Philadelphia Named ‘America’s Garden Capital’

Children created “green thumbs” on a flower box as a gift from Philadelphia — America’s Garden Capital — to First Lady Michelle Obama.

City, tourism and horticulture leaders recently gathered in Batram’s Garden in Philadelphia to name the city as “America’s Garden Capital.”

With 30 public gardens within 30 miles, Philadelphia has the highest concentration of public gardens and arboreta on the continent.

Leaders also encouraged everyone to participate in National Public Gardens Day this Friday.

Children were able to create “green thumbs” on the side of a planter filled with flowers and presented it to First Lady Michelle Obama. Director of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability, Katherine Gajewski, presented an official proclamation urging citizens to be aware of the value of gardens.

Philadelphia’s 30 public gardens will host a variety of events in celebration of National Public Gardens Day.