Reviews of Bartram's Garden (Gardener)

Sam S

Great place to relax & explore nature, accessible by trolley

Maryanne McGurk

Great birding, fun boating, and history! All for free.

vinh ho

very nice place for West Philly residents to enjoy a well built and clean park next to body of water (the river).

Portia Scott

Beautiful oasis with gardens and woods to wander.

Jjay Cage

There was trash all over this development.

Richard Lawrence

Beautiful local with some neat history. It's worth walking around.

Sara Underwood

Lovely gardens and orchards, associated with community projects. Noce view of center city, can go down by the water. Good place to spend a summer afternoon or take a horticulture/agriculture class.

karen stine

Loved the house tour

Nicole Smith Daniels

Attended a beautiful wedding here. Great venue. Be aware that Google Maps may lead you to an area other than where weddings are hosted.

Esther Kim

Great visit! Had never been but was able to wall around some today and enjoy the greenery as well as the plant sale. Prices ranged from $5 and up for a big variety. Also were encouraging people to become members for a free lemon thyme plant. Super charming and glad I'm a member now! Will be back for more!

Dawn Lynch

Always beautiful & serene. Haven't seen the new improvements but they can only make it better.

Dillon Hoffman

Absolutely stunning grounds. Great venues for a wedding and tons of community activities throughout the warm months

Jasmine Rosario

What a magical day my husband and I had! This park is beautiful and kayaking/boat paddling was free when we went on Saturday! I feel like this park is a secret though; we had to really search around to hear about it and it was kind of hidden. It reminded me of s secret garden, and it's the perfect free date! There was a man selling the best water ice by the kayaks and it was the most refreshing treat on that hot sunny day!

Vivian Ng

Beautiful luscious greenery with lots of interactive events.

Seamus Doerrman

My best friend got married here and I cannot praise this location enough, everything was exactly how we had hoped it would be and more, facilities/views/staff (ESPECIALLY the staff) and environment were all top notch. It's also a fantastic public park in the city even without being there for an event.

Ritesh Shah

Tucked away in deep Southwest Philly, this little oasis offers up some respite from the hustle and bustle of Center City - all without having to leave city limits! The area is carved out by the river. Theres a lot going on from an outdoors perspective, offering trails to walk, bike, free boating on summer Saturdays, fishing (with proper licensing), and so much more for all members of the fam. There's a working farm on site as well! I came here to check out the boating and was glad I was able to take on the experience. They have free rentals on Saturdays during the summer from 11AM - 3PM. They have options for both canoeing and kayaking. I chose to kayak and enjoyed the experience! The instructors are great with setting you up, and for beginners they do offer basic instructions. There's a few spots for parking on site, so if one lot is full, you can continue down to another site down the trail to try your luck. There's also a great welcome center and gift shop! Lots of information to look over, learn of the history of area, and also find a momento to take back with you. There are also some restrooms in the area. Overall, solid place to check out and come back to - especially since entrance is free!

gordon kenneson

John Bartram is one of my heroes. The site is well kept.

Yi Zhou

Great view!

My'asia Carter

Very great place to visit and relax next to the water and have little partys. They have a lot of things in the summer and they sometimes have movie night and boat ridea. They do a lot of things. Come check them out

Madeline Summers

I have a friend who lives there visit them often, I think it's very well cept always clean, All those I have met are nice. When I get to move into a senior center I hope it's as nice and clean as this one

Danielle Ziegler

Beautiful gardens and there are plant sales, programs and family friendly events and free boat rides. You can also fish by there, too.

John Conway

Go there tell em Big Louie sent you. Tell me how you make out. Great place. Oasis in the city.

Shannah Seefieldt

Pleasant surprise in the southern end of West Philly. A relaxing oasis in an unexpected spot. Accessible by bike and minutes from University City. I loved how close you can get to the water here. Really nice welcome center and gift shop. I look forward to going back as the vegetable gardens get going and for the spring plant sale.

