Phillyist Framed Returns!
Across the Ist-a-Verse
Yo, Philly in the News
For being a major city, Philadelphia has some beautiful green spaces and gardens. Phillyist often walks along the streets and admires the gorgeous window boxes, the lush stoop planters, and the healthy container herb gardens. We occasionally head out to Fairmount Park and pretend like we're out in the country. But Philly is home to some lesser known green treasures, as well. Bartram's Garden is only 15 minutes from Center City (a tiny bit longer by public transit) and consists of 45 acres.
Don't look at us like we're crazy - it's true!
One afternoon when you've got nothing going on, walk over to City Hall and catch the No. 36 trolley out to 54th Street. Cross Railroad Bridge and walk into Bartram's Garden. Did we mention it's free? Aren't you always looking for free stuff to do in the city? Well, we are!
From the standpoint of our obsession with gardening and the local flora and fauna, be sure to seek out the Franklinia tree (named after Ben Franklin) in the Garden - it's famous. William Bartram, for whom the garden is named, single-handedly saved the tree species from extinction. Franklinia alatamaha (a cousin to the camelia) is a native of Georgia - Bartram collected a sample during one of his travels. It is widely believed all existing specimens of this tree both in the U.S. and abroad were cultivated from Bartram's sample.
But you don't have to be a gardening geek to enjoy Bartram's Garden. For starters, if you have a love of history you'll be interested to know it's America's oldest botanical garden and has been visited by such historical dignitaries as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. There's an 18th century home, barn and a cider press carved from bedrock to tour (the guided tours do cost a couple of bucks), as well as the oldest Gingko tree in the country. There are various archeological digs going on, a meadow, and wetlands, and be sure to hit the River Trail and historic botanical garden of American native plants. And don't miss the stunning views of Center City!
If nothing else, it's absolutely relaxing...and you're sure to catch a cool breeze off the Schuylkill River. During these days of Excessive Heat Warnings, any relief from the heat is a welcome change of pace!
Photo credit: Bartram's Garden
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
tweet this
post to facebook
Post a comment (Comment Policy)