Bartram’s Garden.

September is almost here, and while the weather is still very warm, it’s nice to spend time under the tree canopy at two beautiful historic green spaces in West Philadelphia – The Woodlands and Bartram’s Garden. Both places are hosting some great, free events for all ages next month, including nature nights and walks, craft and food fests, meditations workshops, biking classes, and more! Here are more details:

Events at The Woodlands (40th and Woodland):

Nature Nights: Bat Night
Fri., Sept. 8, 6 – 8 p.m.

Explore The Woodlands after dark (during a full moon!), look for bats, and learn how to become a Citizen Scientist. You can also learn about birding and maybe even spot an owl! This family-friendly event includes a storytime from the Walnut Street West Library, a bat walk, and an opportunity to visit the Philadelphia Orchard Project Learning Orchard at The Woodlands. Pre-registration is recommended (click here).

Continue Reading

Photo from www.schuylkillbanks.org

Work has finished on the newest segment of the Schuylkill Banks Trail, which runs from 56th Street to the vicinity of 61st Street in Southwest Philadelphia. The new trail segment extends Schuylkill Banks an additional 1,800 feet south and includes 1.6 acres of greenway, a large riverfront platform for fishing and community events, awesome views of the river and the Philadelphia skyline, lighting for nighttime use, benches, lawn areas, and newly planted trees and flowers.

This project is the first phase of a larger, eight-mile riverfront trail extension project that will eventually extend to Passyunk Avenue. Schuylkill Banks is a project of the Schuylkill River Development Corporation (SRDC), a non-profit organization, and the City of Philadelphia. SRDC is working to revitalize the Schuylkill River corridor from the Fairmount Dam to the Delaware River. Continue Reading

Christmas trees are back for sale in the neighborhood (check the locations here). And if you’re looking for a nice handmade holiday wreath, Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindbergh Blvd.) is holding its annual sale this Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.. The sale will include a great selection of decorated and undecorated wreaths, centerpieces, and fresh evergreens.

There will also be a holiday marketplace with a variety of local vendors, free “make + take” workshops, music, children’s activities, a baking competition, and more!  Continue Reading

Bartram’s Garden has a chance to get awarded $200,000 after it was selected as a finalist for the Philadelphia Foundation’s Key to Community grant. The historic garden and arboretum located at 5400 Lindbergh Blvd. in Southwest Philadelphia is competing in the Community & Civic Engagement Category with their project titled “Reclaiming Local History and Championing an Inclusive Future in Southwest Philly.”

The grant will be used to directly support the neighborhood residents within the following initiatives:  Continue Reading

Artist Stacy Levy hopes that while you’re sweating the lack of parking spots or that missed bus, you will sit for a beat to notice the massive natural force that’s as big as the moon, the sun and the sea, unfolding daily in your midst.

Her installations, “Tide Field” and “River Rooms,” aim to help Philadelphians to connect to the tides that push water up and down Schuylkill River every day.

You may have noticed the clusters of buoys near the boardwalk along the river, near the Art Museum or at Bartram’s Garden. Those are part of “Tide Field.” The basic idea is to show you the tide, that mostly invisible rise and fall of the river that brings the forces of the sun and moon on the ocean into the city every day. The Schuylkill’s tide changes up to six feet daily.  Continue Reading

Heritage roses, historic boxwoods, vegetable and herb starts, native perennials, shrubs, trees and more will be available for sale at this year’s plant sale at Bartram’s Garden. The popular annual event will be held on Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. It is also a great opportunity to visit the 1731 Bartram House which will be open all day.

Throughout the day, horticulturalists will be on hand to answer questions and share garden-planning advice.

Bartram’s Garden members are invited to check out this year’s fabulous selection of plants during a Member Preview Party on Friday, April 20, plus enjoy discounts on plant and Welcome Center purchases.  Continue Reading