Discovering Philadelphia: A Green Urban Oasis

Philadelphia, often celebrated as America’s Garden Capital, boasts an impressive array of over 30 public gardens, arboreta, and historic landscapes within a mere 30 miles of its vibrant city center. Beyond its rich history and cultural significance, the City of Brotherly Love is increasingly recognized for its commitment to urban agriculture. Since the 1970s, local growers have transformed vacant lots and neglected spaces into flourishing gardens and farms, creating a network of over 200 green spaces throughout the city. These urban gardens not only beautify neighborhoods but also provide healthy food options and foster community connections. Organizations like the Neighborhood Gardens Trust (NGT) and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) play crucial roles in supporting these initiatives, encouraging residents to grow nutritious produce, cultivate flowers, and establish peaceful parks where community members can gather.

If you’re seeking inspiration for your outdoor spaces, Philadelphia’s community gardeners offer a wealth of creative ideas that can help you transform your own environment. Below, we explore various gardening techniques and inspirations that can benefit any garden enthusiast, drawing insights from the dedicated growers at the Growing Home Gardens and the Bel Arbor Community Garden in South Philadelphia.

Embracing Resourcefulness in Gardening

Utilize Available Materials

At Bel Arbor Community Garden, the use of salvaged materials creates a unique blend of history and aesthetic appeal. Gardeners often acquire free bricks and stones from local demolition sites, repurposing them to construct pathways and garden beds. This practice not only reduces costs but also adds character to the garden. Larger architectural elements sourced from nearby areas can serve as striking sculptures, enhancing the garden’s atmosphere. An arbor made from natural branches can introduce a whimsical touch to the garden, reflecting the creativity of its caretakers.

Budget-Friendly Raised Bed Construction

For those looking to create raised beds without breaking the bank, a straightforward design can maximize efficiency. Begin by setting 4×4 corner posts into the ground. Then, attach 2×10 boards to the outer sides of these posts, forming the perimeter of the raised bed. This method is not only cost-effective but also allows for easy construction and replacement of components as needed. By optimizing your resources, you can create functional and aesthetically pleasing garden beds.

Attracting Beneficial Wildlife

Invite Pollinators and Natural Predators

Incorporating plants that attract beneficial insects is essential for maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem. For instance, blunt mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum), a native plant adaptable to zones 4–8, can be strategically placed within vegetable plots. Its small, silver-bracted flowers serve as magnets for various pollinators, including bees, wasps, and butterflies. Unlike traditional culinary mints that can overrun garden spaces, this native variety forms dense clumps that suppress weeds and can easily be divided and shared among neighbors, promoting a sense of community.

Fostering a Greener Community

Cultivating Neighborhood Interest

When a community garden thrives, it often inspires neighboring residents to explore their own gardening endeavors. Surrounding blocks may become adorned with vibrant greenery and colorful flowers spilling from window boxes and containers. This phenomenon, known as the “greening effect,” encourages a shared appreciation for plants and greenery in urban environments. While growing plants in public spaces may require a bit of courage, the collective enthusiasm of Philadelphians for greenery can transform streetscapes and foster community spirit.

Maximizing Composting Techniques

Implementing the 8-Inch Rule

Effective composting is fundamental to sustaining a productive garden. A useful rule of thumb is to keep organic materials, such as plant debris, smaller than the width of a standard piece of typing paper. This practice allows for faster decomposition and requires less space. Cutting stems and other materials into shorter sections ensures easier turning of the compost pile, promoting aeration and efficient breakdown of organic matter. As a result, composting becomes less of a chore and more of a rewarding process.

Extending the Growing Season

Practicing Succession Planting

To keep your vegetable garden productive throughout the growing season, consider implementing succession planting. This technique involves starting seedlings in trays several weeks before they are needed to fill gaps left by harvested crops. By planning ahead and using insect netting to protect young plants from pests, gardeners can ensure a continuous supply of fresh produce well into the fall months.

Maintaining a Tidy Garden

Mowing Paths Instead of Weeding

For pathways between raised beds, consider using grass or low-growing ground cover as a low-maintenance solution. While mulching with organic materials like wood chips can be labor-intensive and costly, mowing paths is a simple and effective method to keep the garden organized without excessive effort. This approach not only maintains a neat appearance but also reduces the need for constant weeding, allowing gardeners to focus on more enjoyable tasks.

Building a Sense of Community

Sharing Knowledge and Resources

Community gardens often serve as vital spaces for sharing knowledge and resources among neighbors. At one of the Growing Home Gardens sites, a vibrant mural depicting the diverse cultural regions of Burma and Bhutan showcases the traditional crops tended by local gardeners. Raised beds filled with herbs and flowers invite passersby to engage with the garden, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for shared agricultural practices. If your garden is part of a community landscape, remember the value it brings to your neighborhood, enriching the lives of those who encounter it daily.

Utilizing Vertical Space

Trellises as Fences

Vertical gardening is an excellent way to maximize space, especially in urban environments. Vining plants can thrive when provided with sturdy support. At the Growing Home Gardens, gardeners have ingeniously utilized perimeter fences to support beans, squash, melons, and other climbing plants. These creative solutions not only optimize space but also yield an impressive harvest within a compact area. As future seasons approach, organizers may seek funding for more conventional trellis materials, but for now, these makeshift supports continue to produce abundant crops.

Exploring Unique Culinary Options

Growing New and Exciting Crops

The Growing Home Gardens, supported by the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC), provide a space for community members to cultivate crops that are integral to their native cuisines. These gardens not only serve as a source of fresh produce but also as a gathering place for over 100 Burmese and Bhutanese refugees to connect, share cultural experiences, and exchange agricultural knowledge. Here are some crops that are particularly popular among these community gardeners and could be exciting additions to your own garden:

Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis)

A staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, long beans, also known as yardlong beans, can grow over 30 inches in length. These beans are most tender when harvested at around 12 inches. Long bean plants are robust and heat-resistant, thriving in summer conditions. By providing a sturdy trellis for support, you can enjoy a continuous harvest of this delicious crop.

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)

Bitter melon is a popular ingredient in various culinary traditions, particularly in India, China, and Southeast Asia. Thoai Nguyen, the CEO at SEAMAAC, recalls his childhood experiences with bitter melon during Lunar New Year celebrations. Once considered an acquired taste, this fruit is rich in flavor and is often paired with hot chili peppers for a delightful culinary experience.

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Also known as Asian sour leaf, Roselle is grown for its edible leaves and flowers in tropical and subtropical regions. In colder climates, it can be cultivated as a warm-season annual. The nutritious leaves can be used like spinach in various recipes, and the attractive flowers add beauty to summer gardens. Roselle is a great choice for those looking to diversify their culinary garden.

‘Supersweet 100’ Cherry Tomato

A favorite among community gardeners, the ‘Supersweet 100’ cherry tomato is known for its high yield and exceptional flavor. This indeterminate variety produces clusters of ripe, sweet tomatoes throughout the season. With vigorous growth, these vines can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet, requiring staking for support. The refreshing taste of these tomatoes makes them a beloved addition to summer dishes.

Conclusion

Philadelphia’s urban gardening scene is a testament to the power of community and the importance of green spaces in urban environments. By embracing creativity, resourcefulness, and collaboration, residents can transform not only their own gardens but also their neighborhoods. As you explore the possibilities of gardening, let the innovative practices of Philadelphia’s community gardeners inspire your own green endeavors. Whether you’re cultivating your backyard or getting involved in a local community garden, the essence of urban agriculture lies in connection, growth, and the shared joy of nurturing both plants and relationships.