Kristen Z

I volunteered there. They have summer free kayak activities. Good vibe

Jean Schneider

Saturday free kayaking was a blast. Flat water paddling within sight of the dock, so good for beginners. Birds swooping around. Only a half hour at a time so that many people can enjoy. Volunteers are supportive and informative, making sure everyone has a safe experience.

Brooke Sanville

Beautiful gardens. Went July 4th, and it was hot! Lots of shade though. Will be back.

Michelle Cosgrove

If you're a Gardener and are into traveling to visit all the gardens in your area, save this as a side trip for when you're already in South Philly. It's beautiful and takes about 1.5 hours to do the whole thing. The gardens are mostly native and there are some areas that are manicured and well planned by the house. There are some short hiking trails that take you to the river. I gem if you live in the area, not so much of you're coming from the burbs.

Luis Puente

This place is awesome some of the most nices people work there

Steve Hill

Cool spot to check out free boat rides and kayak rental on Saturdays.

Kelley Turner

Interesting historical reprieve from the city.

ricky height

GREAT FISHING AND ROMANTIC SPOT!

Kevin Zuber

Nice spot to hang by the water or chill out to a "drum like a lady" dance session.

Elorm Agezo

Nice place .

Eugene Swanson

Amazing place to go for walk. The atmosphere was fresh. Perfect place for outing.

Leroy Fisher

Beautiful historic location. Im Looking forward to the upcoming events hosted there

Haafiz Way

Good spot for fishing

Autumn Coffey

Absolutely beautiful. It was great taking a short hike here, being able to get away without having to actually travel. Gorgeous grounds and trees.

Rosalind Chang

It is a historical public garden in the city. For the most part it is accessible with baby strollers but many areas were over grown

Kenya Massie

Great hidden gem to take a nature walk, have a picnic or relax. There is a garden with veggies and herbs. They offer canoeing and give tours.

Martin Deaton

U can grow just about anything their, or but fresh fruit & vegetables too....

jennifer perry

Beautiful spot to explore and relax!

Loretta Jones

Nice clean place great for fishing and children or just to take a walk

Tameka Carr

Scenic, relaxing, great place to fish

William King

I can't believe I've been here 25 years and finally walked through the grounds at Bartram gardens. This is the gem of Fairmount park. Row boats for the Schuylkill, urban farm, river walk, botanical garden, meadow, amphitheater, historical buildings. Amazing, unbelievable that at the edge of one of the truly sketchy neighborhoods in Philadelphia is this gem. We already have a beautiful riverfront, who knew!

Sulaiman Soos Henry

Ppl dying over there.....

Jean Boyle

Beautiful, interesting history, tour guide was fabulous!

Mecca Ellerby

It's so beautiful and relaxed here. The farmers are hardworking and very helpful with questions.

Tasnubha Bari

A historically significant place, home to the father of American Botany, John Bartram. This is now a park, open to the public to visit for free, and boasts a variety of plants and flowers in a beautiful hundred acre landscape. Perfect for a picnic, or for walks and exploring, photography. They also have kayak/ canoe available for rides free of cost, on certain days. The place can be used as an events venue too, and i have seen birthday parties and weddings hosted there. The place is very family friendly, and you'll see lots of little kids riding bikes there. They have a small gift shop. The restroom is available outside, near the gift shop. Free parking lot is available for cars.

Carolyn Cremins

This is a wonderful place for a walk and very close to downtown.

Cheryl Anderson chaney

Part of my heritage, graduated June 1965 now President of John Bartram High School Alumni Association. Very nice, fresh, lively, reasonably priced plants, trees, herbs & very friendly staff. Enjoyed my morning @ the gardens.

Nan Jacobs

This place is amazing. We learned so much. Came. With my aunt, my mom and my DD, age 16. Even she accidentally had a great time! Make sure you get the guided tours of the grounds and the house. Our tour guide for both was Charisse and she was incredibly knowledgeable. How she remembered everything she needed to tell us, I'm not sure, but she was patient with the elderly who were slow walkers and the whole path is paved for those who have trouble walking. The guided tours were worth every penny!

