Bartram’s Garden, a hidden gem along the west banks of the Schuylkill River, just underwent its first major restoration in nearly a century and is now even more beautiful and greener with the addition of a 19th-century flower garden.
Last week marked the unveiling of the Ann Bartram Carr Garden on the west side of the historic John Bartram House, which dates back to 1731. Carr, John’s granddaughter, carried on Bartram’s Garden and was the one who made it open to the public, displaying exotic plants from Asia and Carr’s own collection of hybrid dahlias and camellias.
Today, the Ann Bartram Carr Garden is the only 19th-century garden in the city.
The $2.7 million restoration project broke ground in May 2015. Its completion also marks the re-opening of the Bartram House, which closed up shop this winter to undergo historic improvements. Now open, it’s also more green, thanks to a new roof and geothermal climate control systems.
Next on the docket for Bartram’s is the completion of Bartram’s Mile, which broke ground late last year. It’s expected to finish this summer and will connect the garden to the Schuylkill River Trail and connect the area to Southwest Philadelphia.
- Bartram’s Mile link to Schuylkill River breaks ground [Curbed Philly]