Bartram's Garden

10/22/2026

10/21/2026

October is here and our gardeners are busy with fall planting, but we are also looking ahead to next season. Later this month we will be starting certain seeds and setting them outside for the winter. Some plants require “cold stratification” or a period of cold temperature for their seeds to germinate.

Fall seeding gives us head start and helps free up space in our greenhouse during the spring seeding rush. If you are interested in trying this excellent, low-effort technique, we have a range of seeds from our collection that either require, benefit from, or don’t mind being seeded in fall. You can direct sow into your garden, or sow into pots and transplant the seedlings into your garden in spring
🌱
Shop seeds in the Welcome Center (open Thursday-Monday, 9:30am–4:30pm) and online for direct shipping or in-person pickup! Please note: seeds are not included in the 40% off end-of-season sale.

[📸: Wright Eye Visuals
ID: a photo of marigold-colored packets of seeds with white labels, arranged in semi-circles on a tabletop, some floral arrangements in the corner]

10/20/2026

Morning of Storytelling & Meaning-Making event
📅Sunday, October 24, 10am–12pm

Bartram’s Garden means many things to many people: be part of the story-telling and meaning-making in this morning of facilitated activities to examine and honor the history and impact of this landscape from many perspectives–including your own!

These events showcase the Garden’s work with Historian Sharece Blakney, Sarah Pharaon of Dialogic Consulting, and input from a Community Advisory Circle to better reflect and celebrate the many stories of this place. Includes both a guided walking tour and a history-keeping workshop--visit bartramsgarden.org/calendar to register for either or both!

[📸: Robert G. Smith
ID: a photo of the C***r Mill on a sunny autumn day. Layers of golden leaves and brush surround the lookout, beyond which you can see a peek of the river and wetlands]

10/19/2026

What's buzzing and blooming in the Garden this October? Find out this Wednesday 10/21, 10–11:30am at Little Explorers—for children ages 2-4 and their adults! 🌿Register at bartramsgarden.org/calendar

[ID: a photo of four children dressed as pollinators running through the Meadow]

10/18/2026

See y'all in the Garden today for the 16th annual Indigenous People's Day Celebration from 12-5pm.

Join us for a joyous day of live dance performances and talks, tours, vendors, food, as well as the opening reception of The Meeting of the Eagle and the Condor Indigenous art exhibition. We're excited to host this event again with Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac (also the talent behind the electrifying Aztec dance performances), and welcome new and returning community partners.

Be sure to stop by the plant nursery while you're here and take advantage of our end-of-season sale: 40% off all plants!🌿💚

10/16/2026

Reflecting on another amazing Twilight in the Garden. Thank you to everyone who showed up, showed out and braved the rain to celebrate with us. Special thanks to our 2026 honorees, PHS President Matt Rader and Congressman Dwight Evans; Mayor Cherelle Parker, Representative Regina G. Young, and our Presenting Sponsor, the Bartram Foundation for all their support!

📸: Wright Eye Visuals
ID 1: Both honorees holding framed botanical artwork, smiling and seated in front of Executive Director Maitreyi Roy and Board President Dr. Larry Jones.
ID 2: A photo of Mayor Parker posing for a photo with Maitreyi, Councilwoman Regina Young and others
ID 3: A photo of the event at sunset. String lights illuminate the Eastwick Pavilion, while attendees sit around the fire pit, conversing.
ID 4: A photo of Mayor Parker standing at the podium, while Maitreyi and Dr. Jones stand beside her listening.
ID 5: A photo of the Bartram's Garden Board of Directors, dressed smartly and standing a line together by the Pavilion, posing for the photo.
ID 6: A photo of three attendees, all dressed colorful, standing and talking amongst the blooming Garden]

10/13/2026

Members of the Garden’s new Executive Team and Bartram’s Garden Board President Dr. Larry Jones joined PA Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton in Harrisburg recently to share updates on our work. Speaker McClinton is a tireless advocate for Bartram’s Garden and for Southwest Philadelphia—so grateful to be in partnership!

[ID 1: A photo of Dr. Larry Jones smiling and posing with Speaker McClinton
ID 2: A photo of Maitreyi Roy, Executive Director of Bartram's Garden smiling and posing with Speaker McClinton.
ID 3: A photo of Bartram's Garden staff and President posing with Speaker McClinton. From left to right: Cedric Hardy, Chief Campus & Operations Officer; Caroline Winschel, Chief Advancement & Experience Officer; Speaker McClinton, Maitreyi Roy, and Dr. Larry Jones.Everyone is dressed sharply, in suits and blazers, and standing in the Rep's office]

10/11/2026

Owing to the poor weather forecast, biking is cancelled for October 11.

[ID: A coral-colored background with the post text in white along with the Bartram’s Garden logo and drawings of a rain cloud and bike in white.]

10/09/2026

We're looking for volunteers to join us on October 18 for the 16th annual Indigenous People’s Day celebration to help all participants and visitors feel safe and comfortable during the event, and to ensure our shared care for the landscape after the festival. Multiple shifts are available. Children and youth may volunteer alongside an accompanying adult. Visit bartramsgarden.org/calendar to sign up

[ID: a photo from last year's event, of visitors and performers joining hands in a circle below the light-adorned Eastwick Pavilion tent]

10/08/2026

Fall planting is in full swing and the nursery has a wide variety of plants on offer to satisfy your heart’s gardening desires!

Whether you’re adding native perennials and grasses to support pollinators and wildlife, planting veggies and herbs for hearty fall meals, or need an annual or two to fill out your containers as the season dwindles—now is the time to pay us a visit!

Please take advantage of our end-of-season discount: 40% off ALL PLANTS starting Sunday, October 18 (which is also the same day as our annual Indigenous People's Day Celebration!), and ending on Friday, October 30, after which our plant nursery will be closed for purchases until spring 2027. Shop in person at the Welcome Center (open Thursday-Monday, 9:30am-4:30pm) or online for in-person pick up only (no shipping) with code YES26.

[📸: Wright Eye Visuals
ID: a photo of a visitor walking past a display of a shrub display with lush gold, green and crimson leaves]