Michael Scarani

Unique and wonderful gem close to center city. Great variety of native plants, beautiful historic structures. Love this place

Ben Turner

Lovely gardens, home of perhaps the foremost (colonial) North American plant collector of the 18th century. Historical and medicinal plant collections. Knowledgeable staff. Nice sitting spots along the Schuylkill River. Run as an educational org. with a working farm. Must see for plant enthusiasts!

Davis D. Janowski

We visited in late summer of 2006 and need to return in the springtime. For us it was a bus ride to get there and a storm greeted our departure. It felt like a lonely place at the time of our visit, Bartram's spirit had long departed, perhaps it returns in spring. I return to my copy of The Travels of William Bartram when necessary. I hope the area surrounding the gardens has gotten better since we visited.

Adam G.

Absolutely gorgeous gardens. Beautiful for the wedding me and my wife attended. This oasis of quiet fields and modest 18th-century farm buildings is where gardening first took root in America. Today at Bartram’s Garden, visitors can go bird watching, catch a breeze along the River Trail, stroll through the fragrant flower gardens, or visit the riverside meadow, which brims with grasses and wildflowers. With its riverfront location and beautiful view of the Philadelphia skyline, Bartram’s Garden also appeals to more active visitors. The dock, with access to the lower Schuylkill River, is a popular put-in for boats.

Heather and Denerale

My kids beg to go to the garden. They like the trails and seeing the river.

Richekay

A unique opportunity to experience Philadelphia living when it didnt have all the concrete and steel. Great walking/hiking paths through meadows, wiodlands and along the banks of the Schuylkill River.

Sakura CH

Nice place!! Row the boat was free. But, it was on certain time, I believe it was 9 am to 3 pm.

Kevin Pettit

Great place for nature walks and community events.

Carol Martin Johnson

Kayaking, holiday greens sale, lovely gardens and green space , house tours, a new bike path.....this place is a treasure.

WHB JR

Take your postal with you, and be ready to use it!

Richard Garver

Real good visit; anyone interested in plants,including trees, rocks, rivers and or colonial America should see this spot and take the guided tours.

Rowan

Such a beautiful place. I married my best friend and soul mate here under the oldest Ginkgo tree.

A. P

It has a lot of history to be seen and I never knew about all the land it covered. You can't go wrong with an early afternoon visit

Loretha Ford

Is great place for the children

Adam Smith

Magical place. Beautiful house and garden. Free kayaking at certain times.

Prabhu Mysore

Beautiful, and very informative!

Sam Lufi

We love Bartram's Garden! I hesitate to rate it because it is such a gem and so under-utilized. Part of the charm is the seclusion and quiet here. Staff is great, the garden itself is fascinating as is the history of the estate. Their programming is top-notch! Our children love their special events.

linda christian

Bartram Gardens is a beautiful place, various plants flowers trees and you can see the skyscraper buildings standing near the Skuykill. I will visit again soon

Leonard Paskel

Very Nice but just a Tent very warm

Dianna Holland

FABULOUS! First public garden in the United States

Cheryl Green

Beautiful place to visit with the family

Ramya Bala Prabhakaran

My experience of Bartram's garden is based on the free moon row-boating and kayaking events held there in the summer. The row-boating was only for 15 mins but the kayaking is for 30 mins and I had great fun kayaking on Tuesday evening during sunset. The orange light on the river is very relaxing. Recommend getting into the water close to 7.15 so you get a little extra time on the water.

Bernie Pucker

Excellent spot for a wedding assuming one is blessed with excellent weather

Dionna Perron

Beautiful beautiful place I never knew existed

Nathan Snyder

The garden is very pretty. Makes for a nice walk on a good weather day with a wide variety of flowers, trees, cacti, and other flora!

Kort Walsh

This was wonderful and the best way to spend a day in nature. Nicely set against the river and huge gardens to wander through. Really cool buildings and tons of trails to find. Went to a fabulous wedding and really hope to come back!

