Think about wildlife and pollinators. Consider plants that will suit your water conditions and other factors to reduce the amount of water and chemicals you use. Avoid invasive plants. They are bad for everyone.
PHS encourages its gardeners to see their gardens as part of an ecosystem and recognize the relationship between water, wildlife, and humans.
Matt advises: “Make choices that support all of it.” You’re designing to bring you joy, but consider how your choices affect the world around you.
Embrace a Sharing Mindset
Matt says that gardening is a great way to create relationships. Matt says, “Whether it’s sharing something you’ve grown or inviting others to your garden to learn together, there are many opportunities to use gardening to build relationships and share ideas and knowledge.”
