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HoFo Memories
A living portfolio of our favorite memories, celebrating the plants we’ve grown, the places we’ve explored, and the community we’ve built.
Philly Flower Show 2026
This year, Hortus Forum proudly continued our long-standing tradition of attending the Philadelphia Flower Show—and once again, our plants made an incredible showing.
We brought over 100 plants to compete, and they truly swept the competition. In total, 36 of our entries placed, earning 5 first-place ribbons, 11 second-place, and 20 third-place awards, along with 6 class commendations and 6 honorable mentions. The diversity and quality of our collection reflected the dedication and care of our members, as well as the strength of our horticultural community.
Beyond the competition, the trip was an opportunity for our officers to connect more deeply as a team. We spent time exploring gardens throughout the region, sharing ideas, and building friendships that will continue to shape the club moving forward.
We are especially grateful to Longwood Gardens for hosting us for a tour. Learning more about their work and the opportunities they offer was both inspiring and invaluable for our members.
From award-winning plants to meaningful connections, this year’s trip was one to remember—and we’re already looking forward to continuing the tradition next year.
We brought over 100 plants to compete, and they truly swept the competition. In total, 36 of our entries placed, earning 5 first-place ribbons, 11 second-place, and 20 third-place awards, along with 6 class commendations and 6 honorable mentions. The diversity and quality of our collection reflected the dedication and care of our members, as well as the strength of our horticultural community.
Beyond the competition, the trip was an opportunity for our officers to connect more deeply as a team. We spent time exploring gardens throughout the region, sharing ideas, and building friendships that will continue to shape the club moving forward.
We are especially grateful to Longwood Gardens for hosting us for a tour. Learning more about their work and the opportunities they offer was both inspiring and invaluable for our members.
From award-winning plants to meaningful connections, this year’s trip was one to remember—and we’re already looking forward to continuing the tradition next year.
HoFo Formal
This year, Hortus Forum proudly revived a long-standing tradition dating back to our roots as the Floriculture Club—our winter formal. The evening brought together members, officers, alumni, and fellow student leaders passionate about plant education and biodiversity to celebrate the close of the semester.
The night was filled with connection and community, from lively conversations to a much-anticipated raffle featuring some of our rarer plants. We were also honored to hear from Chelsea Specht and members of her lab, who shared insights into their career paths, research interests, and experiences studying tropical plants.
It was a meaningful evening that honored our history while celebrating the vibrant community we continue to grow today.
The night was filled with connection and community, from lively conversations to a much-anticipated raffle featuring some of our rarer plants. We were also honored to hear from Chelsea Specht and members of her lab, who shared insights into their career paths, research interests, and experiences studying tropical plants.
It was a meaningful evening that honored our history while celebrating the vibrant community we continue to grow today.
Gourdlandia
This year, Hortus Forum partnered with Gourdlandia for a hands-on workshop creating beautiful gourd nightlights. Members had a great time crafting together, transforming natural materials into glowing works of art.
Along the way, we explored a unique form of sustainable craft, learning how gourds can be grown, dried, and repurposed into something both functional and creative. It was a relaxing, collaborative evening—and a chance to see plants in a whole new light.
Along the way, we explored a unique form of sustainable craft, learning how gourds can be grown, dried, and repurposed into something both functional and creative. It was a relaxing, collaborative evening—and a chance to see plants in a whole new light.
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