Philadelphia is often celebrated as America’s Garden Capital for its stunning public gardens and historic landscapes. But the city’s deepest horticultural roots are found in its neighborhoods, where community gardeners transform empty lots into green spaces full of life. Since the 1970s, PHS and residents have worked together to turn underutilized and abandoned parcels of land into gardens that offer more than just beauty; they provide food, community, and a powerful sense of belonging.
In South Philadelphia, Bel Arbor Community Garden and the Growing Home Gardens stand out as inspiring examples. Backed by PHS, the Neighborhood Gardens Trust (NGT), and grassroots organizations like SEAMAAC, these gardens show how anyone can create a thriving green space with creativity and collaboration.
Here are 10 ideas you can borrow for your own garden, no matter the size or budget.
This article was inspired by a feature in Fine Gardening magazine, highlighting creative ideas from gardeners at Bel Arbor Community Garden and Growing Home Gardens in South Philadelphia.
A community garden can spark positive change across an entire block. When neighbors come together to grow food, friendships form, and surrounding homes often begin to green up too. Window boxes overflow, planters pop up on stoops, and shared neighborhood pride blossoms. Thanks to NGT, more than 50 community gardens in Philadelphia have been permanently protected for future generations.
Tip: If you’re starting a new garden, talk with neighbors and local organizations to build a shared vision. Even small efforts can lead to big neighborhood improvements.
At Bel Arbor, gardeners are experts at repurposing materials. Bricks and stones from nearby demolition sites become charming pathways and bed borders. Decorative elements salvaged from old buildings find new life among vegetables and flowers. Even tree branches become rustic arbors.
Tip: Ask local contractors or developers if they have leftover materials to donate. Many are happy to support local greening projects, and it keeps good materials out of landfills.
Want an affordable way to build raised garden beds? Use 4×4 posts for the corners and attach 2×10 boards for the sides. This DIY method is sturdy, cost-effective, and easy to maintain over time.
Native plants like blunt mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum) attract pollinators and beneficial insects. This clump-forming perennial is low-maintenance, spreads slowly, and can be shared with friends and fellow gardeners.
Tip: Native plants typically need less water and fertilizer, making them a sustainable choice for urban gardens.
At Growing Home Gardens, many Burmese and Bhutanese families grow traditional crops not often found in local grocery stores. Try adding a few of these unique and productive plants to your own garden:
Tip: Find unique seeds at online seed retailers like Hudson Valley Seed Company, Seed Savers Exchange, and Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds—all trusted sources for heirloom and culturally diverse varieties.
Whether you’re using a compost bin or composting directly in the soil, chop garden waste into pieces smaller than 8 inches. This helps organic material break down more quickly and evenly.
Tip: Keep a pair of shears nearby to cut down large stems before composting.
If your garden has grassy paths, consider mowing instead of mulching. Mowed grass paths are tidy, low-maintenance, and easier to care for than mulch or cardboard. Just be sure to edge your garden beds to keep everything contained.
Tip: Use a battery-powered device to make it more eco-friendly.
Succession planting keeps your vegetable garden productive all season long. Start new seedlings in trays while older crops mature, then transplant them into available space. Protect young plants with insect netting to avoid pests without trapping too much heat.
At Growing Home Gardens, colorful murals tell stories of heritage and resilience. Community beds filled with herbs and flowers invite passersby to stop and enjoy. Whether you’re growing in a shared space or a private front yard, remember that your garden can be a source of joy for others too.
Limited on space? Use fences, walls, or trellises to support vining crops like beans, squash, or melons. At Growing Home Gardens, perimeter fencing doubles as growing space for climbing vegetables. For a sturdy, long-term upgrade, consider welded wire panels or cattle fencing.
Whether you’re planting a new crop or building a raised bed, take a cue from South Philly’s community gardeners who are growing together and celebrating their heritage. Gardening doesn’t just feed your plate; it feeds your spirit and your community.
