Bartrams Garden
| Type | Historic garden, museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Southwest Philadelphia |
| Phone | (215) 729-5281 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1728 |
| Founder | John Bartram |
| Director | Maitreyi Roy |
| 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.[1]
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.[2]
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
- ↑ "About Bartram's Garden". Bartram's Garden. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Bartram's Garden". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025