The Spring Gardens

Collection Metadata

Subject

Community gardens -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia
Urban gardens -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia
Spring Gardens (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Spring Garden (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Description

The Spring Gardens was started by community members in 1995, on a former vacant lot and now 180 neighborhood families come together and garden in the space. It operates entirely on volunteer labor and donations. Its permanence was achieved in 2016 and is now part of the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation inventory. The Garden is organized as a 501(c)3 and is considered a public charity. There is a 15-member Steering Committee, the real work is done by various committees, and it follows a philosophy of participatory, inclusive governance.

The Garden serves as an open air classroom and provides educational and environmental stewardship opportunities for students of all levels. It works closely with Philadelphia organizations and schools including: Laura Wheeling Waring School, Mi Casita, Roberto Clemente Playground, Ben Franklin High School, Masterman School, and the Community College of Philadelphia. It helps address local food insecurity issues by participating in Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s City Harvest Program. It produces more than 1500 pounds of fresh organic produce each growing season providing fresh fruits and vegetables to St. Paul’s Food Cupboard, St. John’s Shelter and Kitchen, and to the Chosen 300 Ministries Inc.

The collection includes archival materials held by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's McLean Library and an interview by Joseph Makuc with The Spring Gardens gardener Doris Stahl.

Coverage

Philadelphia (Pa.)
  • Collection: The Spring Gardens
The Spring Gardens
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, [2019]