Lisa Maust

Less desirable area for the garden, but well maintained.

Fawn Ricciuti

Beautiful site, great for jogging, a walk in the woods, fishing, kayaking (free on Saturday), there are gardens, the visitor center has great, courteous, helpful, nice staff. The bathrooms are clean and inviting. They also lend out fishing poles for free (if you have/get a fishing license) and so many activities, available with and without a membership.

Janelle Hight

Love this hide away the best walks n talks

marianne bachman

We went for a wedding, it was wonderful.

christian xtn hansen

The Franklinia was in bloom!!! What a treat!

Denisse Germosen

What a beautiful place. Will definitely be returning this summer ♥️

Kevin Ferguson

Older area but very clean

Don Hill

Beautiful setting on the Schuylkill that we didn't know existed until recently.

Chris Brown

Very beautiful place. I had my doubts coming through that area but very nice

Karen hygrant

Because ur workers are very respectful. Nd the store are very neat. Fresh nd clean

Sabbath Boutiques

Not somewhere I would go again men calling there self woman kids was confused n me too Lord...

Tina Louise

Keeps getting better on every visit. Beautiful skyline of Philadelphia and heard they are going to add horseback ridding.

Dana Myers

I would love to move in here

Trillbevins

The best place in Southwest

N P0611

A hidden oasis located in Southwest Philadelphia. Lots of history here, which is home to the country's first botanist, John Bartram. House tours are available, as well as grounds to leisurely stroll, classes for homeschooled children are also given here and there are seasonal plant sales.

Kelvin Davis

Really good place to go fishing

Jared Griffin

With tons of free events and beautiful scenery, Bartram's Garden is one of the best places to be for a local adventure

Alexis Kandra

A gem of Philadelphia, with great programs for the community. A wonderful place to walk and enjoy nature

Janet Wilkins

Very peaceful and serene. Lived in Philadelphia all my life and never knew this was here. Will come back to tour.

Simply Simple

It was so peaceful and amazing to walk through.

Debbie Winn

Beautiful trail!

jim batliwala

Great place for a day trip.

Deletha Williams Johnson

It was great fun with the kids

JoJo

It's really beautiful. The view of the river is reall nice. I like going there with my girlfriend and just throwing rocks in the river to see which one of us can go farther.

Rachel Milano

An urban oasis perfect for a fall day.

Jody Ayars

Very soothing even though it was early in the season. An historical landmark definitely worth visiting

Yanni Hurt

Was my first time there and I will definitely be back

Ann Antanavage

Beautiful space with River views and lovely gardens ... Fun trails - not very long hikes/walks but very pretty and easy. Picnic tables around, nice restrooms at the welcome center, free admission!

B Sln

Really good spot

Adam Schwartz

Very inclusive historic Garden that captures a vital piece of America's Botanical history. Also a great place to cuddle in the shadowed wilderness garden. Please note that kids on hot days May complain more than is generally tolerable

eugene gourley

Another preserved spot in Philly, absolutely beautiful

jackee ali

Great place to go N adventure out nice atmosphere for the family or nice date

Frieda Wiley

Did you know that this is the oldest arboretum in the United States as well as the first? Neither did I until I showed up. This place is a hidden gem and doesn’t show up on most lists of touristy things to do in Philadelphia. However if you love nature and enjoy the outdoors, this is a great place to walk or look around. The plants are labeled with both the scientific names as well as the common names, and the property was founded by a botanist to bought the land back in 1729.

Mindy P

Beautiful place. Kind people. Little explorers is a ton of fun! There’s so many fun events they offer from a dj in the garden, glow night, to row boating... all a great time! A gem in southwest Philly! You cannot miss it!

