The Native Plant Demonstration Garden has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and by Audubon Pennsylvania.

Welcome to the Historical Society’s
Native Plant Demonstration Garden

The garden was conceived as a demonstration garden for local residents interested in environmentally-sensitive landscaping. Designed by members of the society in consultation with horticultural experts at the Morris Arboretum, the garden has trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ferns native to the area. The use of native plants in our landscaping helps to preserve the natural environment by reducing water dependence and the need for fertilizers and pesticides and creates a habitat for birds and other wildlife.

The garden features a Franklin Tree, Franklinia alatamaha, (sometimes hard to establish) discovered in 1765 on the banks of the Alatamaha River in Georgia by Philadelphia botanist John Bartram and his son William, and named in honor of their great friend, Benjamin Franklin. Its connection to important figures in Philadelphia’s history gives it an honored place in the Society’s garden.

Many individuals and organizations have been instrumental in making this garden possible. In addition to the Historical Society members and neighborhood volunteers who contributed their labor, we appreciate the generosity of these donors: Robert M. Hanson Family, Wissahickon Garden Club, Bird In Hand Consignment Shop, Ken LeRoy Tree & Landscaping Co., Colibraro Landscaping & Nursery, Campania International, Morris Arboretum, Fairmount Park Commission, and Valley Green Bank. A bench in memory of Robert M. Hanson stands by the front door—a tribute to a friend of the Historical Society whose contributions have been invaluable.

Please contact us at info@chhist.org if you are interested in joining our garden committee.

GARDEN SIGN SPONSORED BY