Painting by Michell Muldoon: Charles Garden (Swarthmore)

Wandering through the Sankofa Community Garden is such a wonderful reminder that agriculture has its place in cities, too!

When asked about their favorite gardens in the area, our People's Light staff certainly delivered. In celebration of all things Dionysus and Hurricane Diane, we thought we'd direct you to some of our favorite spots in the Philadelphia Area to appreciate nature. Bring some wine and a picnic blanket, and toast the god of vegetation!

Fairmount Park (Kelly Drive) - Philadelphia, PA

  • Why do you like going to this garden? 
    Fairmount Park has expansive programming - yoga in the park, full moon nighttime hikes, cultural events, and much more!
  • What is your favorite thing to do while visiting? 
    Besides attending Fairmount Parks' amazing programming, I also love to bring friends to set up a little picnic on Kelly Dr. and enjoy the sunset while looking out at the Schuylkill! (Pictured with friends at a picnic such as this)

-Lisi, Company Manager & Casting Associate

Shofuso Japanese Gardens - Northwest Philadelphia, PA

  • Why do you like going to this garden?
    It's serene, transportive, unique and surrounds a beautiful Japanese House you can tour.
  • What is your favorite thing to do while visiting?
    Feed the fish!
  • Fun Fact:
    This garden is near the Please Touch Museum and Horticultural Center

-Liz, Director of Artist Training

Winterthur Gardens - Winterthur, DE

  • Why do you like going to this garden?
    I loved going to the Enchanted Woods as a kid. It made me feel like I was living in a fairytale.
  • What is your favorite thing to do while visiting?
    My nostalgia demands that I visit the Faerie Cottage and giant bird's nest. Now that I'm older I also really like to see the artifacts in the museum.

-Fiona, Marketing Apprentice

Bartram's Garden - Southwest Philadelphia, PA

  • Why do you like going to this garden?
    You can hear and see the river from almost all of the walking paths.
  • What is your favorite thing to do while visiting?
    Wandering through the Sankofa Community Garden is such a wonderful reminder that agriculture has its place in cities, too!

-Nora, Community Programs Associate

Tyler Arboretum - Media, PA

  • Why do you like going to this garden?
    There's a bunch of treehouses!
  • What is your favorite thing to do while visiting?
    Go up in the treehouse to look at the flowers from a bird's-eye view.

-Lyle, Education Assistant

Ott's Exotic Plants - Schwenksville, PA

  • Why do you like going to this garden?
    It has a large greenhouse with tropical plants and a pond. It's off the beaten path and a magical hidden land.
  • What is your favorite thing to do while visiting?
    Walking up and into the trees. There is a staircase and bridge over the garden.

-Liz, Assistant General Manager

Jenkins Arboretum - Devon, PA

  • Why do you like going to this garden?
    It's a modestly-sized oasis very nearby, with lovely walking paths.
  • What is your favorite thing to do while visiting?
    Walk and maybe talk! Also, Jenkins members get a 15% discount at People's Light and many other places!
  • Fun Fact:
    I like all of Philly's gardens but am choosing to highlight Jenkins Arboretum.

-Jane, Director of Development

Binky Lee Preserve - West Pikeland Township, PA

  • Why do you like going to this garden? 
    The open meadows--it's like     stepping back into the 18th century
  • What is your favorite thing to do while visiting? 
    Trails!

-Anonymous

Morris Arboretum - Northwest Philadelphia, PA

  • Why do you like going to this garden?
    The big trees
  • What is your favorite thing to do while visiting?
    Walk among the big trees

-Dave, Sales Representative

  • Why do you like going to this garden?
    Great walking path, cool sites, and fresh air
  • What is your favorite thing to do while visiting?
    Checking out the exhibits and gardens

-Richard, Director of Farmhouse Operations

Chanticleer - Wayne, PA

  • Why do you like going to this garden?
    Small, local, changes throughout the season, great spots to stop and have a snack or lunch
  • What is your favorite thing to do while visiting?
    Going over the dinosaur bridge and finding snakes

-Michelle, Associate Director of Development

  • Why do you like going to this garden?
    It's an abundant and perfect estate garden that blooms throughout the year.
  • What is your favorite thing to do while visiting?
    Picnic with friends on the summer evenings they allow blankets

-Mol, Associate Production Manager

Longwood Gardens - Kennett Square, PA

  • Why do you like going to this garden?
    It has become a family tradition, especially on Christmas Eve.
  • What is your favorite thing to do while visiting?
    Love the Children's Garden and the Meadow

-Zak, Producing Artistic Director

  • Why do you like going to this garden?
    I LOVE this garden, it is a master space. All of the gardens, that I have visited and later painted, are places that were designed by artists with great horticultural knowledge and deep understanding of how the seasons would change the environment, feed the local wildlife and nurture the soil.
  • What is your favorite thing to do while visiting?
    My favorite activity is to walk in bliss, sketchbook handy and always taking notes as I photograph the extraordinary environment.
  • Fun Fact:
    I have painted several of gardens over the years and enjoyed everything from the elegant, formal gardens at the Nemours Estate in Wilmington, to the aesthetic, sensitive landscaping of the Shofuso Japanese Garden in Fairmount Park.

-Michell, Sales Representative

Enjoy some of Michell's paintings from her collection titled The Gardens Of Philadelphia Series, which include images of Longwood Gardens, Winterthur, Tyler Arboretum, and The Japanese Garden.