COATESVILLE, PA — The Learning Center, part of the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), celebrated a major achievement at the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show, with its horticulture program students earning a blue ribbon for their “Gardens of the Future” display. The event, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, drew thousands of visitors and showcased the students’ skill, creativity, and forward-thinking approach.
Led by Longwood Gardens Scholarship recipients Ross and Trevor, the student team transitioned from assistants to creators, developing an innovative window box and hanging basket installation. The project, featuring a distinctive blue theme and climate-adaptable plants like succulents, jade, aloe ferox, and stone crop, was designed to reflect resilience in changing environmental conditions.
“What made our students’ work particularly noteworthy was their pioneering integration of technology in the design process,” said Hillary Soring, Principal of the Learning Center. “By utilizing artificial intelligence in their designs, they showcased the potential of digital tools in horticultural design and demonstrated how the Learning Center prepares students with innovative skills for careers in a technology-driven future.”
The project, guided over two months by horticulture teacher Mike Walls, highlighted a blend of traditional practices and advanced technology, providing students with valuable real-world experience. Beyond earning the top prize, participants gained professional insights while managing complex guidelines, attending mandatory meetings, and maintaining their display with meticulous care during early morning visits throughout the show.
“It was a good learning experience; we were able to meet a lot of people in the industry and showcase our work,” said Ross. “We saw a lot of the work that goes on behind the scenes. Certain displays needed constant misting. I was able to learn about the amount of work that goes into it.”
The team’s success underscores CCIU’s dedication to creating an adaptable learning culture that meets educational and workforce needs. Through teamwork and leadership development, students built confidence, developed critical professional connections, and experienced applied learning in action.
Now, with a prestigious blue ribbon in hand, the students are looking ahead, channeling their momentum and creativity into the Early Earth project, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to growth and innovation.
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