University City Garden Club plants are available for sale.

Spring is here and the time to shop for outdoor plants, herbs and veggie starters has begun.

This year, there are not as many options to buy outdoor plants in the West Philly area, after Greensgrow closing. But many spring plant sale events have been scheduled in the area this and next month. Here are some spots where you can buy plants and also participate in workshops, tours, and other activities.

• The University City Garden Club Spring Plant Sale is taking place online through April 19, with an order pick-up event scheduled for May 6 at 517 Woodland Terrace. This is a great opportunity for University City residents to shop for plants. To shop for plants, click here. UCGC members will also be at the May Fair at Clark Park (43rd and Chester) on May 13 with more items for sale and some fun plant related activities from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. In addition, UCGC will host a Mother’s Day Pop-up Plant Sale on Sunday, May 14, 12 – 6 p.m., at 519 Woodland Terrace near 40th and Woodland. For more information, visit: https://ucgcshop.square.site/. Continue Reading

Adrienne Williams, owner of Freebird Greenery, and Drew, her son. (Photo by West Philly Local)

It seems like all 10 of Adrienne Williams’ fingers are green; not just her thumb.

Williams has turned her passion for plants, community and self-care into Freebird Greenery, which will officially open this Saturday at 4711 Pine St. The ground floor storefront in the Garden Court Plaza building includes a variety of sizes and species of house plants, pots and even a locally made “propagation wall,” for starting plant cuttings.

“I really wanted a space that felt like community,” Williams said. “I thought, where do I like to spend time? What environment do I find peaceful?,” Williams said. “Plants are a big part of that for me.” The shop’s vibe fits Williams’ “plant care as self-care” philosophy. Continue Reading

Greensgrow opened their West Philly hub in 2016 (archived photo).

Greensgrow West, the West Philly branch of Greensgrow Farms located at 51st and Baltimore, ceased its operations on Friday, July 22 after the nonprofit urban farm announced a financial crisis earlier this month. The flagship location in Kensington closed in early July.

“This past month, Greensgrow was the victim of a counterfeit check scheme that leaves us struggling to keep our doors open through July,” reads their Instagram post dated July 15. “Although, we typically close in the start of August, this season we are working with bankers and law enforcement to try to recoup $33,000 in lost revenue.”

To help ease the dire financial situation, which made it difficult for the management to meet the next payroll for their workers, Greensgrow has launched a fundraising campaign. Continue Reading

The Woodlands is accepting applications for its 2022 Grave Gardener program, which will begin later this month. Due to its popularity, the program will only accept a small number of applicants, so if you’re interested in participating hurry up and submit an application. The application period closes Wednesday, Jan. 12 at midnight.

The program accepts a group of volunteers who will be assigned to tend to Cradle Graves at The Woodlands during the growing season from March to November. Cradle Graves have a unique style because they were designed as planters that were gardened and cared for by loved ones in the Victorian era.

Before the beginning of the growing season, The Woodlands will hold a series of educational workshops for new and returning Grave Gardeners. The first workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 26.

To learn more about the program and to apply, please go here.

(Photo courtesy of The Woodlands)

Do you love your neighborhood park? There are a lot of volunteer opportunities at local park cleaning and beautification events during an upcoming “Love Your Park” week, which kicks off on Saturday, May 8.

Local park friends groups have scheduled many events in West Philly parks and gardens (see the list below). Please note that all events will be capped at 25 total participants and will follow COVID-19 health protocols. All participants are required to wear masks. Continue Reading

Just in time for the spring and summer season when many folks may need to purchase home and garden tools, the West Philadelphia Tool Library is holding a Spring Tool Sale. The event will take place on Saturday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tool Library’s location at 1314 S. 47th St.

The sale will feature some great deals, plus this is a great opportunity to support a 14-year-old local non-profit. The sale is open to everyone (you don’t need to be a member).

The West Philly Tool Library was founded in 2007 with a goal to lend tools to community members. Since its founding, the organization has expanded its inventory to over 4,000 tools and has welcomed over 2,600 members. To learn more about membership at the West Philly Tool Library, go here. Continue Reading