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Saturday, December 29, 2012

Best Parks and Gardens in Philadelphia

By Ellie Mayer


Philadelphia is a city loaded in history and culture; it is also the home of a spectacular variety of gardensa and public parks. There is something suitable for everybody when talking about the parks and gardens available for travelers in the city of Philadelphia.

Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park, bordering the Schuylkill River, is composed of sixty three neighborhood Philadelphia public parks and is owned by the city of Philadelphia. Fairmount Park consists of 215 miles of recreational trails for biking, walking, or just taking in the views. In addition, 139 picnic sites are spread across the park. The park features 34 miles of waterways, 6 golfing courses, one disc golfing course, 368 athletic fields and a spread of outdoor courts.

Bartram's Botanical Garden

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

Morris Arboretum

Another one of the well known Philadelphia gardens is the Morris Arboretum, the official nursery of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This land boats 92 acres of a really large and varied collection of some of the city of Philadelphia's oldest trees, most unique plant life, lush gardens, fountains, streams and greenhouses. Some of the most famed plant life housed at the arboretum include the Katsura, Engler Beech, Bender Oak, and Trident Maple. Morris Arboretum is home to over 13,000 labeled plants.

Hortulus Farm Nursery and Gardens

This 100 acre 18th century farm stead is among the most special gardens in Philadelphia. The gardens are home to a superb spread of pool and lake gardens, woodland trails, evergreen and summer borders and an extraordinary herb and kitchen garden. This garden is regarded as a "connoisseurs' Nursery" and boasts a rare and surprising array of horticultural offerings. The site consists of the gardens, the nursery, and a museum.

Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve

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




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