“City of Brotherly Love!”

“Birth Place of Liberty.”

“Home of the Cheesesteak.”

Philadelphia has been crowned with yet another title: America’s Garden Capital, which is perfect timing for National Public Gardens Day tomorrow. Did you know Philadelphia has 30 public gardens within 30 miles? We rock the highest concentration of public gardens (and arboreta) on the CONTINENT.

Philly celebrated the announcement on Tuesday at Bartram’s Garden. Founder John Bartram brought many of the seeds of the plants at Bartram’s back in the 1700’s, helping to shape our modern horticulture. Tuesday’s celebration was complete with children creating a ‘green thumbs’ flower planter for First Lady Michelle Obama, tours & more.

GPB Green Lady, aka Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability Director Katherine Gajewski also presented an official proclamation on Tuesday to raise awareness of our gardens’ value. Not only do the gardens improve quality of life for Philadelphians, but they also contribute a $3.3 billion economic impact on local arts & culture sector. Part of the official proclamation included the following from our Mayor:

-I, Michael A. Nutter, Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 10, as National Public Gardens Day, in Philadelphia and urge all citizens to be aware of the value of gardens in raising the quality of life in Philadelphia and commend the American Public Gardens Association for its work to create a glorious “green” vision of the future.

As Dave Johnson of Rain Bird (partner in creating NPGD) describes Philly’s brand new title:

“Seeing Philadelphia launch ‘America’s Garden Capital’ on National Public Gardens Day is a testament to the critical role public gardens play in the communities they serve, and we are excited to be a part of their legacy.”

How You Can Celebrate National Public Gardens Day (For Free!)

May 10th marks National Public Gardens Day to remind people of the importance of our public gardens. And there’s some extra incentives to see what more than 2 million visitors see in the local public gardens each year!

All participating local area gardens will offer free seed packets in honor of National Public Gardens Day. Longwood Gardens will have free tours with admission. Plus, you have the chance to visit a green abyss in (or around Philly) for free.  Better Homes & Gardens has a coupon for free garden admission. Choices include:

• Morris Arboretum
• Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
• Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
• Tyler Arboretum

Readers, which Philadelphia area garden will you visit tomorrow?

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher