Articles Written by Julie Hancher

Hey friends & readers- Who's excited to help Philadelphia this Saturday for Philly Spring Cleanup Day? As we mentioned, Green Philly Blog is partnering with greenlimbs, in Queen Village neighborhood of 300-600 Washington Avenue. Our volunteers will help bag trash, recycle, tend trees and prepare beds for spring planting. My friend and I visited the project location on Sunday afternoon. While there were 20-30 kids playing in this park, trash litters the streets and area inside. Here are some pics of the area (click through for the slideshow courtesy of Chad Collier):

Sick of litter on the streets? Tired of Philly's dirty rep? Readers, who's ready to take some action for the 4th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup?!? As we mentioned, the City of Philadelphia announced their 4th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup, “Keep Up the Sweep Up", on Saturday, April 2, 2011 (rain date, Saturday, April 9) from 9 AM- 2 PM. Green Philly Blog is partnering with another local blog, greenlimbs. Together, we're thrilled to announce that we’ll be keeping & 'sweeping' in South Philadelphia's Queen Village neighborhood (300-600 Washington Avenue). We'll need volunteers to help bag trash, recycle, tend trees and prepare beds for spring planting - (and we'll even have a Pennsylvania Horticultural Society-trained tree tender in our group). You can sign up to volunteer with us through the Streets Department site or by emailing us directly to (find out, after the jump!)

Although living in the city is great, there are occasionally downfalls... such as endless supermarket lines, loads of Pizza options circa 2 AM and pesky leases that prohibit dogs. Don't fret dog-lovers... there's a program that allows you to "time-share" dogs... ethically. The Monster Milers is a group of runners who run the PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) dogs to "connect Philadelphia runners with homeless dogs as running companions". Benefits for the pups are giving them exercise, time out of the shelter, and a little bit of runner's love. The running outlet for these canine pals have resulted in less frantic behavior when adopters meet them - and much faster adoptions. Founder of the group, Carrie Maria is

While many in Philadelphia started celebrating St. Patrick's Day with the Erin Express & such this weekend - the official big day is approaching! We love greening our holidays... especially one of our favorite days of the year when everyone wears green! Here's a few ways to celebrate leprechaun-style & green your St. Patrick's Day:

On a sidenote, this marks Green Philly Blog's 400th Post! Thanks for reading, whether it's your first visit or 400th ;-) We appreciate all the continued & amazing support. Hope you had a chance to visit the 2011 Philadelphia International Flower Show this past week, which benefited the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society! PHS announced the Plant One Million campaign during the show, an initiative that will plant 1 MILLION trees in 13 counties in Greater Philadelphia Region, New Jersey & Delaware. The campaign will improve the environment, create jobs, strengthen communities & improve air/water quality. This campaign helps to (find out more about this amazing campaign, after the jump!)

Today marks the beginning of "Lent" for Christians, the 40 days of the liturgical year leading up to Easter - where Christians make a 'sacrifice' for Jesus. I suggest everyone (Christians and non) can adopt this calendar for 40 days and going forward. (Traditionally, Christians celebrate the end of lent by indulging in what they gave up - Don't start wasting electricity & gas once Easter hits!) Here's the Lenten Carbon Fast calendar courtesy of Popluteran:

Are you dying to discover secrets about organic and biodynamic farming? Do you want to be the next Garden Apprentice without the brutal reality TV cameras? Join the team that has winning chef Stephanie McKeon Krzywanski: Camphill Village Kimberton Hills has immediate openings for Garden Apprentices within the Sankanac CSA where you can gain experience in biodynamic, organic, and sustainable methods of agriculture and land stewardship. Garden Apprentices receive (find out more, after the jump!)

We're intoxicated with the Philadelphia International Flower Show this week and have a mini-series on Green Philly Blog about lectures and more! Our journey with fresh floral smells continues today... As I mentioned in my Flower Show Preview, the Urban Graffiti Shadow Art by Michael Bruce Florist in Collingswood, NJ, may be one of my favorite exhibits. The spotlights and area is a lot to take in. When you first approach the scene, the miscellaneous items throw you off: And then you see trash compiled together to sort of make an image (continue for the journey, after the jump!):

Another added benefit of attending the Philadelphia International Flower Show is a variety of lectures on horticulture, gardening and landscape design. Free lectures, presentations & demos will provide cutting-edge techniques & instructions for urban agriculture, green roofs, eco-friendly design and sustainable gardening. Greenies will enjoy a lecture series, “Greensource,” that feature nationally renowned designers. Speakers for the free programs (Mon-Fri @ 1 PM) include (find out who, including for a house we all recognize and various programs to check out after the jump!)