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UK Florists Flourish at the World’s Biggest Flower Show


UPDATE 02/03/2026: Grow Deep, Live Tall was awarded a PHS Gold Medal as well as the new Ron Mulray Memorial Award.


The Philadelphia Flower Show is always a major event for florists and this year three talented professionals from the UK are taking part. Caroline Crabb from Fleurtations in Cornwall, Sarah‑Jane Evans‑Nicklin from Robert’s Florist in Brynmawr and Morgan-Douglas Nuth, florist and industry consultant, have crossed the pond to join other members of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) in creating a huge floral centrepiece at the show. It is a huge honour for these florists to be involved, and a brilliant example of how creativity and collaboration within our community can travel far further than we ever expect.



In total, a team of 42 florists, all members of the AIFD have been assembled to create a 1000 square metre, immersive floral experience called Grow Deep, Live Tall. With the visionary guidance of Caroline Crabb AIFD MDPF and Jo Jarvis AIFD, the installation has been designed to echo the theme of this year’s show, which is "Rooted: Origins of American Gardening". Sited right at the heart of this huge show, Grow Deep, Live Tall celebrates the idea of starting exactly where every great floral design begins, at its roots. The installation also celebrates the 30th anniversary of AIFD participation in the Philadelphia Flower Show.



Grow Deep, Live Tall has been designed to celebrate the quiet strength, resilience, and elegance that emerge from a deep connection to the earth. Moss, twisted willow, hay and wire are sculpted into flowing root forms which weave through floors, tables, flowers and architectural details to create an immersive, organic world. Even the botanical windows are on a grand scale, standing an impressive three metres tall.


Talking about the inspiration for the exhibit, Caroline Crabb AIFD MDPF Co-Chair was asked "what roots you?"



“For me, it’s my home, my family, and my friends. Although I live in Cornwall, UK, my roots stretch far beyond, keeping me deeply connected to my AIFD and floral family around the world. The image shared here is of a group of trees near my home that I see every day. They remind me that when we stand together, we don’t just endure, we all grow tall.”


Now in its 197th year, the prestigious Philadelphia Flower Show welcomes thousands of visitors through its doors every year. It is the world's largest indoor flower show and can be described as the American version of the Chelsea Flower Show… just on a much larger scale!



The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), established in 1965, is the oldest and largest nonprofit organisation dedicated to recognising and promoting the art of floral design as a professional career. It has more than 1,200 members engaged in a variety of professional programmes and activities through a network of six regional chapters across the USA and Canada.



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