Blog

December 14, 2016

America’s First Poinsettia: The Introduction at Bartram’s Garden

It is a little-known fact that the poinsettia was introduced to the gardening world from the Bartram Botanic Garden in 1829. This international symbol of winter cheer was first successfully…

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November 10, 2016

A “Step” into Bartram History

As you stroll around the 1731 John Bartram House, you may notice stone pavers by the east, south, and west entrances. These, like the actual doors, are original to the…

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October 20, 2016

Portrait of Ann Bartram Carr as a Teenager

Born in 1779 to John Bartram, Jr. and Eliza Howell, Ann Bartram—namesake of our new Ann Bartram Carr Garden—grew up immersed in a world of farming and botany, thanks to…

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October 14, 2016

Mini golf (and a gator!) comes to Bartram’s Garden

This week, an alligator returned to Bartram’s Garden! “A fine, fat, frisky Alegator is now running at large at Bartram’s Botanic Garden, near Gray’s Ferry, on the Schuylkill. He is…

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October 5, 2016

Debunking a Myth about our 1775 Bartram Barn

The Bartram Barn was built in 1775, largely by John Bartram’s son, John Bartram, Jr., who was a farmer. We sometimes overhear visitors explaining the function of its narrow window slits,…

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September 22, 2016

Searching for American Lotus in South Jersey

This summer, Bartram’s Garden curator Joel Fry and members of our Horticulture staff went on a fascinating river trip to South Jersey, searching for the American Lotus. Let’s follow their trail…

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September 1, 2016

THE GENUS COLLINSIA — AND THE PHILADELPHIA BOTANIST

The plant genus Collinsia is named after Zaccheus Collins (1764 – 1831) who was known to William Bartram and likely, his niece Ann Bartram Carr. We asked our curator Joel…

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August 30, 2016

5 Cool Facts about HONEY!

Honey is a yummy, magical substance only produced by honeybees and enjoyed the world over. We celebrate honey and our flying friends every September at the Philadelphia Honey Festival, coming…

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August 25, 2016

Family Fun & Plant Sale Deals at HoneyFest

There’s lots to do at HoneyFest for families, plant shoppers, and nature lovers of all shapes and sizes. Come down to the fun! Check out the full schedule on the…

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I'm interested in:

Biking & Walking

Birds

Boating & Fishing

Flowers, Plants & Trees

Gardening

History

Kids' Activities

Sankofa Community Farm

Southwest Philadelphia

Water Quality

Workshops, Wellness & Culture

Youth Internships

I'm interested in:

Biking & Walking

Stroll the Schuylkill River Trail or join us for biking!

Birds

Look up! More than 100 species of birds rely on this ecosystem.

Boating & Fishing

Enjoy all that the Tidal Schuylkill River has to offer.

Flowers, Plants & Trees

See what’s blooming, find a favorite tree, and stroll the gardens and natural lands.

Gardening

Bring the Garden home! Shop for plants or grow food, trees, and more.

History

Uncover the interconnected stories of this historic site.

Kids' Activities

Join us year-round to learn, make, share, and wonder.

Sankofa Community Farm

“Go back and get it!” Growing food sovereignty with an African Diaspora focus.

Southwest Philadelphia

Resources and opportunities especially for neighbors in Southwest Philly.

Water Quality

Find our latest data on the river’s bacteria levels and recent rainfall.

Workshops, Wellness & Culture

Enjoy upcoming workshops, self-care, and events. Are you a Southwest artist? Let’s partner!

Youth Internships

Calling Southwest students: paid internships available with the river, the farm, and the trees.