BARTRAM'S GARDEN - A UNIQUE VENUE FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT
Bartram's Garden is America's oldest living botanic garden. The not-for-profit John Bartram Association operates the Garden in cooperation with the City of Philadelphia's Fairmount Park Commission. The 45-acre site includes the historic botanic garden and the National Historic Landmark Bartram House, the oldest barn in Philadelphia County, a 15-acre wildflower meadow with spectacular views of Center City, a river trail, water garden, tidal wetland, and a boat dock on the Schuylkill River.
The Coach House with catering kitchen, Barn, brick Barnyard, and Common Flower Garden are available for rental events subject to the general guidelines below. After reading the general guidelines, please check out the following links for specific guidelines for each rental space and approved caterers and tent and equipment rental companies.
GENERAL RENTAL GUIDELINES
SITE RENTAL FEES (subject to change without notice)
- Wedding ceremonies and/or receptions, seven-hour maximum,
$2200 (includes Coach House, Barn, Brick Barnyard & Common Flower Garden)
- Other catered events, parties, two hour minimum - four hour maximum, $250/hour (includes Coach House & Barnyard only)
- Meetings (9am – 4pm, Mon-Fri) 40-person maximum, two-hour minimum, $200/hour for Coach House or Barn
The Bartram House is not a rental facility; however, it may be opened for one hour during your event for guests to tour for an additional $100 fee.
CATERING
Clients must contract with a licensed caterer chosen from the approved list.
SET-UP & CLEAN-UP
The facilities and grounds must be left in the same condition as when client arrived. Client/caterer must set up and break down tables and chairs and leave them in a designated location for pickup by rental company. All decorations must be removed. Client/caterer must bring trash bags and remove all trash generated by event. Sweeping/mopping/vacuuming by client/caterer is mandatory, including kitchen, Coach House, Barn, Barnyard, and restrooms. Client/caterer should bring appropriate equipment or make advance arrangements with Bartram staff to use limited site equipment.
DAMAGE
Client/caterer must use premises in a safe, orderly, and careful manner as befits a museum and historic landmark. Client is responsible for supervising participants to prevent damage to premises. The John Bartram Association reserves the right to retain the security deposit and bill client for damage caused by client and/or guests, patrons, agents, employees, contractors, suppliers of materials and services, and volunteers.
PARKING
No parking is permitted on the walkways, driveways, and grassy areas. All vehicles must park in the main parking lot adjacent to the Barn and meadow of Bartram's Garden, which will accommodate up to 50 cars and two buses. Special permission can be granted for additional parking in other areas of the site for a limited number of cars, if arranged prior to the event with Bartram staff. There are designated areas for unloading and loading. These areas are not to be used for other than setup and removal.
SECURITY
Bartram's Garden is situated in a public park. Security is the responsibility of client. The Bartram staff person on site at the time of the function is not responsible for security. Clients hosting weddings and catered events have an option to hire security, at client’s discretion, to patrol the parking lot during their event.
RESERVATION & CANCELLATION
A security deposit ($500 for weddings or one-hour rental fee for other events) is required to hold a date. The client must return a signed copy of the rental agreement with the security deposit within seven days after booking or the date is released. The rental agreement will stipulate when the full rental fee is due (usually 90 days before the event). The security deposit is non-refundable prior to the event or in the case of cancellation. The security deposit will be refunded seven days following the event provided the client has adhered to all terms of the rental agreement.
The John Bartram Association reserves the right to cancel an event if:
RESTROOMS
Public men's and ladies' restrooms are located in the Barnyard adjacent to the Barn.
STAFFING
A Bartram staff person will be on site and on call during the event.
SMOKING
Bartram's Garden has a no-smoking policy for all buildings, including restrooms, and garden areas. Smoking is permitted only in designated outside areas and cigarette butts must be disposed of in containers supplied by client/caterer.
REHEARSALS & OTHER PRE-EVENT ACTIVITIES
Pre-event rehearsals, decorating, or deliveries must be prearranged with Bartram staff. Client may begin after 1 pm and all activities must be concluded by 4 pm (when all buildings including restrooms are locked and alarmed) on the day preceding the event, providing the site is not rented to another client on that date. If additional interior set-up time is needed, two hours during the day of the event (between 12-4 pm) may be arranged on the day preceding the rental at no charge, providing the event will be held on a Saturday or Sunday. Other arrangements can be made on request for daytime or weekday functions.
Because of the historic nature of the buildings and grounds, scattering of petals and birdseed is not
permitted
COACH HOUSE & BARNYARD GUIDELINES
AVAILABILITY
The charming Coach House has an open-beamed ceiling, red brick floor, white-washed walls, a serving bar, full catering kitchen, and is air conditioned. It opens into a walled brick barnyard. The Coach House is available year-round on a space-available basis.
CAPACITY
Seated meal in Coach House: Up to 60 guests.
Standing reception in Coach House: Up to 80 guests.
Seated meal in Barnyard: Up to 200 guests. A tent is required, at the client's expense, for more than 100 guests.
HOURS
Rentals are for up to seven hours in length. This includes one hour of setup and one hour of cleanup on the day of the event. Function must be concluded by 10:30 pm. If function extends beyond seven hours, the client will be charged an additional $250/hour (minimum).
MUSIC & DANCING
Music may be played in the Coach House or Barnyard, provided noise levels are inoffensive to the surrounding community. Sound levels must be of minimal amplification from 12-4 p.m. when the historic site is open for tours. Dancing is permitted. Music must stop and the serving of alcohol must end by 10:30 pm.
TABLES & CHAIRS
The Coach House has 10 30" x 60" rectangular tables and 60 chairs, which may be used at no charge. All setup, preparation, and breakdown to be performed by client/caterer. Nothing may be stacked or placed against the interior walls of the Coach House. Chairs are for use in Coach House or Barnyard, but not in the garden, on grass, or gravel.
FOOD PREPARATION
Caterers are required to use the Coach House kitchen for food preparation. The kitchen is equipped with a stove, microwave, freezer, refrigerator, and double sink. The caterer must supply all dishes, tableware, platters, glasses, pitchers, utensils, etc. Food preparation is prohibited in or adjacent to the Barn or Barnyard.
DECORATIONS
Due to the historic nature of the buildings, no tape, tacks, or nails may be used on any wall, door, or window. Flowers, vines, and other decorations may be attached to wooden columns and beams. No burning candles may be used inside any building. All decorations must be taken down at the end of the event and removed from the site.
BARTRAM BARN GUIDELINES
The Bartram Barn, the oldest in Philadelphia County, was completely renovated by the John Bartram Association in 1999 and is air-conditioned. It was built in 1775 by John Bartram, Jr. and is available for use with or without a Coach House rental.
CAPACITY
Seated reception: 40 guests.
Standing reception: 60 guests.
CATERING
The Barn may not be used for seated meals; food service limited to cocktail receptions and light hors d'oeuvres.
MUSIC & DANCING
Music and dancing is permitted provided noise levels are inoffensive to the surrounding community. Music sound levels must be of minimal amplification from 12-4 pm when the historic site is open for tours. Dancing is permitted. Music must stop and the serving of alcohol must end by 10:30 pm.
TABLES & CHAIRS
The Coach House tables and chairs may be used in the Barn. All setup, preparation, and removal to be performed by the client/caterer.
EQUIPMENT
There are no kitchen facilities in the Barn. Caterers are required to use the Coach House kitchen, or other previously agreed upon areas, for all food preparation.
DECORATIONS
Decorations that would adversely impact the historic fabric of the Barn are not permitted. Bartram staff must approve decoration plans in advance. Flowers and vines may be hung or draped over beams and freestanding plants may be brought in. No burning candles may be used inside of any building. All decorations must be removed at time of cleanup.
SMOKING
Smoking and any open flame are prohibited in the Barn and all buildings on the site, including restrooms.
COMMON FLOWER GARDEN GUIDELINES
AVAILABILITY
The Common Flower Garden, first planted by John Bartram in 1731, is available for use with a Coach House rental for wedding ceremonies, cocktails, or small receptions. The porch of the Bartram House is included in the Common Flower Garden rental area. Ceremonies may take place ONLY in the Common Flower Garden and are prohibited elsewhere on the property.
FEES
The Common Flower Garden is available at no additional cost.
CAPACITY
There is no specific limitation on the number of guests permitted in this area with the understanding that the garden plantings may not be adversely impacted or damaged.
