Sunday, December 30, 2012

Great Gardens and Public Parks in Philadelphia

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By Ellie Mayer


Philadelphia is a town rich in history and culture; Philadelphia is also the base for a spectacular range of public parks and gardens. There's something suited to everyone when it comes down to the gardens and parks available for travelers in the city of Philadelphia.

Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park, bordering the Schuylkill River, is made of 63 neighborhood Philadelphia public parks and is owned by the city of Philadelphia. Fairmount Park is composed of 215 miles of recreational trails for biking, walking, or just taking in the views. In addition, 139 picnic sites are spread around the park. The park features 34 miles of waterways, 6 golf courses, one disc golf course, 368 athletic fields and a range of outside courts.

Bartram's Botanical Garden

One of the most famed of the gardens in Philadelphia is named Bartram's Botanical Garden, which is famous as the 18th century home of John Bartram. This site features the Bartram House, farm buildings, a cider press that was carved from bedrock, a meadow, wetlands and a river trail. The Common Flower Garden and Riverside Meadow are good places to take in the attractive 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 arboretum of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This land boats 92 acres of a very big and varied collection of some of the city of Philadelphia's oldest trees, most rare plant life, streams, greenhouses, lush gardens and fountains. Some of the most renowned plant life housed at the arboretum include the Bender Oak, Katsura, Engler Beech, and Trident Maple. The Morris Arboretum boasts over 13,000 specifically labeled plants.

Hortulus Farm Nursery and Gardens

This 100 acre 18th century farm stead is amongst the most impressive gardens in Philadelphia. The gardens are home to an amazing spread of pool and lake gardens, woodland trails, perennial and summer borders and a dazzling herb and kitchen garden. Hortulus Farm Nursery and Gardens are considered a "connoisseurs' Nursery" and demonstrates a rare and creative 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 among the best naturalistic Philadelphia gardens. The site is 134 acres of native Mid-Atlantic plants. The grounds are full of picturesque 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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