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Bartram's Garden Review

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Bartram's Garden

Fodor's Review:

Begun in 1728 by the pioneering botanist John Bartram (1699-1777), this is America's oldest surviving botanical garden. Bartram, with his son William, introduced into cultivation more than 200 of our native plants; John's international reputation led to him being appointed the royal botanist for King George III. With stone columns and carvings by Bartram himself, the furnished 1728 Swedish farmhouse on the grounds reflects his unique vision of classical and Colonial architecture; no wonder it's a National Historic Landmark. The gardens include the nation's oldest ginkgo tree, a fragrant flower garden, and a riverside meadow. Maps of the 45-acre grounds are available at the information kiosk by the Bartram Barn and in the Museum Shop. This oasis is tucked into a heavily industrialized corner of Southwest Philadelphia. You can catch the No. 36 trolley in front of the Clothespin, at 15th and Market streets; the ride takes 20 minutes.

  • Cost: Garden, free; house tour, $5
  • Open: Garden: daily 10-5. House: Mar.-mid-Dec., Tues.-Sun. noon-4; tours at 12:10, 1:10, 2:10, and 3:10

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