Most people are aware that Philadelphia is known as “The City of Brotherly Love.” But what is not as well known is that the city is also home to many gardens and parks. To begin with, Philadelphia’s Flower Show, the largest indoor flower show in the world, attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year. After the Show is packed up for another year, however, there is still so much more to see.
June in the Philadelphia area is a beautiful time. The weather is mild and the flowers are out in abundance. If you’re not at the New Jersey shore and find yourself looking for a taste of the outdoors, there are several fantastic gardens that you have to see.
Philadelphia Center City
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has published a Guide to Center City Gardens that features 45 gardens and parks in four center city districts. A few of the highlights include:
Philadelphia City Limits
– Bartram’s Garden is one of just a handful of identified prehistoric locations in Philadelphia, a source of inquiry and pleasure for Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. The John Bartram Association’s mission is to protect and enhance the landmark Bartram’s Garden and House, advance the Bartram legacy of discovery, gardening and art, and inspire audiences of all ages to care for the natural world. The Garden is a 45-acre National Historic Landmark is operated by the Association in cooperation with the City of Philadelphia.
– Philadelphia Zoo is America’s first zoo. The 42-acre Victorian garden is home to more than 1,300 animals, including many that are rare and endangered. The Philadelphia Zoo’s 42-acre Victorian garden is home to more than 1,300 animals, many of them rare and endangered. By connecting people with wildlife, the Philadelphia Zoo creates joyful discovery and inspires action for animals and habitats. Cheetahs, hippos, giraffes and much more make the Zoo Philadelphia’s leading family attraction with over 1.2 million visitors last year.
– Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is recognized as the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, linking science, art, and the humanities in an effort to nurture the earth’s forests, fields, and landscapes. Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania began in 1887 as Compton, the summer home of John and Lydia Morris, brother and sister. The I.P. Morris Company, an iron-manufacturing firm founded by their father and later run by John Morris, was a source of family wealth.
– Shofuso, the Japanese House & Garden is a traditional-style Japanese house in West Fairmount Park that reflects the history of Japanese culture in Philadelphia. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is a traditional-style Japanese house and nationally-ranked garden in Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park that reflects the history of Japanese culture in Philadelphia, from the 1876 Centennial Exposition to the installation of its contemporary paintings in 2007.
Within an hour of Philadelphia
– Chanticleer – A Pleasure Garden is in Wayne, Pennsylvania. It is called the most romantic, imaginative, and exciting public garden in America, focusing on pleasure, learning, and relaxing. Within 30 minutes of Philadelphia, Chanticleer is one of the great gardens of the region. Celebrating two anniversaries in 2013 – our centennial as the Rosengarten estate and 20th year as a public garden. Come discover why London’s Financial Times calls us “planted to perfection.”
– Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is a place that offers dazzling displays that elevate the art of horticulture, enjoyment of inspiring performances, viewing of majestic fountains, relaxation, and connection with nature.
– Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania is a garden of ideas and suggestions with over
300 acres and exhibiting over 4,000 kinds of ornamental plants. The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College is a garden of ideas and suggestions. Encompassing more than 300 acres of the Swarthmore College campus and exhibiting over 4,000 kinds of ornamental plants, the Arboretum displays some of the best trees, shrubs, vines, and perennials for use in the region.
The Arboretum is a living memorial to Arthur Hoyt Scott (Swarthmore Class of 1895). Through a gift from Mr. Scott’s family, the Arboretum was formed in 1929. The mission of the Arboretum is to display plants suited for home gardens in this area and to educate the public.
– Tyler Arboretum in Media Pennsylvania is the oldest and largest arboretum in the northeastern United States with
650 contiguous acres and 17 miles of hiking trails. One of the oldest and largest arboreta in the northeastern United States, is a valued community resource and cultural destination. Open year round, with 650 contiguous acres and 17 miles of hiking trails, Tyler provides a natural sanctuary for families, children, and adults – bird enthusiasts, hikers and visitors interested in history and horticulture.
The Arboretum’s collections include rare plant specimens, ancient trees and historic buildings. People visit Tyler for many reasons and opportunities abound for all to learn about natural living systems through our diverse resources. Tyler Arboretum invites you to explore, learn and interact with nature today!
– Winterthur, An American Country Estate in Wilmington, Delaware is the premiere museum of American decorative arts with a 60-acre naturalistic garden. Founded by Henry Francis du Pont, Winterthur (pronounced “winter-tour”) is the premier museum of American decorative arts, reflecting both early America and the du Pont family’s life here. Its 60-acre naturalistic garden is among the country’s best, and its research library serves scholars from around the world. We invite you to visit and explore this place of beauty, history, and learning.