Tammy Mulroy

Bartram's Garden is a hidden gem in Southwest Philadelphia. It is the oldest surviving botanic garden in the United States. Our visit the other day was so pretty with the fall foliage at its peak. The old homestead and original estate buildings on the property are beautiful old stone structures. There is a Ginkgo tree that is the oldest of its kind in North America. It's an interesting beautiful place to visit full of history and with many events and activities planned throughout the year.

betsy smith

Nice get away in the city

Leanne M

Came off season when there was no one there and there wasn't anything in bloom. It was still very quiet and peaceful! We walked the gardens and they it was so beautiful along with the buildings! Its such a nice path to walk down and there is a great view of the city! I'd like to come and do a tour sometime when they are active!

EJ Rossetti

Beautiful location with an abundance of fun and educational events to connect the community with nature.

Cordula Holzer

Naturen right in the city

Kyung Cho

One of the best no fees gardens in the area for families with small kids. I can't believe there is such a beautiful and peaceful garden near the city. Once the pedestrian bridge is built to connect the east and the west banks of Schuylkill River; it would be a game changer for everyone wanting to visit the garden, especially visitors with no vehicles. HURRY UP AND BUILD IT, PLEASE!

Will Shelton

Place was great, went for the Philadelphia Honey Festival and walked around beautiful gardens, shopped fo plants, and went kayaking for free. Had a blast.

Mu'minah As'Salafi

Since I first came here I've been coming every other day or so. So peaceful and soothing.. Also clean everyone I've met thus far has been very friendly

Nathan Buchbinder

Small, but beautiful. Would highly recommend going to this hidden gem.

John Gormley

Around Great place to visit walking bike path boats membership look back at old times

Greg McKinley

What's the hidden gem in Southwest Philadelphia! A potential Garden a historical site from the colonial pass a best kept secret time you learn more about it! Go to the website get to schedule everything there is free and available plan a visit soon take a friend! You'll never regret it and you will go again and again!

Crystal Williams

They gardens are very detailed and full of blooming flowers. they also have kayaking here as well as pedal boating and row boating. Sometimes you will even catch hummingbirds and other rare birds here as well. They even have a wide variety of butterflies too. If you like to relax in nature this is the place to go.

Julie Odland

Lovely sanctuary in the city, and great interpretive tour of historic botany

mc deeny

Nice respite from the pavement and noise of the city. Interesting gardens and history.

R. E.

The place is brilliant! Check out the boat rentals too

Karen Davis

Nice place to go boating and fishing.

Khadiya Blanks

An expected haven in the Hood. It is very beautiful. I recommend taking a tour.

t smith

Drunk nite

Charles Heckscher

We loved this. The plantings are not spectacular in themselves, but the calm of this oasis in the middle of the West Philly projects is extraordinary. The property has been lovingly cared for since before the revolution, and you feel the good spirits you walk.

dre dre

Need better maps from Google in and out of here with road closures

Alaina Joyce

The tour guide was incredible. I came as part of a gardening group and the guide was very flexible to accommodate group interests. It was lovely to see many familiar plants along with the rare.

bobby johnson

They got free boating on Saturdays if you want to take the kids that did teach you how plus you can go fishing from there it's nice trailer walk along if you want to see things the involve nature if you look closely I might find some animals like a snake some birds Turtles all kinds of good stuff out here

Natesha Schwaderer

Peaceful place just before entering the city.

Traci Walker

Went for my nephews wedding. Beautiful place. Simple and rustic and so charming and gorgeous. Everyone there was professional and friendly and we had a great night.

A Reaves

Beautiful space. I never knew that area even existed

Steven Feldman

Close to town, generally well kept, lovely grounds

Nathan Swanson

A jewel in our city. My family loves to walk around the gardens and participate in all the different events they have. Enjoyed their movie Nights with free popcorn and lemonade. We have bought plants I have grown wonderfully in our backyard. And someday we hope to go canoeing and kayaking. Bartram's Garden is a must-visit.

samanta islam

One of the best garden I have visited in local area.

Olivia Coppedge

I enjoyed the visit, and the food, but if an employee cannot handle the pressure the should not wait on you, and know you don't eat Pork says it out her mouth, but still serves you a dish with Pork in it!

