Wednesday, June 19, 2013

The Best Gardens and Parks in Philadelphia

By Ellie Mayer


Philadelphia is a city loaded in culture and history and it is also the home of a spectacular array of parks and gardens. There is something for everyone when it comes to the parks and gardens available for your viewing pleasure in Philadelphia.

Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park, neighboring the Schuylkill River, is made of 63 neighborhood Philadelphia public parks and is the property of Philly. Fairmount Park consists of 215 miles of recreational trails for walking, biking, or just taking in the views. Additionally 139 picnic sites are spread throughout the park for your enjoyment. The park features 34 miles of waterways, six golfing courses, one frisbee golfing course, 368 athletic fields and a variety of outdoor courts.

Bartram's Botanical Garden

One of the most noted of the gardens in Philadelphia is Bartram?s Botanical Garden, which is the 18th century home of John Bartram. This site features the Bartram House, farm buildings, a cider press that was carved from base, a brook trail, meadow, and wetland. The Common Flower Garden and Riverside Meadow are great places to take in the beautiful floral views while enjoying the beautiful view of the skyline of Philadelphia.

Morris Arboretum

Another one of the widely known Philadelphia gardens is the Morris Arboretum, the official arboretum of the commonwealth of the state of Pennsylvania. This land boasts 92 acres of a very large and diversified collection of some of Philadelphia's oldest trees, most unusual plant life, lush gardens, fountains, streams, and glass houses. Some of the most famous plant life at the arboretum include the Bender Oak, Katsura, Engler Beech and Trident Maple. The arboretum is home to over 13,000 identified and tended plants.

Hortulus Farm Nursery and Gardens

This 100 acre 18th century farmstead is one of the most special gardens in Philadelphia. Hortulus Farm Nursery and Gardens are home to an amazing array of water gardens, woodland trails, perennial and summer plants and a superb culinary garden. The Hortulus Farm Nursery and Gardens is regarded as a "connoisseur's nursery" and includes a rare and bizarre range of horticultural delights. The site is composed of a museum, the gardens, the nursery.

Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve

Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve is probably one of the best naturalistic Philadelphia gardens. The preserve is 134 acres of native Mid-Atlantic plants. The grounds are full of scenic woods, ponds, and creeks. Additionally, the preserve offers tours and tutorial programs to the public. Guided walks are offered between the months of August and October, and the preserve also sells their seasonal local plants.




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