Editing Bartrams Garden

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Bartram's Garden
| image =
| image_caption = Bartram's Garden historic house and grounds
| type = Historic garden, museum
| address = 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard
| neighborhood = Southwest Philadelphia
| coordinates = 39.9320,-75.2133
| phone = (215) 729-5281
| website = https://www.bartramsgarden.org
| established = 1728
| founder = John Bartram
| director = Maitreyi Roy
| collections = Historic plants, 18th-century house
| visitors = 50,000+ annually
| hours = Grounds daily; house tours seasonal
}}

'''Bartram's Garden''' is the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America, established in '''1728''' by '''John Bartram''', whom Carl Linnaeus called "the greatest natural botanist in the world." Located on 45 acres along the Schuylkill River in Southwest Philadelphia, the garden contains the original 18th-century house and garden created by Bartram and his son William, along with trees and plants that have grown on the site for centuries.<ref name="bartrams">{{cite web |url=https://www.bartramsgarden.org/about/ |title=About Bartram's Garden |publisher=Bartram's Garden |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

John Bartram traveled thousands of miles through colonial America collecting plants, which he cultivated at his garden and shipped to clients in Europe. His son '''William Bartram''' continued the work and wrote ''Travels'', a celebrated account of his botanical expeditions. Today, Bartram's Garden preserves this horticultural heritage while serving as a community resource with programs in urban agriculture, youth employment, and environmental education.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/bartrams-garden/ |title=Bartram's Garden |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== John Bartram ===

'''John Bartram''' (1699-1777) was a self-taught botanist and farmer who became one of the most important naturalists of the colonial era:
* Established his garden in '''1728'''
* Traveled extensively collecting plants
* Corresponded with scientists worldwide
* Named "Royal Botanist" by King George III (1765)
* Introduced hundreds of American plants to Europe

Linnaeus's famous praise—"the greatest natural botanist in the world"—reflected Bartram's remarkable contributions to science.

=== William Bartram ===

'''William Bartram''' (1739-1823), John's son, continued the botanical tradition:
* Explored the American Southeast extensively
* Published ''Travels'' (1791), a influential account of American nature
* Influenced Romantic poets including Coleridge and Wordsworth
* Continued operating the garden after his father's death

=== The Garden's Influence ===

Plants introduced by the Bartrams include:
* Franklin tree (''Franklinia alatamaha'')—now extinct in the wild
* Many native American species sent to European gardens
* Plants that influenced landscape design on both continents

=== Preservation ===

The garden has been preserved through:
* City of Philadelphia acquisition (1891)
* Continuous cultivation and care
* National Historic Landmark designation (1960)
* Current operation by nonprofit Bartram's Garden, Inc.

== The Garden ==

=== Historic Plants ===

The garden contains living history:
* '''Bartram trees:''' Some planted by John Bartram himself
* '''Franklin tree:''' Descended from trees Bartram discovered
* '''Historic specimens:''' Trees over 200 years old
* '''Native collections:''' American plants the Bartrams championed

=== The River ===

The Schuylkill River frontage provides:
* Scenic views
* River access (boat launch)
* Tidal wetlands
* Wildlife habitat

=== The Grounds ===

45 acres include:
* Historic core with Bartram plantings
* Meadows and woodlands
* Community farm
* Trails and paths

== The House ==

=== Architecture ===

John Bartram built and expanded his house over decades:
* Stone farmhouse
* Distinctive carved inscriptions
* Original elements preserved
* Period furnishings

=== Tours ===

House tours (seasonal) explore:
* The Bartram family
* 18th-century domestic life
* The plant trade
* Scientific correspondence

== Community Programs ==

=== Urban Agriculture ===

* Community farm
* Youth farming program
* Farm stand
* Agricultural education

=== Youth Programs ===

* Environmental education
* Summer camps
* After-school programs
* Workforce development

=== Events ===

* Seasonal celebrations
* Plant sales
* River activities
* Educational programs

== Visiting Bartram's Garden ==

=== Hours ===

'''Grounds:'''
* Open daily, dawn to dusk
* Free admission

'''House Tours:'''
* Seasonal (typically April-October)
* Check website for schedule
* Fee for tours

=== Tips ===

* The grounds are free and open daily
* Best time to visit: spring and fall for plantings
* Bring a picnic—beautiful grounds
* Check for special events and plant sales
* The Franklin tree blooms in late summer

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Route 36
* '''SEPTA Regional Rail:''' Airport Line to Eastwick Station (then bus or walk)
* '''By Car:''' Off Lindbergh Boulevard
* '''Parking:''' Free on-site

=== Location ===

Bartram's Garden is in Southwest Philadelphia, about 20 minutes from Center City.

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[Schuylkill River Trail]] (accessible from garden)
* [[Southwest Philadelphia]]
* [[John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge]] (nearby)

== See Also ==

* [[John Bartram]]
* [[William Bartram]]
* [[Gardens of Philadelphia]]
* [[Schuylkill River]]
* [[Natural History in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.bartramsgarden.org Bartram's Garden Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/bartrams-garden/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Bartram's Garden - America's Oldest Botanical Garden
|description=Visit Bartram's Garden, the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America. Historic house, 45 acres on the Schuylkill River, and trees planted by John Bartram in the 18th century.
|keywords=Bartram's Garden, John Bartram, botanical garden Philadelphia, oldest botanical garden, historic garden, Schuylkill River, Franklin tree, William Bartram
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Gardens]]
[[Category:Southwest Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Natural History]]