The United States of America will officially participate in the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama, Japan -- the first time the U.S. will participate in an International Horticultural Expo since they officially began in 1960. The U.S. entry will be led by the United States Botanic Garden in collaboration with the American Public Gardens Association.
Participation in this six-month expo will strengthen horticultural ties between the United States and Japan, showcasing the diversity of American flora, U.S. horticultural ingenuity, and the beauty of American public gardens.
Mrs. Mary Glass, wife of U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass, will serve as Commissioner General for the U.S. exhibit. Mr. Thomas E. Austin, Architect of the Capitol, will serve as Commissioner of Section.
“We are honored to lead this collaborative initiative that brings together federal agencies and public gardens to showcase America’s diverse and beautiful native plants, horticultural expertise, and remarkable gardens,” said Dr. Susan K. Pell, executive director of the United States Botanic Garden. “We thank the U.S. Congress for their support of our participation.”
This Expo is an A1-class international horticultural exhibition, held with the approval of AIPH (Association Internationale des Producteurs de l’Horticulture) and recognition from BIE (Bureau International des Expositions). An international horticultural exhibition promotes international horticulture and landscaping, fostering lives filled with plants and nature. The 2027 Expo will be held on almost 600 acres that were the site of a former U.S. military communications facility.
The USBG will collaborate with the American Public Gardens Association, the leading professional organization for the field of public horticulture, with nearly 600 member institutions spanning all 50 states and 20 countries. A steering committee with representatives from multiple U.S. public gardens will develop plans for design, plant selection, and programming.
“We are thrilled to share America’s public gardens and horticulture expertise with the more than 15 million visitors from around the world that are expected to visit the expo,” said Michelle Provaznik, CEO of the American Public Gardens Association.
The 2027 Expo theme is “Scenery of the Future for Happiness,” and the U.S. exhibit theme will be “The Pursuit of Happiness.” The design for the U.S. entry will be revealed in summer 2026.
Steering Committee
Guided by a steering committee of senior public garden leaders and four specialized committees (design, plant selection, programs, development), the US exhibit will feature American native plants representing diverse landscapes and gardens, a private building with meeting and office spaces, an eye-catching artistic and shade structure, an immersive visitor experience, and interpretation and programming that fosters the exchange of horticultural and botanical knowledge. Rooted in the belief that nature nurtures happiness, the exhibit will highlight the essential role of plants and green spaces in cultivating both personal and collective happiness.
The Steering Committee is co-led by Susan Pell, United States Botanic Garden, and Ari Novy, San Diego Botanic Garden. Other Steering Committee members are public garden leaders: Bruce Harkey, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens; Michelle Provaznik, American Public Gardens Association; and Paul Redman, Longwood Gardens; along with a representative from the US Department of State Expo Unit.
Committees are chaired by members of the American public garden community. Ari Novy and Michelle Provaznik are the co-chairs of the Development Committee. Tohono Chul's Jamie Maslyn Larson is the chair of the Design Committee. Denver Botanic Garden's Phillip Douglas is the chair of the Plant Selection Subcommittee, and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's Amy Padolf is the chair of the Programs Committee.
More than a dozen other public garden representatives from across the United States serve on the committees.
Involvement Opportunities
Botanic Gardens across the U.S. will be invited to apply to send employees to offer educational experiences. Watch this page for more information on that opportunity coming.
