Bartram's Garden

Want to grow food at home?

The Home Garden Bed program, a project of Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram's Garden, provides low-cost raised garden beds — installation, soil, and starter plants — for residents living in Southwest Philly.

Click the link to apply, and a member of our team will be in touch! https://www.bartramsgarden.org/home-garden-beds/

[ID: A photo of a neighbor and Hajjah, Home Garden Bed Coordinator, sitting side by side on the edge of a raised garden bed, smiling for the camera. The sun shines on the plants, shrubs, and trees in front of the neighbor's home behind them]

Save the date! Our annual fall plant sale is on Sunday, September 13. Come to the Garden for amazing deals for your autumnal gardening and an afternoon of engaging, educational, land-based workshops and talks. Register and learn more at bartramsgarden.org/calendar

🌿Pollinator Packages
Pollinator garden packages are back, available for preorder from September 1–12, for pick-up at the plant sale. Each package contains a unique selection of perennial flowers, grasses and shrubs designed to attract and benefit pollinators. We have options for sunny and shady garden sites in several different sizes, plus fresh selection of fall veggies and herbs, late blooming annuals, and more!

10am–12pm: Tipitiwitchett Bog Container workshop
Join artist and NJ Parks trails steward Allen Crawford to learn how to set up and maintain your own small container bog. Info sheets on the care of carnivorous plants will be included along with all supplies. Register in advance, SW discount available.

12–1pm: History of Black Wetlands presentation
For this discussion, Bakari Clark will explore the historical significance of tidal wetlands and Black land-and-maritime stewardship. Come engage with the cultural history associated with our natural resources and the identity of those who have stewarded them before us. Free, no registration necessary.

1–2pm: Opening reception: Little Warren Grove
Join us to celebrate a new plant feature within the Garden: Little Warren Grove, a collection of raised bed gardens hosting a range of plants native to North American bogs, including carnivorous plants and their allies. Located by the park’s main driveway, it was established in 2026 thanks to a generous donation of plants and wisdom from Jason Austen and Bill Smith of Warren Grove, NJ. No registration necessary.

2–3pm: Guided Art Walk with Oluwafemi
Stretch your legs and see the Trail from a new perspective with artist Oluwafemi, who recently created new interpretive installations showcasing the many stories held in this landscape. Hear directly from the artist about how the pieces were developed, including how the distinct locations inspired each design. Free, register in advance.

Sankofa Farm Stand is also canceled today due to the downpour. Hoping everyone stays safe and dry!

[ID: "Farm Stand CANCELED Thursday, August 27" in large white text centered on a solid purple background between the white Bartram's Garden logo and line drawings of flowers and a tomato]

Due to the stormy forecast, free fishing has been canceled today Thursday, August 27

[ID: "Free Fishing CANCELED Thursday, August 27" in large white text centered against a deep navy blue background, along with the Garden's logo and a raincloud illustration in white]

Seed Jewelry Workshop
📅September 12, 12-2pm
Register at bartramsgarden.org/calendar

Join artist Eric César Morales for an art-making workshop! Participants will learn to weave intricate jewelry with seeds harvested from around Philadelphia, including the grounds of Bartram’s Garden, as well as seeds collected from Latin America and the Pacific. We will learn about the historical and cultural significance of each type of seed, including their roles in art, music, food, medicine, and folktales.

All materials are provided and all ages + experience levels are welcome to engage creatively with nature, culture, and craft!

[ID: two photos of seed jewelry. One is one a flower made with rounded white, red, black, and brown seeds, and the other is a necklace with rounded black and deep green seeds, and pointed yellow ones ]

The Welcome Center is closed today, Monday, August 24. It will reopen as usual this Thursday, August 27. Public restrooms will be open today regular hours 9:30am–4:30pm.

[ID: "Welcome Center CLOSED Monday, August 24" centered in white text below the white Bartram's Garden logo, along with white illustrations of butterflies in the upper right corner and flowers in the lower left]

TRAIL RE-OPENED

As of Saturday, August 22, the full Bartram’s Mile Trail is open for safe public access.

The chemical odor noted yesterday has been identified as a cleaning solvent used by a privately owned company in this area.

[ID: A purple background with the post text and Bartram’s Garden logo in white.]

SAFETY UPDATE: Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily closed a portion of the Bartram's Mile Trail to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.

After significant rain last night, our staff noticed a chemical odor in this area of the trail adjacent to privately owned former industrial sites. Emergency services have been notified, and initial testing has not identified any airborne hazard.

This portion of the trail will remain closed as we await further testing from the City's emergency air monitoring service and while the smell dissipates.

The park remains open. Unless otherwise announced, public programming and other activities remain as scheduled.

[ID: the above message in white text centered below the white Bartram's Garden logo on a solid purple background]

Biking and volunteer programs are unfortunately canceled tomorrow due to the rain, but biking is still on for Sunday!
There are so many workshops this weekend centered around wellness and healing, check them out and register at bartramsgarden.org/calendar

Welcome Center & public restrooms: open 9:30am-4:30pm

🌱Friday, August 21
5-6:30pm: Tending to Our Gardens (event takes place at One Art Community Center)

🌿Saturday, August 22
10am-12pm: Harvesting the Healing Power: An Afro-Herbalism Workshop on Elderberries (event takes place at Mill Creek Farm)
11am-2pm: Sankofa Farm Stand at the Black Farmer's Market
12-2pm: Vinegar Master Class

🚫CANCELED
9:30am-12pm: Sankofa Volunteer Day
10am-12pm: Kids' Learn to Ride
12-2pm:Free Bike Rentals
There is no free boating this weekend.

🚲Sunday, August 23
10am-12pm: Adults' Learn to Ride (SOLD OUT)
12-2pm: Free Bike Rentals

[ID: the above info about programs and cancellations in bold white text, superimposed over a photo of a poppy, along with the Bartram's Garden logo]

Due to the forecast, Flow in the Garden Free Yoga has also been canceled today. We know this is a bummer, but swipe to see a photo of someone who IS enjoying this weather!🐸

[ID: "August 20: Free Yoga CANCELED" in bold white text, centered below the white Bartram's Garden and superimposed over a photo of pickerelweed and water lilies.
ID 2: a photo of a frog sitting by the woodchipped-lined edge of the pond, looking very cute!]