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The Flower Show

Exploring the Hidden Gems: An Insider Guide to PHS’s Gardens

July 25, 2024

leaf icon phs gardens

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mbf spring/summer 2024

By Melissa O’Brien 

Philadelphia, often hailed as the "City of Brotherly Love," is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, vibrant culture, and lush green spaces. While the iconic Fairmount Park and Rittenhouse Square are familiar to many, PHS maintains a collection of incredible gardens and landscapes that are free to visit and just waiting to be explored. As temperatures rise, these gardens are perfect heatwave havens, offering cool spots to escape the summer sun. Buckle up for a fun and breezy tour through three of PHS’s best-kept secrets: Meadowbrook Farm, the Delaware River Waterfront, and LOVE Park

A Bird's Eye View Through PHS Meadowbrook Farm

PHS Meadowbrook Farm 

Ready for an enchanting escape just a short drive from downtown Philadelphia? Head to PHS Meadowbrook Farm in Meadowbrook, PA. This historic estate, gifted to PHS by the renowned horticulturist J. Liddon Pennock Jr., is like stepping into a fairy tale. With over 21 acres of garden magic, it's a plant lover's paradise. 

Wander through the enchanting garden rooms, each with its own unique theme and plants. Imagine the thrill of the Herb Garden, providing both visual and aromatic delight, or the Queen’s Garden, where vibrant sun-loving plants bloom. It's like a treasure hunt, with every turn revealing something new and beautiful. When the heat gets intense, shady areas offer the perfect retreat for escaping the sun. Take a break under the trees, where you can relax and cool off surrounded by nature. 

Meadowbrook Farm isn’t just about visual beauty; it’s also a hub for horticultural education. PHS frequently hosts workshops and guided tours here, making it an ideal destination for both novice and seasoned gardeners. 

Check out our upcoming events happening at PHS Public Gardens and support our mission of Gardening for the Greater Good.

delaware river waterfront
Philadelphia’s Delaware River Waterfront is a dynamic blend of urban charm and natural beauty.

Walking Tour of the Delaware River Waterfront 

Next up, let’s hit the Delaware River Waterfront for a delightful blend of historic city charm and nature. This revitalized area is perfect for a scenic waterfront stroll that showcases PHS’s commitment to creating urban green spaces in what was once vacant and underutilized land. 

Start your tour at the Race Street Pier, a beautifully landscaped park that juts out into the Delaware River. With its tiered seating, lush lawns, colorful planted beds, and stunning views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Center City, the pier is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful moment of reflection. Cool off next to the river or grab a seat under the trees to admire the PHS plantings. 

Continue along the waterfront to Spruce Street Harbor Park, where vibrant hammocks, floating gardens, and whimsical lights create a festive atmosphere. The park’s seasonal gardens, designed by PHS, feature an array of native plants and flowers that change with the seasons, ensuring there’s always something new to admire. 

Don’t miss the Cherry Street Pier, a creative hub housed in a historic pier building. Here, PHS has transformed an industrial space into a green oasis, complete with container gardens, hanging plants, and a communal garden tended by local artists. Escape the heat under the pier's rooftop and soak in the unique blend of industrial charm and lush greenery. 

LOVE Park
LOVE Park has become a vibrant green space that’s way more than just a selfie backdrop.

LOVE Park 

No guide to Philadelphia’s gardens would be complete without mentioning LOVE Park. Officially named John F. Kennedy Plaza, this iconic urban park is best known for its “LOVE” sculpture by artist Robert Indiana. However, thanks to PHS’s recent revitalization efforts, LOVE Park has blossomed into a vibrant green space that offers much more than a photo opportunity. 

The park’s redesigned landscape features lush lawns, colorful flower beds, and a variety of foliage. Seasonal plantings ensure that the park is always in bloom, creating a beautiful contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers. Take advantage of the park’s ground-level fountain, where you can watch kids and adults alike keep cool in the splash pad set amidst a beautiful PHS garden. It’s the perfect spot to beat the heat while enjoying a refreshing urban escape. 

LOVE Park also hosts a variety of events and pop-ups throughout the year, from food festivals to outdoor yoga classes, making it a lively gathering spot for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re looking to relax with a book, enjoy a picnic, or simply people-watch, LOVE Park is an urban oasis that offers a welcome respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. 

Discovering Philadelphia’s Hidden Gems 

Philadelphia’s gardens are some of the city’s best-kept secrets, offering beautiful escapes and green spaces that showcase the city and PHS’s commitment to sustainability, community, and natural beauty. By exploring these hidden gems – Meadowbrook Farm, the Delaware River Waterfront, and LOVE Park – you’ll uncover a side of Philly that’s both fun and inspiring. 

So, the next time you're looking for a day of adventure, skip the usual spots and dive into these green treasures. Whether you're a nature lover, a garden enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good stroll, these PHS gardens promise a day of delight and discovery. Get out and enjoy the green side of Philly! 

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