Kinga Lictz

Beautiful garden with awesome views, plants, and animals!! ❤

Oliver Robins

Very traditional organization that let's you find the plant gems, without making it over obvious. Well labelled map (for a $1 donation) that is helpful if you are a little familiar with trees and plants. Also some super rare tree specimens definitely worth seeing.

Deborah Jamieson

Loved wandering in this lovely well-maintained, but also wild garden. The tour guide was excellent on my garden and house tours.

Jim Austin

beautiful place. go just to find some peace, or help out at the community farm. would be a great spot for a wedding or other large party as well

Tracee S.

Beautiful and powerful... Never knew that this existed in Philly... Everyone should see this natural beauty!!! Take advantage of it...

Nadirah Akines

A place where you can go sit and get a peace of mind. A safe place to have your family. Decent people with brilliant ideas.

Lucianne Keenan

Awesome urban Oasis outside of Philly. We went there to do some bird watching but the grounds are impressive and the views of the river and the city are very cool.

Jonathan Moore

This is a beautiful green space tucked safely away where you might never expect it. Its gardens, grounds, and buildings are beautiful and lend themselves to appreciation and prompt introspection. It's a welcome sight in the bustle of the city, and you should check it out!

Brandon van Zelst

Nice day in southwest philly. Smaller than expected

Joli McTerrell

Beautiful garden. Great team. Glad to have had an opportunity to work with my family in one of Philadelphia's gardens and contribute to healthy produce for the community.

Karen McIntyre

Good gardens.

Shakia Ingram

So many things to do. And a lot of the activities are free.

George Petropoulos

A friend wanted to go to the Bartram plant sale, which offered very interesting ornamental shrubs, perennials and annuals. A really good selection of native plants were offered. However, the event was much more than just a plant sale. They had food trucks and a beer tents, and of course a wonderful area to picnic. Local honey and crafts were for sale as well. There was free kayaking or row boating on the river. Besides all of this, the Gardens are wonderful, having very old specimen trees which are old and stately, perennial and annual areas throughout the formal and trail areas of the Garden. A great place to hike, stroll, study, read and enjoy the outdoor surroundings. I won't miss their plant sale in the future, But also, I won't wait until then to visit again. A great destination for peace in the city.

Judy Chen

I love that they offer Free Saturday Public Boating from April-October, 11 am - 3 pm. Check their Facebook page for updates on weather and river conditions before you go in case it's cancelled for the day. Parking was no problem and there was a line right when they opened at 11 am the day that I went. You'll pick either a kayak (two types) or rowboat, sign a waiver, get a life jacket/whistle/waterproof pouch for your phone if necessary, and even have the chance for a photo op before you get out on the water. The volunteers were so great in answering my questions and telling me rowing techniques. There's a time limit (30-40 minutes) depending on the type of boat you have and you are only supposed to stay within certain boundaries of the Schuylkill River. They even have volunteers monitoring the waters for safety! Definitely a great activity for families/groups, couples, and individuals, and it doesn't matter if you have zero experience.

Khaalidah Kahliemah Nasra Muhammad

Beautiful for sight seing

Naomi Fiordimondo

What a beautiful hidden gem. Wooded gardens, nicely cared for (asphalt) trails for biking, scooter in & walking, a koi pond, a big open field with an impressive view of the city skyline, an adult sized tree swing and 2 areas with tabels to have an outdoor meal. Their is also a dock with boats (kayaks, canoes, etc) and a fishing area but I have not explored - yet! The one downside is the lead in to the facility - Bartrams borders a rough looking city housing project and a less than cared for area of the city with rundown warehouses, pothole filled roads and homes in need of some love. We strongly considered this location for our wedding then opted against it because the drive there would have been to intimidating for our suburban guests. In hindsight, I wish we would have just forged ahead anyway because the grounds are just so beautiful and, once you're there, everything else around it melts away. :-( Oh, did I mention it's free??

Edward Williams

Nice place to fish the Schuylkill River.

Guy Guy

Great place in southwest philly.