MUSIC
Musical accompaniment for ceremonies is permitted in the Common Flower Garden. Music sound levels must be of minimal amplification from 12-4 pm when the historic site is open for tours.
TABLES & CHAIRS
All requests for tables and chairs in the Common Flower Garden must be cleared with Bartram staff and are limited to the minimum required for serving, for ceremonies, and to accommodate elderly or infirm guests. They may not intrude upon or adversely impact the plantings. All setup, preparation, and removal to be performed by the client/caterer.
PICKING FLOWERS
Absolutely prohibited.
SMOKING
Smoking is prohibited in Common Flower Garden and all areas of historic botanic garden.
YELLOWWOOD TREE
The Yellowwood tree, located in the area of the Common Flower Garden, is one of the oldest trees at Bartram's Garden. For its protection, caterers are prohibited from setting up serving stations in the area of the Yellowwood.
EASTWICK PAVILION RENTAL GUIDELINES
AVAILABILITY
The Eastwick Pavilion is available for rental year-round 9 am-5 pm, daily, March-December. The Pavilion is rented on a space-available basis. The Pavilion rental is restricted to the adjacent area and may not extend into the "historic garden" area. Use of other areas and buildings at Bartram's Garden may be arranged for an additional fee. There is no charge for use of the public ball field and playground below the Pavilion.
FEES
$300 for up to eight hours 9 am-5 pm $100 will be refunded if the Pavilion, surrounding area, and bathrooms are left in "as found" condition. A $100 security deposit is required to reserve the Pavilion and is non-refundable if event is cancelled less than 30 days in advance or property is not left clean and as it was found. All trash must be removed and disposed of properly off site by renter.
CAPACITY
The Pavilion has picnic tables with benches, seating approximately 36 adults. Renters may bring in additional tables and chairs.
MUSIC
Music may be played provided noise levels are inoffensive to the surrounding community. No loud music may be played 12-4 pm when the historic site is open for public tours.
BARBECUES
Although the pavilion does not have grills, renters may bring their own. Fires must be extinguished completely before leaving. Ashes may not be dumped on the ground; renters must remove all ashes from the site.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Fairmount Park regulations prohibit consumption of alcoholic beverages on park grounds.
TRASH
No refuse, trash bags, etc. may be left at the Pavilion or any place on the site. Renter must remove all trash from premises.
PARKING
Other than to load and unload, no vehicles are permitted at the Pavilion. Bartram staff can open gate to allow access for this purpose. Parking is restricted to the parking lot or along the road near the entrance to the Pavilion. Bartram's Garden is a public park. Security is the responsibility of client.
RESTROOMS
Rental of the Pavilion includes use of the restrooms located on the north side of the Bartram House, Tuesday-Sunday 12-4 pm. The house and bathrooms are locked at 4 pm.
Failure to comply may result in forfeit of
fee/security deposit and cancellation of event.
APPROVED CATERERS
Day-By-Day Catering
21st & Sansom Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.564.5540
daybydayinc.com
Contact: Stephen or Robin
|
J. Cabot Catering Co.
301 Callowhill St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215.574.0887
Contact: Gina Burke
jcabotcatering.com |
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Shackamaxon Catering for All Seasons
3499 Street Road
Bensalem, PA 19020
215.244.9700
Contact: Ken Correll
shackamaxoncatering.com |
Jeffrey Miller Catering
1530 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
610.622.3700
Contact: Sarah Nathe
partyspace.com
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dining.DIFFERENT
Catering by Chef Daniel Stern
info@diningdifferent.com
215-461-1260
Contact: Taylor Jaymes
www.raerestaurant.com
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CATERERS MAY BE SELECTED FROM THIS LIST ONLY
APPROVED TENT & EQUIPMENT RENTAL COMPANY
Ocean Tents and Party Rentals
1647 Route 38
Mt. Holly, NJ 08060
609-914-0600
856-235-1900
Contact: Joseph Peregman, Jr.
info@oceantents.com
www.oceantents.com
CLIENTS/CATERERS MAY ONLY USE THIS APPROVED RENTAL COMPANY
ALL TENT & EQUIPMENT LAYOUT/SETUP MUST BE APPROVED IN ADVANCE
